Tara, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids TaraQueensland |
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Commercial Hotel
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 Tara
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 1,980 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 1.532/km2 (3.97/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4421 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 1,292.6 km2 (499.1 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Western Downs Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Warrego | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
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Tara is a small town in the Western Downs Region of Queensland, Australia. It is a rural area, meaning it's mostly countryside with farms and open spaces. In 2021, about 1,980 people lived in the Tara area.
Contents
Exploring Tara's Location
Tara is located in a region called the Darling Downs. The town itself is in the middle of a larger area also called Tara. Around the town, there are many smaller land areas known as 'lifestyle blocks'. These blocks are usually between 13 and 40 hectares in size. More people actually live on these rural blocks than in the town centre!
A railway line, called the Glenmorgan railway line, runs through the Tara area. It goes from east to west. There are two railway stations here:
- Tara railway station serves the town.
- Tullagrie railway station is to the south-west of the town, but it is no longer used.
Tara's Interesting History
Early Days and Naming Tara
The Baranggum people are the original Aboriginal people who have lived in the Tara area for a very long time.
The town of Tara was officially planned in May 1910. It was named after a large local farm, or 'pastoral run', that had the same name since 1852. People believe the name Tara comes from the Hill of Tara in Ireland, which is a famous historical site.
Schools and Education Over Time
Tara has a long history of schools helping children learn.
- The first school, Tara Provisional School, opened in 1911. It changed its name a few times, becoming Laurndel Provisional School in 1912, then Burrowes Provisional School in 1915. It became Burrowes State School in 1923 and closed in 1946.
- Tara State School opened in 1912. It was renamed Tara Shire State College in 2004 and celebrated its 100th birthday in 2012!
- Another school, Myra State School, opened in 1944 but closed just a year later in 1945.
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School started in 1965. It was first run by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Since 1978, the school has been led by a lay principal, meaning a non-religious person.
Community Life and Changes
- A Methodist Church was built in Tara in 1914.
- The Tara Library opened in 1987 and was updated in 2009.
- In 2011, some people in the Tara area protested against plans for coal seam gas development. This involved stopping machinery and holding rallies. A local landowner, Dayne Pratzky, became well-known for his activism against coal seam gas.
People of Tara
In 2016, the Tara area had a population of 2,297 people. By 2021, the population was 1,980 people.
What Tara's Economy Is Like
The main ways people make a living in the Tara area involve farming and natural resources. Important industries include growing wheat, raising beef cattle, producing wool, and gas production.
Learning in Tara
Tara has two main schools for students:
- St Joseph's School is a Catholic primary school for students from Preparatory (the first year of school) to Year 6. It is located on Fry Street.
- Tara Shire State College is a government school that teaches students from Early Childhood (kindergarten age) all the way up to Year 12. It is on Binnie Street and also has a special education program for students who need extra support.
Local Services and Fun Things to Do
Tara's Amenities
Tara has a library on Day Street. It is run by the Western Downs Regional Council, which is the local government.
Tara's Attractions
There are some interesting places to visit near Tara:
- Southwood National Park is a natural area with a special type of forest called 'brigalow belt'. It's a great place to see local plants and wildlife.
- The Commercial Hotel in Tara has two amazing paintings by an artist named Hugh Sawrey. He was from a nearby town called Kogan. The paintings, created in 1960, show scenes from famous Australian poems: You’ll come a waltzing Matilda with me and Clancy’s gone to Queensland droving.
Images for kids
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Commercial Hotel
