Orient Point, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Orient Point New South Wales
Orient Point Location in New South Wales
Population	611 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	2540
Elevation	9 m (30 ft)
Location	182 km (113 mi) S of Sydney 22 km (14 mi) SE of Nowra
LGA(s)	City of Shoalhaven
Region	South Coast
County	St Vincent
Parish	Wollumboola
State electorate(s)	South Coast
Federal Division(s)	Gilmore
Localities around Orient Point: Greenwell Point Comerong Island Tasman Sea Greenwell Point Orient Point Culburra Beach Culburra Beach Culburra Beach Culburra Beach

Orient Point is a small village found in the Shoalhaven area of New South Wales, Australia. It sits on the southern side of the Crookhaven River's mouth. The village is right next to Culburra Beach to its south.

Orient Point is also home to the Jerrinja Aboriginal Mission. In 2016, about 611 people lived in Orient Point. Around 120 of these residents were part of the Jerrinja community.

The Story of Orient Point

The land where Orient Point is located has a long history. It traditionally belongs to the Jerrinja Aboriginal people. They have lived on and cared for this land for many generations.

Early Settlers and Farmers

One of the first European farmers in the area was Patrick Caffey. He was a shepherd who worked for Alexander Berry. Berry was a well-known person who gave his name to the nearby town of Berry. Patrick Caffey likely started a farm at Orient Point.

For a long time, during the 1800s and early 1900s, the Jerrinja people were the main population living at Orient Point. There were only a few other farmers in the area.

The Jerrinja Community and Mission

In 1900, a special place called an Aboriginal Mission was set up. It was first named Roseby Park. Later, after 1966, its name was changed to Jerrinja. This mission became a central place for the Jerrinja people.

In the early 1900s, all the Jerrinja people living at Orient Point moved to this Mission. This helped keep their community together. A big moment for the Jerrinja community happened in 1978. The official ownership documents for the Mission land were given back to them. This meant the land was legally returned to the Jerrinja community.

Growth of the Village

Orient Point remained mostly a rural area for many years. However, things started to change in the 1950s and 1960s. During these two decades, more than 300 new houses were built in the village. This growth transformed Orient Point from a quiet farming area into a more developed village.