Nebo, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nebo Queensland
Nebo Hotel, 2009
Nebo Location in Queensland
Population	857 (2021 census)
• Density	0.9772/km2 (2.531/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4742
Area	877.0 km2 (338.6 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	85.4 km (53 mi) SE of Glenden 86.6 km (54 mi) SW of Sarina 92.8 km (58 mi) SW of Mackay 944 km (587 mi) NNW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Isaac Region
State electorate(s)	Burdekin
Federal Division(s)	Capricornia
Localities around Nebo: Mount Britton Epsom Blue Mountain Hail Creek Nebo Koumala Strathfield Oxford Oxford

Nebo is a rural town and locality in the Isaac Region, Queensland, Australia. It's a small community located on the western side of the area, right by Nebo Creek. In 2021, about 857 people lived in Nebo.

Where is Nebo?

The town of Nebo is found on the western edge of its area, next to Nebo Creek. Important roads pass through Nebo. The Peak Downs Highway comes into the area from the south-west and goes through the town, heading north. The Suttor Developmental Road starts in the north-west of Nebo and goes west. The Marlborough–Sarina Road runs along the eastern border of the area.

Nebo's Past

Aboriginal History

The land around Nebo has a rich history with Aboriginal people. The Baradha language was spoken by the Baradha people. Their language area covered places like Lotus Creek and stretched towards Nebo along the Connors River.

Another language, Biri, was also spoken in this region. Biri is a name for a group of languages found from Central Queensland up to Townsville. It includes areas like Bowen, Ayr, Collinsville, and Nebo.

European Settlement

In 1857, an explorer named William Landsborough explored this area. He named the district "Nebo" after an ancient Babylonian god called Nabu. Even though the town was commonly called Nebo, its official name was Fort Cooper until 1923, when it was finally changed to Nebo.

Around the 1860s, people who raised livestock (pastoralists) started to settle in the Nebo area.

Early Services in Nebo

• Native Police Barracks: From 1862 to 1878, Fort Cooper was home to a Native Police barracks. Officers worked here to help manage issues with Aboriginal people, which was appreciated by local residents and settlers.
• Post Office: The Nebo Post Office first opened its doors on 1 January 1864.
• Courts: The Nebo Court of Petty Sessions started on 29 January 1866. Later, it became the Nebo Magistrates Court in 1922, but it closed down in 1990.
• Police Station: A police station opened in Nebo in February 1867. New police living quarters were built in December 1886.

Architectural drawing of the Nebo Police Quarters, 1884

• School: Nebo Provisional School began teaching students on 29 June 1874. It became Nebo State School in 1909.
• Library: The Nebo Library opened in 1969, giving people a place to read and learn.

Shire of Nebo

Nebo used to be the main town for the Shire of Nebo. However, in 2008, this Shire joined with two others to form the Isaac Region. Now, the Isaac Region is managed from Moranbah, but there are still council offices in Nebo.

William Landsborough's Diaries

The diaries of William Landsborough, written between 1856 and 1886, are very important historical documents. They were featured in a special exhibition called ‘Top 150: Documenting Queensland’ from 2009 to 2010. This exhibition was part of Queensland's Q150 celebrations, marking 150 years since Queensland became a separate colony from New South Wales.

Population Changes

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

• In 2006, about 850 people lived in the town.
• In 2011, the population was around 840.
• By 2016, it was 753 people.
• In the most recent count in 2021, the population of Nebo was 857 people.

Important Buildings

Nebo has some buildings that are listed as heritage-listed sites, meaning they are important historical places. One of these is the Nebo Hotel at 2 Reynolds Street.

What Nebo Does

The local economy in Nebo mainly depends on coal mining. There are eleven coal mines in the Nebo area, which play a big part in providing jobs and supporting the community.

Learning in Nebo

Nebo State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located at 34 Oxford Street. In 2018, the school had 61 students and 5 teachers.

There isn't a high school in Nebo itself. Older students usually go to Sarina State High School in Sarina (to the north-east) or Glenden State School in Glenden (to the north-west). Because these schools are far away, some students might also learn through distance education (learning from home) or go to a boarding school.

Community Services

• Public Library: The Isaac Regional Council runs a public library at 10 Reynolds Street, where you can borrow books and use computers.
• Country Women's Association: The Nebo Sarina Range branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) meets at 1994 Marlborough Sarina Road, Sarina Range. This group helps women in rural areas and supports the community.