Dareton, New South Wales
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Dareton New South Wales |
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Tapio St, the main street of Dareton. |
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Population: | 567 [1] |
Established: | 1922 |
Postcode: | 2717 |
Location: | |
LGA: | Wentworth Shire |
State District: | Murray Darling |
Federal Division: | Farrer |
Dareton is a town in the far west of New South Wales, Australia. The town is located on the Silver City Highway, 1,025 kilometres west of the state capital, Sydney and 20 kilometres from the regional centre, Mildura, across the border in Victoria. Part of the Wentworth Shire Local government area, at the 2006 census, Dareton had a population of 567.[1]
Located on the Murray River, the town is at the heart of the Coomealla Irrigation District. Dareton was once home to an Aboriginal mission, this is now a residential area for Aboriginal people. Australian Test cricket captain Mark Taylor spent part of his early life in Dareton.[2]
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[edit] History
Dareton had its genesis in 1922 with the recommendation to establish irrigation in the area. Pioneering settlers moved to the district soon after, but it was not until after World War II and the establishment of soldier settler farms that Dareton began to prosper. Dareton is named for the then Water Conservation and Irrigation Commissioner Henry Dare, who was a strong advocate for the irrigation scheme.[3]
[edit] Today
Dareton today is a producer of grapes and dried fruit. It boasts a championship golf course and is a popular location for fishing and camping.
A major local entity is the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club. It operates a large gambling and social facility, plus various sporting facilities (including a golf course). The club was immensely popular with South Australians and Victorians looking for a pokies venue when they were unavailable in those states.
Schools include Dareton Public School, Coomealla High School and the Coomealla Campus of the Riverina Institute.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). Dareton (L) (Urban Centre/Locality). 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
- ^ Taylor, Mark (1999). Time to Declare. Sydney: Ironbark, pg 17. ISBN 0-330-36184-8.
- ^ Wentworth Shire Council - Official website.
[edit] External links
- Wentworth Shire Council - Official website
- Visit Mildura - Dareton tourist site
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