Uralla, New South Wales

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Uralla is a small town and a Local Government Area (Uralla Shire ) in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia Uralla is located on the New England Highway about 500 kilometres north of Sydney and about 20 kilometers south west of the city of Armidale^[1].

Uralla, with a population of 2,500 people, is located at a high altitude, more than 1000 meters above sea level, making for cold winters and mild summers. Uralla reached town status in 1855, spurred on by a gold rush in the area, swelling the town's size to over 5,000. It is still possible to pan for gold in the rivers around the town. Today, the area is used for raising sheep and is renowned for its super-fine and ultra-fine wool for use in the fashion industry. It is also a good area for growing apples and other fruit which require colder weather.

Three foundries account for a large amount of employment in the town as well as other metal manufacturing businesses. Tourism is becoming an important economic factor in Uralla, with 20 National Parks within a two hour drive, and a quaint village atmosphere with unique shops. Due to Uralla's proximity to Armidale, larger shopping chains have avoided the small town and independent retailers remain. Examples include an antiquarian book store, numerous galleries, antique stores and cafes. The town is also becoming known as a venue for village style weddings held in historical surrounds and incorporating locally available authentic London taxis and custom designed woollen wedding gowns.^{[citation needed]}

A recent wireless broadband trial in town using a tower on Mount Mutton has allowed independent IT professionals to relocate to the area, these have formed into a co-operative working arrangement ^[2].

Uralla is known as the place where the famous bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt is buried. There are many references to Thunderbolt throughout the town, and the locals are quite fond of the legend. In addition to an initially controversial statue in the main street, Uralla is host to a pub, motel, rock (where Thunderbolt is reputed to have hidden out in), roads and more, all bearing his name. On May 25, 1870, Captain Thunderbolt (Fredrick Ward) was shot and killed near Uralla by Constable Alexander Walker during a highway robbery. However, a few Uralla locals claim that it was his brother, William (Harry) Ward, who was killed at this time and not Fred Ward. The legend of Thunderbolt is exhibited at McCrossin's Mill Museum in Uralla and includes the series of 9 paintings by Phillip Pomroy of the events that led to Fred Ward's death.

Uralla is also host to a thriving community of artists and potters, stimulated by proximity to the University of New England in nearby Armidale.

There are a number of environmental problems in the area, mainly caused by poor land management. Soil erosion, due to extensive logging and intensive farm practices is a major issue. Local government and community environmental bodies are now working to halt the problem.^{[citation needed]}

It is served by the daily Countrylink Xplorer service between Armidale and Sydney^[3].