Gilgandra

Gilgandra is a town situated in the central western region of New South Wales, Australia. The town is located on the banks of Castlereagh River, and it is approximately 430km northwest of the capital city of Sydney. The town of Gilgandra has a rich history that dates back several centuries when the area was inhabited by the Wiradjuri people.

The name Gilgandra is derived from the Wiradjuri word 'girri-girri', which means 'winding'. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1818 when John Oxley led a party of explorers to the region. Oxley named the Castlereagh River after Lord Castlereagh, the British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. In 1827 the first European settlers arrived in the Gilgandra area.

During the 1800s, the town of Gilgandra grew rapidly as it became an important centre for pastoralism and agriculture. The fertile land attracted many settlers, and the town's population grew rapidly. By the end of the 19th century, the town had become a hub for the wool and wheat industries, and it was an important transport hub for the region.

During the early 1900s, the town of Gilgandra was affected by two major events. The first was the Australian Labor Party's "Gilgandra Moment" in 1902, which saw the party's leader, Chris Watson, deliver a passionate speech to a crowd of supporters. This speech is considered a turning point in Australian political history, as it marked the first time that the Labor Party had openly challenged the conservative establishment.

The second event was the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Many young men from Gilgandra enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, and the town became a centre of recruitment. A group of local men who had enlisted in the army were called the Gilgandra Coo-ees, and they set out on a march to Sydney to recruit more soldiers. The march became known as the Coo-ee March, and it was a significant event in Australia's military history.

The town of Gilgandra continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the construction of new infrastructure and the establishment of new industries. Today, the town is an important centre for agriculture, and it is home to a vibrant community of people who are proud of their town's past and present.

In recent years, the town has become known for its strong community spirit and its commitment to preserving its heritage. The Gilgandra Rural Museum, located on the Castlereagh Highway, showcases the town's history and is a popular attraction for visitors to the region. The museum is home to a collection of artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of Gilgandra's past.

Overall, the town of Gilgandra has a fascinating history that spans several centuries. From its early days as an important centre for pastoralism and agriculture to its role in Australia's political and military history, Gilgandra is a town that has contributed significantly to the development of the region and the country as a whole.