Charlton, Victoria

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Charlton's High Street

Charlton (36°16′S 143°21′E), "The Friendly River Town", is a town in Victoria, Australia. It is a small agricultural community straddling the Avoca River, located at the junction of the Calder Highway (A79) and Borung Highway (C239) and positioned in the last of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Charlton is approximately 105kms (65miles) northwest of Bendigo, 245kms (152miles) northwest of Melbourne and 305kms (186miles) southeast of Mildura. This location, almost halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, makes Charlton a popular stop along the way for tourists.

1 History
2 Demographics
3 Economy
4 Climate
5 Facilities
6 Recreation/Tourism
7 Events
8 Miscellaneous
9 External links

[edit] History

The original inhabitants of the region were the Jaara Aborigines. After extensive travels throughout the region by Major Thomas Mitchell, settlement by Europeans occurred in 1848 when Robert Cay and William Kaye established a station and named the region after a town in Greenwich, England. Unlike many other towns in the region, Charlton was not established as a result of gold mining, but for pastoral purposes and the proximity to a permanent water supply (the Avoca River). The original town was named East Charlton due to its location on the eastern banks of the Avoca River, and the fact that another town in the State of Victoria was named Charlton (renamed Chute in 1879).

The first bridge to cross the river was erected in 1867 by James Paterson, allowing for expansion on both sides of the river. Throughout the history of Charlton, the Avoca River has been known for its spontaneous flooding after heavy rain showers, resulting in many floods that often surrounded the town or on rare occasions flooded the town. Levy banks constructed to their present levels in the 1950s have prevented any further major floods of the town itself.

One of the town's most prominent landmarks is the former hotel, the "Vale of Avoca", which was built on the site of an early bark hut inn by James & Elizabeth Egan in 1879. Built on a reef of stone, Mrs Egan named the building as being in the 'vale' or valley of the nearby Avoca River (Source: The Vale of Avoca official website [1]). It was de-licensed as a hotel in 1942, restored in the 1990s and currently operates as a Bed and Breakfast.

Local landscape around Charlton

[edit] Demographics

Charlton is the second largest town in the Buloke Shire with a population of approximately 1,227. Government department downsizing in addition to regional economic decline led to the largest percentage decline in population within Victoria between the mid 1980s and the mid 1990s with an estimated 18.3% loss in population (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics [2]). Recent agricultural developments (such as the AWB Limited facilities), a sharp increase in house prices within larger urban areas, in addition to economic recovery, have resulted in a shift towards stabilisation and subsequent increase in population.

[edit] Economy

The economic backbone of Charlton exists almost entirely in agriculture and services. Massive silos dominate the skyline, evidence of the town's rich history in various grains including wheat, oats and barley. Sheep and cattle farming are also prolific with the largest beef feedlot in the state, situated in Yeungroon just south of the town. Recent additions to the region, including an olive farm and winery have diversified the town's agricultural applications.

Major employers in the Charlton area are:

AWB Limited (Grains)
Boral (Quarry - Mostly for road aggregate)
Buloke Shire (Local Government)
Charlton Feedlot (Livestock)
Charlton P-12 College, Cluster Centre and Saint Joseph's Primary School (Education)
Graincorp (Grains)
Lake Marmal Vineyards (Grapes)
Timbercorp (Olives)

Location of Charlton in Victoria (red)

[edit] Climate

Charlton enjoys a mediterranean style climate, with long hot summers and mild wet winters. Deep blue skies are regular throughout much of the year as are crystal clear starry nights. Charlton's January average max/min temperatures are 30.4C (86.7F)/13.8C (56.8F) and July average max/min temperatures are 13.4C (56.1F)/3.4C (38.1F). Annual precipitation is 430.8mm (16.96") (Source: Bureau of Meteorology[3]).

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Avg high (°C)	30.4	30.2	26.7	21.8	17.4	13.9	13.4	15.0	18.0	21.4	25.5	28.7	21.9
Avg low (°C)	13.8	14.3	11.8	8.4	6.0	4.1	3.4	4.0	5.5	7.5	10.0	12.4	8.4
Rainfall (millimetres)	24.3	27.2	28.3	32.2	42.7	48.1	43.2	45.2	42.6	41.8	28.4	26.8	430.8

[edit] Facilities

Charlton's central location to the North Central region has resulted in the town being the beneficiary of considerable services not typically associated with such small localities.

The Traveller's Rest is an iconic 'toilet block', held very proudly by the locals, situated in the heart of the town within easy walking of shops and restaurants. Containing picnic facilities, a wishing well, gazebo, views of the river, a footbridge across the river and overnight stop facilities, the Traveller's Rest is a regular stop for tourists, the V/Line bus service and various other tour groups.
Sporting facilities are of a high standard, catering to a diversity of sports participated in by locals and visitors. Football (Australian rules football), netball, cricket, basketball and tennis dominate the Charlton sporting calendar. Additionally, the harness racing track is a central feature of the town and region, holding regular meets that are televised and broadcast on radio nationally.
The Rex Theatre is a fully restored picture theatre serving and operated by the community with various memorabilia and modern movies.
The town exhibits education facilities for residents from kindergarten to the end of high school. There is also a cluster centre that is now part of the P-12 Charlton College, providing additional education services for students and further education for adults.
A comprehensive "driver-training" facility is located within the town, assisting young drivers in learning the rules of the road.

New footbridge over the Avoca River in the centre of Charlton

[edit] Recreation/Tourism

Charlton's focus is the Avoca River. The picturesque river winds through the town with shadey trees and parks lining the banks. Along the river is a 2km walking track connecting High Street to Charlton Park, where various sporting and recreational facilities exist.
The Golden Grains Museum offers the visitor detailed information about the town and its history. The museum is open upon application through the adjacent Shire Offices.
2km west of town is the Charlton golf course. Built in a clover leaf format, containing three arms of six holes each, the golf course is set amongst picturesque scenery in the nearby Dooboobetic Hills. Kangaroos and other native flora and fauna are seen regularly on the course.
5km southeast of the town, excellent views of the region are to be had from Barrakee Hill, or "Quarry Hill" to the locals.
14km west of the town are the Wooroonook Lakes, providing excellent facilities for water sports enthusiasts, picnickers and campers alike. However, due to recent drought conditions the lake is presently dry.
25km east of the town is Wychetella Forest, containing many native animals, including the rare Mallee Fowl.
Tourist and Information radio is located at 88.0MHz on the FM dial.

[edit] Events

Art Show - Held every October
Charlton Show - Agricultural show and Rodeo, held every October
Charlton Fishing Competition - Held every November
Charlton Harness Racing Cup - Held every March
Mardi Gras - Held every December (Christmas celebration)
Redback Rally - Motorcycle rally, held the second weekend of February

[edit] Miscellaneous

Charlton's official sister town is Guymon, Oklahoma, however, the local community has a more direct relationship with Scio, New York through an active exchange program between Lions Clubs.
The Jaara baby's remains once displayed at the Melbourne Museum were found near Charlton (1904).
Former Prime Minister John Curtin lived in the town for a short period of time during his youth. A bust is located at the Traveller's Rest facilities with audio about the Prime Minister.
1977 Australian Rules Football Brownlow Medal winner Graham Teasdale was from Charlton.