Macksville, New South Wales
| 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 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]
Australian Test cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was born and raised in Macksville, was struck on the neck by a cricket ball in a Sheffield Shield match in November 2014, and died several days later. The funeral, held at Macksville High School, brought global attention to the quiet country town.[4]
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.[5] 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.
Sport and recreation
Macksville has a strong sporting history. Each November it holds NSW's oldest professional foot race, the 120m Macksville Gift. The 2015 and 62nd Macksville Gift winner was Olympic hopeful Aaron Stubbs running off a handicap of 3.5 metres. Aaron was the backmarker for the carnival. The 2015 Gift Carnival also included the 5th World Banana Hurl Championship. The longest throw on the day was from Tim Eschebach with a throw of 61.88 metres (2011 record 65.99m). Macksville is known for its passion for rugby league and has been the home of Group 2 Rugby League club Macksville Sea Eagles since 1912. Between 2002 and 2007 Macksville won five Group 2 titles.
Notable people
- Frank Partridge VC, decorated World War II soldier and regular on radio quiz show Pick a Box
- Noel Rowe, poet
- David Pereira, cellist
- Aden Ridgeway, former NSW Senator
- Daniel Fitzhenry, rugby league player for Wests Tigers
- Matt Gillett, rugby league player for Brisbane Broncos and Australia
- Phillip Hughes, Test cricketer
- Greg Inglis, rugby league player for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Australia, spent part of his childhood in Macksville
- Ryan Stig, rugby league player for Newcastle Knights
Schools
- Macksville Public School
- St Patrick's Primary School
- Macksville Adventist School
- Macksville High School
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, music, magical floating lanterns and show rides. It is organised by both Macksville and Nambucca Rotary Clubs. A new riverside stage was constructed for the 2015 event. In 2016 the event was discontinued due to being financially unviable.
Transportation
It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Highway. The town is scheduled to be bypassed in 2017.[6] Macksville railway station is on North Coast railway line.
References
- 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Macksville (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
- ↑ "PLACE NAMES.". The Australian Women's Weekly. National Library of Australia. 13 May 1964. p. 61. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
- ↑ Philip Hughes funeral: Australian cricketer gets emotional send-off BBC News 3 December 2014
- ↑ Nambucca Valley community radio station 2NVR Website
- ↑ Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads - Pacific Highway upgrade Roads & Maritime Services