Henty, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids HentyNew South Wales |
|
|---|---|
Main street
|
|
 Henty
Location in New South Wales
|
|
| Population | 1,237 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 2658 |
| Elevation | 259 m (850 ft) |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Greater Hume Shire |
| County | Hume |
| State electorate(s) | Albury |
| Federal Division(s) | Farrer |
Henty is a friendly town in southwestern New South Wales, Australia. It sits near the border of the South West Slopes and Riverina regions. Henty is almost exactly halfway between the bigger cities of Albury and Wagga Wagga. In 2016, about 1,237 people lived here.
Contents
A Look Back: Henty's History
The first European explorer to visit this area was Major Thomas Mitchell in 1835. The first settlers arrived around 1850. They were 'squatters', meaning they leased land from the government.
The area was first known as 'Dudal Comer'. This is an Aboriginal name meaning 'Sweetest Water'. The first big farm station here was also called Dudal Comer.
From Doodle Cooma to Henty
The village of Henty was first called 'Doodle Cooma'. There are still wetlands nearby called Doodle Cooma Swamp. These swamps cover 20 square kilometres and are a home for many water birds.
The town's post office changed its name in 1886. This was because its name sounded too much like Cooma, another town in New South Wales. The new name, Henty, came from the Henty family. This family was important in the early days of settlement in Victoria and Tasmania.
Bushrangers and Police
Bushranger Dan 'Mad Dog' Morgan was active in this area for a while. About two kilometres west of Henty, there is a special memorial stone. It marks the spot where a significant event involving Sergeant Thomas Smyth happened in September 1864.
Sergeant Smyth was a police officer who was trying to catch Morgan. Morgan was a wanted man. The memorial reminds us of this part of Henty's history.
German Settlers and the Railway
Around 1868, many families from Germany moved to the Henty area. They had traveled along the Murray River from South Australia. They were looking for new places to settle.
In 1880, the main railway line from Sydney to Albury was built through the settlement. This was a big deal for the town. The first store opened in 1885, and a railway stop was built. In 1886, the village was officially named Henty. The Doodle Cooma Post Office also opened at the railway platform.
The Doodle Cooma Arms Hotel was built in 1889. The first school opened in 1892. A bank opened in 1897.
The Amazing Combine Harvester
In 1914, a local farmer named Headlie Taylor invented something amazing. It was called the header harvester. This machine changed farming all over the world. It became available for everyone to buy in 1916.
The header harvester was much better than older machines. It could 'lift' damaged crops and collect grain that would have been lost. It was also more efficient. It cut the wheat heads instead of just beating them off. This invention was very important for Australia's farming industry. It helped farmers handle huge amounts of wheat.
The "Henty Man" Tree
During the Great Depression, many people walked from town to town looking for work. These workers were often called "swaggies." One such worker is remembered by the "Henty Man" tree. It is located on the Olympic Highway, about 7 km south of Henty.
The story goes that a "swaggie" painted the words "Henty 5mi" on a tree stump. The stump looked like a pointing man. Locals added white paint, gloves, boots, and a belt. A local blacksmith even made a tin top hat for it. The original stump has been replaced, but the "Henty Man" is still a popular stop. It has become a symbol of the town.
Henty Today
In 1998, Henty was the first town in New South Wales to open a community bank. This bank operates under the Bendigo Bank name. A new hospital opened in October 2004. A retirement village was also built for older residents.
In 1986, Henty celebrated its 100th birthday. A book called From Early Beginnings. Henty NSW. Home of the Header. Centenary 1886–1986 was published.
Special Places: Heritage Listings
Henty has some places that are important to its history. These are called heritage-listed sites. One of them is:
- The Henty railway station on the Main Southern railway line.
Big Machines: Henty Field Days
The Henty machinery field days are a huge event! They happen every year in September. Over 60,000 people visit the field days over two and a half days. There are more than 600 exhibitors each year.
It is one of the biggest agricultural shows in Southern Australia. Farmers come to see new farm equipment and technology. The first modern field days were held in 1963. The event now has a special permanent site with lots of display areas and parking.
Getting Around: Transport
The local train station is served by the New South Wales XPT passenger train. This train travels between Melbourne and Sydney. The Olympic Highway also runs right through the town.
Fun and Games: Sport
Henty has a strong tradition in Australian rules football. The Henty Football (Netball) Club started in 1895. They play at the Henty Showground in the Hume Football Netball League. They have won five senior championships, with the most recent in 2014. Several players from Henty have even gone on to play in the AFL! These include David Willis, Brent Piltz, and brothers Sam Murray and Nick Murray.
The club also has a netball team.
Henty used to have a rugby league team too. In 1940, they won the Clayton Cup. This award was given to the best team in all of NSW Country Rugby League.
Famous Faces: Notable People
Some well-known people have come from Henty, including:
- Vin Bourke, an Australian rules footballer
- Nick Murray, an Australian rules footballer
- David Willis, an Australian rules footballer
Gallery
-
School of Arts dated 1905
-
The former CBC Bank building
-
Doodle Cooma Arms
