Macksville, New South Wales

"Macksville" redirects here. For the town in the midwestern United States, see Macksville, Kansas. For the town in West Virginia, see Macksville, West Virginia.
Macksville
New South Wales
Macksville
Coordinates 30°43′0″S 152°55′0″E / 30.71667°S 152.91667°ECoordinates: 30°43′0″S 152°55′0″E / 30.71667°S 152.91667°E
Population 2,786 (2011 census)[1]
Postcode(s) 2447
Elevation 3 m (10 ft)
Location 502 km (312 mi) from Sydney
LGA(s) Nambucca Shire
State electorate(s) Oxley
Federal Division(s) Cowper

Macksville is a small town on the Nambucca River in Nambucca Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

Town information

At the 2011 census, Macksville had a population of 2,786,[1] despite the sign at the entrance to the town claiming a population of 7000. This included 144 (6.7%) indigenous persons and 1,854 (86%) others born in Australia.

It is home to the famous Macksville Bridge and Star Hotel, located on River Street and overlooking the Nambucca River. The Nambucca Shire Council chambers are located in Macksville.

History

Macksville was named after Angus Mackay and Hugh McNally, who built the Star Hotel in 1885.[2] The town became Macks Village before changing to Macksville.

Nambucca Post Office opened on 1 August 1868 and was renamed Macksville in 1889.[3]

On the 27 November 2014, Phillip Hughes (A test cricketer who was born and raised in Macksville) was killed after a cricket ball bowled by Sean Abbott hit him in the back of his head, cutting open an artery and causing Philip Hughes to die after 47 hours of the impact. His funeral was held in Macksville, where some family, friends and fellow players made speeches, such as Michael Clarke.

Media and communications

Radio stations accessible in Macksville include 2CS-FM (106.3), Star FM (105.5 & 105.1), 2MC-FM (106.7) and Triple J (91.5 & 96.3). There is also a Nambucca Valley community radio station (Website 2NVR 105.9FM) 2nvr.org.au which focuses on the Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads and surrounding communities.[4] Local papers include the Midcoast Observer, Hibiscus Happynings, and Guardian News. There is no local television stations but all major free-to-air networks broadcast to the town. 2nvr.org.au www.2nvr.org.au

Sport and recreation

Macksville has a strong sporting history. Each November it holds NSW's oldest professional foot race, the 120m Macksville Gift. The 2014 and 61st Macksville Gift winner was 16 year old Jack Newman (from Largs, NSW) running off a handicap of 9.5 metres. The 2014 Gift Carnival also included the 4th World Banana Hurl Championship. The longest throw on the day was by Jack's brother, Tom Newman, with a throw of 62.50 metres (2011 record 65.99m). Macksville is known for its passion for rugby league and has been home of the Macksville Sea Eagles since 1912. Between 2002 and 2007, Macksville won five Group 2 titles.

Notable people

Schools

Culture, events and festivals

Macksville holds an annual show. The Macksville Show is held on the last weekend in April. The showground also hosts a range of other events throughout the year including cattle sales, the "Rusty Iron Rally" and "Pro-Ag". Since 2013 Macksville has held a river festival that includes fireworks, lanterns and show rides. It is organised by both Macksville and Nambucca Rotary Clubs.

Transportation

It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Highway and Macksville railway station on North Coast railway line.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Macksville (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "PLACE NAMES.". The Australian Women's Weekly (1932-1982) (1932-1982: National Library of Australia). 13 May 1964. p. 61. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  3. ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  4. ↑ Nambucca Valley community radio station 2NVR Website