AREA Covered:

Temora Shire

Community Profile:

Temora is a rail centre to a large wheat and sheep area. It is located 422 km west of Sydney.

Temora has a current population of some 4600 people and is situated at 292 m above sea-level. It has one of the state's largest inland grain storage terminals. There is also a major agricultural research station outside of town, an extensive feedlot and some manufacturing in town.

The Temora run was established in 1847. Prior to that time the area was occupied by the Wiradjuri Aborigines.

Gold played a crucial role in Temora's history. It was first found in the area in 1869 but the main rush commenced in 1879.

Until 1996, the state's largest open-cut gold mine was operating and, although it is currently closed, exploration is ongoing. In the early 1880’s a 7.3kg nugget was found at AT Moroney’s Lane and was christened the Mother Shipton.

Despite drought conditions, it is said that, by 1881, the Temora field was producing half the state's gold. In the first few years there were allegedly some 20 000 residents, mostly miners. However, gold returns soon declined and the population fell. The focus then shifted to wheat production, causing the subdivision of the large pastoral estates. Many of the new selectors were Germans from South Australia.

The railway arrived in 1893 from Cootamundra, making Temora the wheat terminal that it remains to this day. Cattle saleyards and a butter factory were opened in 1912 and an enormous wheat terminal in 1970. Temora Aerodrome was established in 1941 as a training school for the RAAF.

Temora is a centre for harness racing with numerous trotting studs throughout the district. One of the most successful horses to be bred locally was Paleface Adios (aka 'The Temora Tornado') and there is a large replica of the horse going through its paces in Paleface Park.

The Golden Gift Foot Race is held on the second weekend in February, the Temora Show on the fourth Saturday in September and the Antique Engine Field Day in October.

Links:

Sydney Morning Hearald Article
www.smh.com.au/news/new-south-wales/temora/2005/02/17/
1108500199521.html

Temora Aviation Museum
www.aviationmuseum.com.au

Temora Tourist Information
www.walkabout.com.au/locations/
NSWTemora.shtml

Temora Council
www.temora.nsw.gov.au

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