Stroud, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids StroudNew South Wales |
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![]() Stroud Town Centre
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Population | 988 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
Established | 1820s | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 2425 | ||||||||||||||
Elevation | 43 m (141 ft) | ||||||||||||||
Location |
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LGA(s) | Mid-Coast Council | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Upper Hunter | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Lyne | ||||||||||||||
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Stroud is a small country town in Australia. It is about one hour's drive north of Newcastle, New South Wales. Stroud is part of the Mid-Coast Council area. The main road that goes through Stroud is called the Bucketts Way. In 2021, about 988 people lived in Stroud.
Contents
History of Stroud
Stroud began in the late 1820s. It became the main office for a big company called the Australian Agricultural Company (A. A. Company). In 1824, this company was given a huge piece of land. It was about 1 million acres (4,000 square kilometres)! This land was between Port Stephens and the Manning River. The company planned to use this land for farming.
By 1832, Stroud was like a small, complete village. The company's storage buildings and many workers were located there by 1836. By 1850, Stroud had become the company's main base. Land was divided up for people to buy in 1849. New settlers from England arrived the next year to start their farms.
Many beautiful old buildings were built in Stroud. Some of these buildings are still used today. They include Stroud House (built between 1827 and 1832) and St John's Church (built in 1833). Quambi School House, from the late 1830s, is also still standing. The A. A. Company also built underground silos to store grain.
Sports and Fun
Stroud has a strong sports community.
Football
- The Stroud Raiders are a men's football team. They started again in 2007. They played very well and won both the Minor and Major Premiers titles that year.
- There is also a women's league tag team with the same name. This team started in 2016.
- Both football teams play at the Stroud Showground.
Other Sports
- Stroud also has a cricket team. They share the Showground with the football teams.
- There are four tennis courts in Stroud. These courts are home to the Stroud Tennis Club.
- Stroud has a 25-metre swimming pool. It is usually open from October to April. The community can use it for free.
- You can play golf and bowls at the Stroud and District Country Club.
Some of these sports places were damaged in April 2015. A big storm caused flash flooding, which also hurt houses and camping grounds.
Events in Stroud
Stroud hosts several fun events throughout the year.
- The Stroud Show usually happens on the first weekend after Easter. It's a big event with lots to see and do.
- The Stroud International Brick and Pin Throwing Contest is usually held on a Saturday in July. This unique event also happens in three other towns named Stroud:
- Oklahoma, USA
- Gloucestershire, UK
- Ontario, Canada
- The Stroud Rodeo usually takes place on the third weekend in September.
- The Franciscan Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary also hosts retreats and conferences.
Education
Stroud has a primary school. It was first opened in 1884.
Railways
The main North Coast railway line could not go through Stroud. A railway station was built at Stroud Road. However, this station is now closed. The closest train station is in Dungog.
Old Buildings and Places
Stroud has several places that are listed as important heritage sites. This means they are old and special.
- Cowper Street: St John the Evangelist Church
- 42 Cowper Street: Stroud House
Twin Town
Stroud has a special connection with another town.