Warialda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WarialdaNew South Wales |
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Drovers taking sheep through Warialda
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 Warialda
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 1,120 (2011 census) | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2402 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 320 m (1,050 ft) | ||||||||
| Location | |||||||||
| LGA(s) | Gwydir Shire | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Northern Tablelands | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Parkes | ||||||||
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Warialda is a town in the North West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia, in Gwydir Shire. Situated on the banks of Warialda Creek, the town's name means "Place of Wild Honey" in local aboriginal language. At the 2011 census, Warialda had a population of 1,120.
Contents
Transport
The Gwydir Highway runs through town and, along with Stephen Street, is considered one of the town's two main streets.
Warialda is serviced by daily NSW TrainLink coach services (excluding Tuesdays) to Inverell and Tamworth, connecting with train services to Sydney. Additionally, there are three weekly coach services each to Grafton (connecting with XPT train services to and from Brisbane) and Moree on alternating days (excluding Sundays). The NSW TrainLink coach stop is located outside the tourist information centre.
The town is connected to the Inverell railway line as a major station on the way between Moree and Inverell. Due to the lay of the land, the station was built just outside of town at a new site known as Warialda Rail.
History
Warialda was the first town gazetted in the Northwest Slopes region, probably in the 1830s, and was the headquarters of the Yallaroi Shire, until its merger with neighbouring Bingara Shire to form Gwydir Shire. Warialda Post Office opened on 1 January 1848. The town's first newspaper was the Warialda Standard, which was first published in 1896 and remains in publication.
Warialda is the birthplace of Elizabeth Kenny, world-renowned pioneer in the treatment of poliomyelitis. The baptismal font used for Sister Kenny's baptism is still in use and housed in the Church of England located in Stewart Avenue.
Warialda is also the birthplace of Olive Rose Fitzhardinge (1881–1956) who became famous in the 1930s as a rose breeder in Warrawee, the name of her best known rose.
Religion
Warialda is home to congregations of the Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian, and Uniting Churches.
The Anglican and Catholic churches are located near the Gwydir Highway in the main part of town on the south bank of the Warialda Creek.
Anglican Church
St. Simon's & St. Jude's Anglican Church is located on the corner of Stewart Avenue and Market Streets. Built 1966, it was home to Sister Elizabeth Kenny Memotial Baptistry, as a tribute to Elizabeth Kenny born in Warialda 20th Sept 1880, for her work with those who had Polio.
www.warialdaanglican.org.au
Catholic Church
St. Patrick's Catholic Church is located at 29 Geddes st.
Presbyterian church
St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of Stephen and Long Streets. The front of the church has three stained glass windows representing The Good Shepherd, from John 10:1-21, as an Australian scene.
The Presbyterian Manse was built from convict-hewn sandstone which formed part of the original town gaol. A local landowner used this stone built a house for himself and donated the rest of the stone to the church. The Manse bears examples of gaol graffiti, such as "Hell is here" upside-down outside the office window, and "Lord, remember me" at the back of the building.
Places of interest
Between Warialda and Inverell on the Gwydir Highway is Cranky Rock. According to local legend, in the late 1800s a Chinese man jumped off Cranky Rock into the creek while being pursued by the local police after murdering a local woman. Cranky Rock is now a popular picnic spot.
Festivals
2008 marked the town's first Honey Festival. There is entertainment throughout the day, featuring local artists. In addition there are market stalls and refreshments available. The highlight of the day happens at 2pm when there is a street parade with colourful floats constructed and manned by community groups. On 21 November 2009, the second annual Honey Festival was held and after two successful Honey Festivals this local day of festivities looks like being annual event on the Warialda calendar.
Education
Warialda Public School is one of the oldest public schools in New South Wales. It was established in 1851.
Warialda High School has been named as a Centre for Excellence.
St Joseph's Catholic School provides education for K to 6.
Images for kids
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St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church and Manse, Warialda
