Wooroolin, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WooroolinQueensland |
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Grand Hotel, 2008
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Population | 319 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
• Density | 2.846/km2 (7.37/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 4608 | ||||||||||||||
Area | 112.1 km2 (43.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
Location | |||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | South Burnett Region | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Nanango | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
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Wooroolin is a small country town in the South Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia. It is a quiet place where people live and work.
In 2021, about 319 people lived in the Wooroolin area.
Contents
Exploring Wooroolin's Location
Wooroolin is located on the Bunya Highway. It is about 243 kilometers (151 miles) northwest of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. The town is also 17 kilometers (11 miles) north of the larger town of Kingaroy.
The Wooroolin Wetland
Just east of Wooroolin, you will find the Wooroolin Wetland. This is a special type of wetland that is not affected by tides. It is an inland swamp that fills with water at certain times of the year. When it's full, it looks like a large, shallow lake.
The wetland is home to many plants and animals. It can dry out during long droughts. However, heavy rains can quickly fill it up again, bringing life back to the area.
A Look at Wooroolin's Past
Wooroolin has a rich history with many interesting changes over the years.
Early Schools and Churches
The first school in Wooroolin, called Wooroolin Provisional School, opened on February 18, 1901. It later became Wooroolin State School in 1909.
Many churches were built in the town's early days. The Wooroolin Presbyterian Church opened in 1909. It is no longer a church and has been used as a restaurant. St Patrick's Catholic Church opened in 1913 but has since been taken down. St Andrew's Anglican Church opened in 1921 and celebrated its 100th birthday in 2021.
The Railway and Rail Trail
A railway line came to Wooroolin in 1904, connecting it to nearby towns. Wooroolin had its own railway station. This railway line was closed in 2009.
The old railway tracks were removed in 2014. This made way for a new path called the Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail trail. This trail is now used for walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Floods and Droughts
Wooroolin has experienced both floods and droughts. In 2011 and 2013, the Wooroolin Wetland overflowed. This caused Wooroolin to flood for the first time in its recorded history.
After 2015, a long drought caused the wetlands to dry up completely. But in November 2021, a lot of rain fell. This filled the wetlands again in just a few weeks, bringing them back to life.
Education in Wooroolin
Wooroolin has a primary school that helps young students learn and grow.
Wooroolin State School
Wooroolin State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It is located at 34 Frederick Street. In 2018, about 42 students attended the school.
The school is well-known for its special band. This band uses bugles and drums and started in 1958. The band often plays at important community events like Anzac Day ceremonies, agricultural shows, and local festivals.
Secondary School Options
There are no high schools directly in Wooroolin. Older students usually go to secondary schools in nearby towns. These include Wondai State School (up to Year 10) in Wondai or Kingaroy State High School (up to Year 12) in Kingaroy.
Community Life and Amenities
Wooroolin has places where the community can gather and connect.
Local Church and Groups
St Andrew's Anglican Church is located at 19 Short Street. It serves as a place of worship for the community.
The Wooroolin branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) also meets in the town. The QCWA is a group that supports women and communities in rural areas.
Notable People from Wooroolin
- Galfry Gatacre (1907–1983) was a Royal Australian Navy rear admiral. He was also a first-class cricketer.