Raymond Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raymond IslandVictoria |
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King Lake and Raymond Island, 1883, Daniel Long State Library Victoria
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 Raymond Island
Location in Shire of East Gippsland
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| Population | 548 (2016 census) |
| Established | 1884 (Township) |
| Postcode(s) | 3880 |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of East Gippsland |
| State electorate(s) | Gippsland East |
| Federal Division(s) | Gippsland |
Raymond Island is a small island in the Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria, Australia. It is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Melbourne. The island is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide. It is only 200 meters (656 feet) from the coast, right across from the town of Paynesville. The island was named after William Odell Raymond, who settled in Gippsland in the 1840s.
Raymond Island is famous for its many koalas. These koalas were first brought to the island in 1953. The island is also known for the Raymond Island Ferry. This special chain ferry connects the island to Paynesville on the mainland.
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Getting to Raymond Island: The Ferry
The Raymond Island Ferry is the only way to get between the island and the mainland. The East Gippsland Shire Council runs the ferry. A ferry has been running here since 1889. It is a very important part of life on Raymond Island.
Some people want to replace the ferry with a bridge. They think a bridge would make it easier to travel. However, others believe the ferry is a special part of the island's charm. They feel it helps keep the island peaceful. The debate about a bridge versus the ferry has been going on for a long time.
Community Life on Raymond Island
Raymond Island has several groups that help the community. These groups work to make the island a great place to live and visit.
Raymond Island Community Association
The Raymond Island Community Association (RICA) holds regular meetings. Residents and property owners can attend these meetings. This group has been around since 1949. It was formed in 2003 by combining two older groups. These were the Raymond Island Advancement League (RIAL) and Raymond Island Protection (RIP).
Protecting Nature: The Landcare Group
The Raymond Island Landcare Group started in 1994. This group works to protect the island's natural environment. Their goal is to keep the island's natural beauty safe. They also help develop tourism that does not harm the island. They want to make sure the island keeps its special character.
Island History: School and Church
Raymond Island has a history of its own local institutions. These places helped shape the community in the past.
The Old Primary School
Raymond Island once had its own primary school. It was called school number 3384. The school opened on February 14, 1902. It was located on the corner of Gravelly Point Road and Centre Road. You can find a special plaque there today. At one point, 41 students attended the school.
However, by 1912, fewer students were coming. The school closed on August 31, 1912. But it reopened just 18 months later, on January 27, 1914. This was because new students moved to the island. Still, not many new students enrolled after that. The school closed for good in December 1934. The old school building was later moved to Paynesville. It became a private home there.
Early Church Services
In 1897, the first Presbyterian church service was held on Raymond Island. It took place in a private home. Soon after, land was set aside for a church. A simple bark hut was built on the site. Services were held in this hut. Later, in 1902, the church and Sunday School moved to the newly built school building.
