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Maryvale, Queensland (Southern Downs Region) facts for kids

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Maryvale
Queensland
MaryvaleCrownHotel.JPG
The historic Crown Hotel at Maryvale
Maryvale is located in Queensland
Maryvale
Maryvale
Location in Queensland
Population 392 (2021 census)
 • Density 4.763/km2 (12.34/sq mi)
Postcode(s) 4370
Area 82.3 km2 (31.8 sq mi)
Time zone AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location
LGA(s) Southern Downs Region
State electorate(s) Southern Downs
Federal Division(s) Maranoa
Localities around Maryvale:
Goomburra Goomburra North Branch
Gladfield Maryvale Tregony
Upper Freestone Swanfels Swanfels

Maryvale is a small country town in the Southern Downs Region of Queensland, Australia. It is also a locality, which is like a specific area or district. In 2021, about 392 people lived in Maryvale.

Where is Maryvale?

Cricket match, Maryvale, 2015
A cricket match in Maryvale, 2015

Maryvale is located in an area called the Darling Downs. It sits right on the Cunningham Highway. This highway is a main road that connects different parts of Queensland.

The town is about 127 kilometers (or 79 miles) southwest of Brisbane. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland.

Local Landscape

A creek called Glengallan Creek flows through Maryvale. This creek starts in the mountains nearby and eventually joins the Condamine River. Farmers in the area use water from this creek to irrigate their crops. This helps their plants grow well.

The land around Maryvale can be quite hilly. To the north and south of the town, the land rises to over 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) above sea level.

Maryvale's Past

The name "Maryvale" comes from a large farming property. This property was first named around 1847. It was likely named by early settlers like Patrick Leslie or James Hay.

Early Settlement

Around 1840, a man named John Cameron chose this area for his sheep farm. However, it was very hard for him to transport the wool from his sheep to sell it. The route through Cunninghams Gap was difficult. Because of this, he moved his farm to another valley in 1842.

Later, in 1848, the Maryvale property was sold to Arnold Weinholt.

Churches and Community

In 1911, two churches, the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, worked together to build a church in Maryvale. Over time, it became a Methodist-only church.

An Anglican church, dedicated to St Alban, was also built in Maryvale. Its first stump was placed on September 8, 1924. The church was officially opened in 1925 by Archbishop Gerald Sharp. It was built on 8 acres of land.

The Railway Line

On September 30, 1911, a railway line opened in Maryvale. It connected Maryvale to the main Southern railway line. This railway was originally planned to be part of a more direct route from Brisbane to Sydney. However, that bigger plan was never finished. So, the Maryvale line remained a local branch line. It closed on November 1, 1960.

School and Post Office

Maryvale State School opened its doors on April 21, 1913. This school has been an important part of the community for over a century.

A post office also opened in Maryvale by March 1914. Before that, there was a smaller "receiving office" from 1913. The post office served the community until it closed in 1981.

Maryvale Today

Population Changes

The number of people living in Maryvale has changed over the years:

  • In 2011, there were 350 people.
  • In 2016, the population was 303 people.
  • By 2021, the population had grown to 392 people.

Education Opportunities

Maryvale State School is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It is located at 81 Taylor Street. In 2018, the school had 14 students and 2 teachers.

There isn't a high school in Maryvale itself. Students who want to continue their education usually go to nearby towns. The closest secondary schools are Allora State School (for Years 7-10) in Allora or Warwick State High School in Warwick.

Local Amenities

Maryvale has several parks where people can relax and play:

  • Maryvale Park
  • Millarvale Creek Park
  • Weinholt Street Park

The local council, the Southern Downs Regional Council, also provides a mobile library service. This library visits Maryvale Park, bringing books and resources to the community.

St Alban's Anglican Church is located at 36 Maryvale Road.

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