Jundah, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids JundahQueensland |
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![]() Fiery Opal from Opalville Mine, Jundah field
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Population | 131 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
• Density | 0.01001/km2 (0.0259/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 4736 | ||||||||||||||
Area | 13,085.7 km2 (5,052.4 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | Barcoo Shire | ||||||||||||||
County | Wolseley | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Gregory | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
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Jundah is a small town in the countryside of Queensland, Australia. It's the main town for the Shire of Barcoo, which is like its local government area. In 2021, about 131 people lived in Jundah.
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Where is Jundah Located?
Jundah is located in Central West Queensland. It sits right by the Thomson River. The town is about 1,122 kilometers (697 miles) west of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.
A Glimpse into Jundah's Past
Early Days and First Settlers
The land around Jundah is part of the traditional country of the Kuungkari people. Their language is also known as Kungkari or Koonkerri. This language area covers parts of the Longreach Shire Council and Blackall-Tambo Shire.
The town of Jundah was officially started in 1883. Its name means "woman" in a local Aboriginal language.
Some of the first European settlers were Patrick Durack and his brother-in-law John Costello. They were pastoralists, meaning they raised sheep and cattle on large properties.
The Homestead and Police Barracks
In 1873, a grazier named William Pitt Tozer took over the Jundah land. He built a homestead there. From 1875 to 1880, this homestead was used by the Native Police. They were a special police force that operated along the lower Thomson River.
Post Office and School Opening
The Jundah Post Office opened on June 26, 1877. Before that, there was a smaller "receiving office" called Jundah Police Barracks.
Jundah State School welcomed its first students on April 30, 1900. Around 50 students attended the school when it first opened. At that time, about 300 people lived in the town.
Opal Mining and Library
For about twenty years in the early 1900s, Jundah was a center for opal mining. However, this industry eventually stopped. It closed down because there wasn't enough water available.
The Jundah Library, a place for reading and learning, opened its doors in 2005.
Who Lives in Jundah?
The number of people living in Jundah has changed over the years.
- In 2011, about 350 people lived in Jundah and the areas nearby.
- By 2016, the population of Jundah was about 106 people.
- In 2021, the population grew slightly to 131 people.
Important Places in Jundah
Local Economy
Today, Jundah is an important town for the surrounding area. It supports the local sheep and cattle farming industries.
Town Facilities
Jundah has several important facilities for its residents. It's home to the main office for the Barcoo Shire. You can also find a police station here. There's a general store where you can buy supplies. The town also has a post office agency and a helpful tourist information center.
The Barcoo Shire Council runs the Jundah Library. It's located at 11 Dickson Street.
Education for Kids
Jundah State School is a government primary school. It teaches students from Early Childhood up to Year 6. Both boys and girls attend this school. It is located at 11 Garrick Street.
In 2017, the school had 6 students. In 2018, it had 13 students. There are no high schools in Jundah or very close by. Older students usually attend boarding schools or learn through distance education.
Fun Things to See and Do
Barcoo Shire Museum
The Barcoo Shire Museum is a great place to learn about the area's history. It's located at the corner of Miles and Macrossan Streets. The museum building used to be the main office for the Barcoo Shire Council. It was moved to its current spot.
Welford National Park
About 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southeast of Jundah is Welford National Park. It's a beautiful natural area to explore.
Annual Events
Jundah celebrates German-Australian culture every year. They hold an event called "the world's most remote Oktoberfest". It's a unique way to experience a famous German festival far from Germany!