Warialda, New South Wales

Warialda is a town in the Northwest Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia, in Gwydir Shire. Situated on the banks of the Warialda Creek, the town’s name means “Place of Wild Honey.” At the 2006 census, Warialda had a population of 1,206.^[1]

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 Countrylink, with services to Sydney daily (except Tuesdays) and Grafton and Brisbane on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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^[2].

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.

Industry

Warialda is the service centre for the local agricultural sector. Farms around Warialda produce wheat, sorghum, barley, sheep, beef cattle. Some of the locals also earn a dollar or two hunting wild pigs, which are exported, mainly to Germany, where there are demands for wild boar which are not present in the Australian market.

Warialda serves as an education precinct for local families with a strong base of excellent education facilities including preschools, public schools, catholic schools, TAFE outreach centres and vocational education programs.

Agriculture, health and education are the primary industries providing support for a small but thriving business sector. Some of the local businesses include a supermarket, hardware store, cafes, service stations, butcher, pubs and a golf & bowling club along with other small businesses providing a cross-section of goods & services.

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.

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 The Good Shepherd, from John chapter 10, 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.

Education

Warialda Public School is one of the oldest public schools in New South Wales. It was established in 1851.

Warialda is also home to Warialda High School, Warialda High School has been named as a Centre for Excellence.

St Joseph's Catholic School provides education for K to 6.

Places of interest

Between Warialda and Inverell on the Gwydir Highway is Cranky Rock. According to local legend, in the 1800’s a Chinese man jumped off Cranky Rock into the creek while being pursued by the local police. 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.

References