Walsh Island, New South Wales facts for kids

Walsh Island was a small, man-made island in New South Wales, Australia. It was located where the north and south parts of the Hunter River met. This island was created in the late 1800s as part of a big project to make new land.

How Walsh Island Was Made

Walsh Island wasn't always there naturally. It was built by people! In the late 1800s, there was a large "land reclamation" project. This means they took land from the bottom of the river and used it to create new land above the water.

What is Dredging?

The island was made using a process called dredging. Imagine a giant vacuum cleaner for the riverbed! Dredging involves digging up sand, mud, and other materials from the bottom of a river or ocean. This material is then used to fill in other areas, creating new land or making waterways deeper.

A Busy Dockyard

For many years, the land on Walsh Island wasn't used. But in 1912, it was chosen as the perfect spot for a new government shipyard. This became known as the Walsh Island Dockyard.

Jobs for Newcastle

The dockyard was a very important place for the city of Newcastle. Throughout the 1920s, it provided many jobs for people in the area. It was a major employer, meaning lots of families depended on the work there.

What's Left of Walsh Island Today?

Over time, Walsh Island changed again. It was further connected and expanded using more dredging. Now, it's actually part of a much larger area called Kooragang Island.

Walsh Point

Today, the eastern end of Kooragang Island is where Walsh Island used to be. A small part, known as Walsh Point, is the only remaining piece that reminds us of the original Walsh Island.