Mannum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MannumSouth Australia |
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Mannum as seen from a nearby lookout
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 Mannum
Location in South Australia
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| Established | 1854 |
| Postcode(s) | 5238 |
| Time zone | ACST (UTC+9:30) |
| • Summer (DST) | ACST (UTC+10:30) |
| Location | 84 km (52 mi) from Adelaide |
| LGA(s) | Mid Murray Council |
| State electorate(s) | Hammond |
| Federal Division(s) | Barker |
Mannum is a historic town located on the west side of the Murray River in South Australia. It's about 84 kilometers (52 miles) east of Adelaide. Mannum is the main town for the Mid Murray Council. It's also part of the Electoral district of Hammond for state government and the Division of Barker for federal government.
Contents
A Look Back: Mannum's History
Early Days and First Explorers
Long ago, the Aboriginal people called Nganguruku lived in the area now known as Mannum. They were part of the larger Ngayawung community. In 1830, an explorer named Charles Sturt traveled through this area by boat.
Later, in 1838, Dr. George Imlay and John Hill were the first Europeans to reach the Murray River by land in South Australia. They noticed that the local Indigenous people were very good at fishing.
Building Boats and Big Ideas
The first European settlement in Mannum started in 1840. A very important event happened in 1852. A man named William Randell built the first ever paddle steamer on the Murray River right here in Mannum! This started a shipbuilding industry that lasted for many years.
You can still see a piece of history from William Randell today. The large, rectangular boiler from his paddle wheeler, the Mary Ann, is kept in the town's park. Another famous boat, the Marion, was built in 1897. It was once a floating boarding house before being brought back to life in 1994. Now, the Marion offers fun day trips and overnight cruises on the Murray River.
From Farms to Factories
Mannum also became known for making things. A big company started by David Shearer (later called Horwood-Bagshaw) made farm equipment. This company was very important to the town for a long time.
Mannum's Brave Contributions
Mannum played a special role in the World Wars. Many young men from Mannum bravely served their country. Sadly, many of them did not return home. A song called "Year of the Drum" by Wendy Joseph tells the story of how these wars affected the people of Mannum.
Mannum Today: A Popular River Town
A Hub for River Life
Mannum's importance as a busy river port changed when railways reached other towns like Morgan in 1878 and Murray Bridge in 1886. But Mannum is still a very active river town!
Today, the largest ship on the Murray River, the PS Murray Princess, calls Mannum home. This passenger paddle boat offers weekly cruises. The historic paddle steamer PS Marion also operates from Mannum, offering special cruises throughout the year. If you want to explore the river at your own pace, Mannum is also a great place to hire houseboats.
Water for Adelaide
Because Mannum is right on the Murray River, it helps provide water to the big city of Adelaide. In 1954, the Mannum–Adelaide pipeline was built to carry water from the river to Adelaide. This helps make sure Adelaide has a steady water supply.
A Lively Tourist Spot
Today, Mannum is a busy and popular place, especially in the summer. Many people visit for holidays. The town's population can grow to about 10,000 people when tourists and people who own holiday homes (called 'shacks') are there. Mannum has hotels, supermarkets, and many unique shops for visitors and locals.
Sports and Fun in Mannum
Team Sports and Clubs
Mannum has a strong love for sports!
- Australian Football: The town has an Australian Football team called the Roos. They play in the River Murray Football League.
- Rowing: The Mannum Rowing Club started in 1910. It's located right on the banks of the Murray River. The club hosts annual events like the Mannum Regatta.
- Other Sports: In winter, netball is popular (the netball club is also called the Roos!). In summer, people enjoy cricket and tennis.
- Indoor Fun: The local Community Complex offers many indoor sports like basketball, squash, and various martial arts. It also has a gym.
Water Sports Paradise
During the summer, especially in January, water sports are a huge hit in Mannum! Both locals and tourists love to bring their water craft to the river for water skiing and wakeboarding. It's a fantastic place to enjoy the water.
Mannum Through the Years: A Timeline
Here are some important moments in Mannum's history:
- 1830: The first Europeans, led by Charles Sturt, explore the Murray River by boat.
- 1838: Dr. Imlay and John Hill are the first Europeans to arrive by land.
- 1851: The first land leases for farming in the area are given out.
- 1853: Mannum becomes an official port on the Murray River.
- 1863: Mannum's first store, the "Bogan store," opens.
- 1864: The government officially surveys Port Mannum.
- 1865: Mannum's post office opens. Mail delivery to homes doesn't start until 1949!
- 1869: The Bogan hotel opens.
- 1870: The biggest flood on the river up to that time happens.
- 1877: The District Council of Mannum is created. David Shearer starts his blacksmithing business.
- 1886: Murray Bridge becomes a port, which means less river trade for Mannum.
- 1902: Kerosene street lights are installed. They change to acetylene in 1905 and electricity in 1923.
- 1906: The first telephone is installed. An automatic phone system arrives in 1979.
- 1921: The district hospital is built.
- 1925: Mannum technical school opens.
- 1930: The boiler from the Mary Ann paddle steamer is moved to the recreation ground.
- 1931: The highest flood since 1870 occurs.
- 1932: The main street is renamed Randell Street.
- 1954: The Mannum-Adelaide pipeline is finished.
- 1956: The highest recorded floods in Mannum happen during the 1956 Murray River flood.
- 1963: The paddle steamer Marion arrives in Mannum, its new home. It starts cruising again in 1994.
- 1997: The District Council of Mannum becomes part of the larger Mid-Murray district council.
Images for kids
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One of the two ferries at Mannum
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Aerial view of Mannum
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Randell St, the main street of Mannum
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The PS Marion at Mannum
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Uniting Church
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Baptist Church
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War Memorial
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Stairs leading to the river
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Lutheran Church
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Mannum Hotel
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Mannum Institute
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Mannum Post Office
