Latrobe, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LatrobeTasmania |
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Mersey Community Hospital as seen from Perrin Court, 2007
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 Latrobe
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 4,169 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 7307 |
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| LGA(s) | Latrobe Council |
| State electorate(s) | Braddon |
| Federal Division(s) | Braddon |
Latrobe is a friendly town in northern Tasmania, Australia. It sits right on the Mersey River. You can find it about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south-east of Devonport. It's also located along the Bass Highway.
Latrobe is the main hub for the Latrobe Council area. In 2006, about 2,843 people lived here. By 2016, the population grew to 4,169 people. Most of the town is in the Latrobe Council area. Only a tiny part is in the Kentish Council area.
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Latrobe's Past: A Look at History
The Latrobe area was first settled by B. B. Thomas in 1826. Later, in 1861, the town was given its name. It was named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, who was an important administrator in Tasmania.
The first post office in the area opened in 1860. It was first called "La Trobe Post Office." In 1873, its name was changed to "Latrobe."
Today, Latrobe has a museum. It is located in the town's old court house.
What You Can Find in Latrobe: Facilities
Healthcare and Shopping
The Mersey Community Hospital is in Latrobe. It's a hospital with about 100 beds. It offers many health services. These include emergency care, general medicine, and surgery. They also help with eye and ear problems.
The main shopping area is on Gilbert Street. Here, you'll find hotels, cafes, and restaurants. There are also many shops, like the Supa IGA supermarket.
Latrobe is also home to a special chocolate factory. They make delicious Belgian chocolates there.
Fun Places and Flood Protection
You can visit the Australian Axemans Hall of Fame in Latrobe. It's located on Bells Parade. This place celebrates Australia's best wood-chopping athletes. Outside the museum, you'll see the Big Platypus. It's one of Australia's big things, which are large roadside attractions.
In 2016, Latrobe experienced some flooding. To help prevent future floods, work began on a new system. This system includes a protective levee and a diversion culvert. Construction started in 2022 and is expected to finish in mid-2023.
Get Active: Sporting Events
Latrobe is a great place for sports and fun events!
Annual Festivals and Carnivals
The Henley-on-Mersey Regatta is held every year on Australia Day, January 26. It takes place at Belles Parade. This event features exciting activities like woodchopping and Ferret racing. There's also a Triathlon and a Strongman competition. You can even watch boat races. For a laugh, try cherry spitting or gum boot throwing!
The Christmas Carnival Series is another big event. It includes professional athletics and cycling races. The Boxing Day carnival, on December 26, is held at the Latrobe Recreation Ground. This carnival also has a woodchopping event.
Local Sports Teams and Speedway
The Latrobe Football Club and Latrobe Cricket Club use the Latrobe Recreation Oval. The Latrobe Basketball Club plays in the North West Basketball Union. They play their games at the Latrobe and Districts Youth Centre. Tennis is played at the Latrobe Tennis Club. Latrobe also has a netball team that competes in the Devon Netball Association.
If you love fast cars, check out Latrobe Speedway. It's a clay race track that hosts many types of racing. You can see Sprintcars, Street Stocks, and Junior Sedans. They also have exciting Caravan Derby and Demolition Derby events!
Learning in Latrobe: Education
Latrobe has several schools for students of all ages. These include Latrobe Primary School and Latrobe High School. There is also St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Geneva Christian College.
Famous Faces: Notable People
Many interesting people have connections to Latrobe, including:
- Darrel Baldock
- Dolly Dalrymple
- Michael Field – a politician
- Christine Milne – a politician
- Teddy Sheean
- James Monaghan Dooley – a politician
