Gwydir Local History
Gwydir Region History
The Gwydir region is an agricultural and pastoral district in northern New South Wales, Australia, located approximately 600 kilometres north of Sydney. The region covers an area of over 16,000 square kilometres and is home to several small towns and villages, including Bingara, Warialda, and Pallamallawa. The region has a rich history, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back over 20,000 years.
Aboriginal History
The traditional owners of the land in the Gwydir region are the Kamilaroi people. The Kamilaroi people have lived in the area for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage that is still celebrated today. Prior to European settlement, the Kamilaroi people lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and fishing. They also had a deep spiritual connection to the land and believed that all living things were connected.
European Settlement
European settlement in the Gwydir region began in the early 1800s when explorers, such as John Oxley, travelled through the area. In 1837, a squatter named William Dumaresq established a sheep station near what is now the town of Bingara. This was the beginning of the European settlement of the area, which would soon be followed by the establishment of other sheep and cattle stations throughout the region.
As more Europeans settled in the area, tensions between the Kamilaroi people and the settlers began to rise. There were several instances of violence between the two groups, including the Myall Creek Massacre, where 28 Aboriginal men, women, and children were killed by a group of settlers. This event sparked outrage across the colonies and became a significant turning point in the treatment of Aboriginal people.
Growing Communities
As the Gwydir region grew, so did the number of towns and communities within the area. The town of Warialda was established in 1848 as a service town for the surrounding agricultural and pastoral industries. Bingara was established in 1852 as a mining town, with gold, copper, and tin all being extracted from the nearby hills.
The region also played a significant part in the early days of the Australian labour movement. The Shearers' Strike of 1891, which resulted in the formation of the Australian Labor Party, began in the nearby town of Barcaldine. Many of the workers involved in the strike were from the Gwydir region and the strike had a significant impact on the development of Australian politics.
Modern Gwydir
Today, the Gwydir region is still primarily an agricultural and pastoral district, known for its sheep and cattle production. The region is also home to several national parks, including the Gibraltar Range National Park and the Gwydir River National Park, which attract tourists from across Australia and around the world. The towns and communities of the Gwydir region continue to thrive, with a strong sense of community and a rich history that is celebrated and remembered for generations to come.