Stroud, New South Wales

Stroud is a small country town one hour north of Newcastle, New South Wales. It is part of the Great Lakes Council area. The major road through Stroud is the Bucketts Way.

The township of Stroud can trace its beginning back to the late 1820s when it became the headquarters for a public funded company known as the Australian Agricultural Company (A. A. Company). In 1824, this company received a grant of one million acres (4,000 km²) of land between Port Stephens and the Manning River. This land was to be used for agriculture.

Stroud was a self-contained village by 1832 and, as early as 1836, the Company's storehouses and much of the convict labour force were located there. By 1850, it had become the Company's headquarters. Land was subdivided for private settlement in 1849, with settlers arriving from England the following year to take up land grants there.

Many fine buildings were constructed at Stroud. Some of these are still in use today: Stroud House (1827-32); St John's Church (1833) and Quambi School House (late 1830s). Also worthy of mention are the underground grain silos, built by the A. A. Company for the storage of grain.

Sport in Stroud

Over the years Stroud has had a number of sporting teams. In 2007 the Stroud Raiders a men's Rugby League team reformed. With strong performances through the year the Raiders are the Minor and Major Premiers for 2007. There is also a women's football (soccer) team called the Supercats. Stroud also has a Cricket Team. These teams share the Stroud Showground. Stroud has four tennis courts which are home to the Stroud Tennis Club and a twenty five metre pool which is usually open from October to April.

Events in Stroud

The Stroud Show is usually the first weekend after Easter.The International Brick and Pin Throwing Contest is usually the third Saturday in July.The Stroud Rodeo which is usually the third weekend in September.

Education in Stroud

Stroud has a Primary school which was established in 1882. It would average 100 students a year.

Railway in the Area

It was not possible for the North Coast railway line to serve Stroud. The nearest railway station is in Stroud Road.

Twin town

flagicon|UK Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK