Cootamundra
Cootamundra Post Office
Is a town and Local Government Area in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia and within the Riverina. At the 2006 census, Cootamundra had a population of 5,566. It is located on the Olympic Highway at the point where it crosses the Muttama Creek, between Junee and Cowra. Although it is by passed by the Hume Highway, its railway station is on the Main Southern line, part of the Melbourne-to-Sydney line. Sir Donald Bradman AC, Australian cricketer universally regarded as the greatest batsman of all time was born in Cootamundra. The town pride in this fact is displayed in general signage and marketing material and the home where The Don was born is a fully restored visitor site open to the public 7 days per week. Cootamundra is the home of the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana). Every year there is a large ‘Wattle Time’ Festival (which happens when the wattle starts to bloom) with an art show and festivities.
History
The land where Cootamundra now stands is a part of the Wiradjuri tribal lands, and the name Cootamundra is probably derived from the Wiradjuri word guudhamang, meaning “turtle”. Cootamundra was incorporated as a township on 9 August 1861, and the first settlers bought their lots in early 1862. Like many other towns in the Riverina, it was originally populated by those attracted by the gold rush of the 1860s, but became a quiet yet prosperous agricultural community after the local deposits were exhausted.
Timeline of Cootamundra
- 1847 – Cootamundra Run, a large stock run, is the first colonist settlement in the area.
- 1861 – The site of Cootamundry is published in the NSW Government Gazette
- 1862 – Gold mining commences at the nearby Muttama Reef mine.
- 1864 – The first church (Anglican) and post office are established.
- 1875 – The first school in the district opens
- 1877 – Cootamundra’s railway connection opens on November 1.
- 1884 – Cootamundra is first gazzetted as a municipality
- 1896 – Cootamundra Cycling Club formed by the Mayor’s wife, Alex Johnson.
- 1908 – Donald Bradman (later Sir Donald Bradman) is born in Cootamundra. Bradman is generally acknowledged to be the best ever batsman in the sport of cricket.
- 1942 – On December 3, the HMAS Cootamundra, named for the town, is launched.
- 1982 – In November 1982, the Aviation company Masling Industries was formed. This was restructured in June 1993 after the unfortunate death of the owner.
Transport
Birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman
The local railway station is located on the Main Southern railway line, with passengers served by the CountryLink XPT services on their way between Melbourne and Sydney. Regional Rail Logistics operates a containerised freight service from Junee to Sydney stopping in the town, with interstate freight trains also passing through.
Cootamundra Art and Craft Centre
The Cootamundra Art and Craft Centre offers top quality handcrafted items for sale. The centre is located in the Station Masters Residence of the Cootamundra Railway Complex. The Cootamundra Art and Craft Centre is staffed by volunteers and also offers a variety of workshops. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the centre.
Tuesday and Thursday – 11am to 3:30pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 12pm to 3:30pm
Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre
The Arts Centre is run by the CCACC committee. The enthusiasm and energy of these volunteers has made a significant contribution; ranging from providing labour for the renovation of the building, through to administration, fundraising, ticketing, grants applications and catering. It is a venue run by the community for the community. The Arts Centre has ongoing support from The Cootamundra Shire Council and has received a number of state and federal arts grants to complete various sections of the project. These grants have been made on a dollar for dollar fundraising basis. Patrons large and small have helped the Arts Centre on its way, from local tradespeople discounting their work, to local businesses selling tickets for events. This project demonstrates the creative and resourceful nature of the Cootamundra community. The CCACC committee organises regular fundraising activities throughout the year and meets on the second Thursday of each month.
Opening times vary.
Milestones Sculptures in Cootamundra
Main Street of Cootamundra
These sculptures are a tribute to the districts wheat farming heritage. Best viewing is at night, when the lights range from emerald green to bleached gold. Milestones Sculptures is located in Mackay Pak in Wallendbeen and Parker Street in Cootamundra and paying tribute to the significance of the wheat industry in the Cootamundra and Wallendbeen areas. It is an area that has seen some of the nation’s finest high quality award winning wheat crops. The project grew out of a major community achievement that transformed the site using the “milestone” concept. The concept, which refers to the previous mileposts that were used to mark out distances between small villages and country towns in earlier days.
In summary hundred’s of people have been involved in the activities of the milestone sculpture project. The dedication and commitment of the youth and families in the district ensured the success of the milestone sculptures project. The sculptures are made from cast concrete and use patterns that represent wheat stalks cut from compressed fibrous cement, painted in the soft colour of wheat. Each sculpture is topped with an acrylic panel inlaid with the motif of a huge head of wheat. Fibre optics have been used to light the sculptures making them visible from dusk until dawn. At night the colours of green and gold can be seen as they simulate the growth cycle and the subtle movement of a dense crop of wheat. The committee and artist have been innovative and creative in utilising the latest technology and equipment to assist in creating the components of the structures. The inspiration for the artist came from the wonderful visual effects of the wind rippling across vast expanses of wheat. The magical effects of light and colour are orchestrated by computer and colour wheels.
Accessible at all times.
Visit more Australian Towns
