Cabonne Local History
Located in the central west region of New South Wales is the local government area of Cabonne. Spanning across an area of approximately 6,105 square kilometers, the region has a rich history that is steeped in both agriculture and industry.
The traditional owners of the land were the Wiradjuri people who inhabited the area for thousands of years prior to European settlement. The Wiradjuri people lived along the rivers and creeks of the region and practiced hunting and gathering as means of survival. They also had a rich culture that included art, storytelling, and song.
The area was first explored by Europeans in 1815 when George William Evans led a group of explorers through the region. However, it was not until the 1820s that European settlers began to arrive. The region was initially used for grazing with sheep and cattle being the main focus. In the following years, wheat, oats, and barley were also grown in the region.
The township of Molong was first established in 1847 and was named after an aboriginal word meaning ‘all rocks.’ The town quickly grew in size and by the 1860s, it had its own newspaper, hospital, and courthouse. The railway arrived in the town in 1885 and was a significant factor in the town’s growth and development.
In the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the surrounding area which led to a brief period of gold mining. However, this soon ended when the gold dried up and the miners moved on. By the early 1900s, the focus of the region had shifted towards agriculture with wheat, barley, and sheep becoming the dominant industries.
During the early part of the 20th century, the Canowindra Rail Disaster occurred near the township of Canowindra. The disaster claimed the lives of 11 people and remains one of the deadliest train disasters in Australian history.
During World War II, the region’s agricultural industry played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. The government encouraged farmers to increase their production, which led to an increase in the number of tractors and machinery being used in the region.
In the post-war years, the region continued to focus on agriculture with new technology and farming methods being introduced. Today, the region is a major producer of wheat, barley, canola, and wool. Wine production has also become an important industry in recent years with several successful wineries located in the region.
The region has also seen some famous people call it home. These include former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley, Australian artist Arthur Boyd, and Australian novelist Thomas Keneally.
Overall, the region of Cabonne has a rich and diverse history that has been shaped by its agricultural industries and the people who have called it home. The region continues to thrive today and is a testament to the hard work and determination of its inhabitants.