Yarram, Victoria

Yarram
Victoria

The historic South Gippsland Creamery and Butter Factory
Yarram
Coordinates 38°33′S 146°40′E / 38.550°S 146.667°E / -38.550; 146.667Coordinates: 38°33′S 146°40′E / 38.550°S 146.667°E / -38.550; 146.667
Population 2,168 (2011 census)[1]
Postcode(s) 3971
Location
LGA(s) Shire of Wellington
State electorate(s) Gippsland South
Federal Division(s) Gippsland

Yarram (formerly Yarram Yarram) is an isolated town in Victoria, Australia, in the Shire of Wellington, located in the southeast of Gippsland. At the 2011 census, the population of the town was 2,168.[1] The town is the regional centre for a prosperous farming district, has a vibrant community, which remains particularly dedicated to a strong sporting culture. The town is located about two hours from Wilsons Promontory. Nearby towns include Welshpool, Alberton and Foster.

Etymology

The term 'Yarraam Yarraam' is thought to be an Aboriginal phrase meaning 'plenty of water,'[2] however it is not known which language group the name is taken from.

History

The traditional custodians of the land surrounding Yarram are the Australian Aboriginal Kurnai people, who resisted the invasion of their lands, and sustained heavy casualties as a result.[3]

Being close to one of the first Victorian trade ports, Port Albert, the town grew quickly after settlement, as a result of the rich dairy country that supplies milk products to Australia, and to the timber industry. In 1841 the site, originally a low-lying swamp, was chosen by a Scottish clan leader, Aeneas Ronaldson MacDonnell, who, with his fellow Scots, attempted to set up a feudal-style court. However, the experiment folded and he subsequently moved to New Zealand.[4]

The post office opened on 1 February 1861 as Yarram Yarram and was renamed Yarram in about 1925.[5] The railway arrived in 1921; the line between Welshpool and Leongatha was closed in October 1987.

Today

Yarram is known for its proximity to Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, neighbouring Tarra-Bulga National Park and heritage architecture in its Main Street, including the historic Regent Theatre. It has a well known local bakery, which has won the Great Australian Meat Pie competition for several years running.

The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Alberton Football League.[6] Yarram is the home of several former AFL footballers, including Royce Vardy and Anthony Banik (Richmond Tigers) and Andrew Dunkley (Sydney Swans).

Golfers play at the course of the Yarram Golf Club on Old Sale Road.[7]

Yarram hosts an annual eisteddfod every August showcasing the area's artistic talents in music, speech and drama.[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Yarram (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  2. ↑ http://www.gippslandinfo.com.au/accom_result1/yarram-victoria-australia/
  3. ↑ Gardiner, P. D (2001). Gippsland Massacres: The Destruction of the Kurnai tribes 1800-1860. Ngarak Press. ISBN 1-875254-11-0.
  4. ↑ http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/yarram-20081113-5zx7.html
  5. ↑ Premier Postal History, Post Office List, retrieved 2008-04-11
  6. ↑ Full Points Footy, Yarram, archived from the original on 16 May 2008, retrieved 2008-07-25
  7. ↑ Golf Select, Yarram, retrieved 2009-05-11
  8. ↑ Yarram Eisteddfod
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