Mendooran, New South Wales

Mendooran (31°48′S 149°07′E / 31.8°S 149.117°E / -31.8; 149.117) is a small town adjacent to the Castlereagh River in the Warrumbungle Shire of central western New South Wales, Australia. It is at an altitude of 271 metres above sea level, 348 kilometres west of Sydney, 75 kilometres from Dubbo and 71 kilometres southeast of Coonabarabran. At the 2006 census, Mendooran had a population of 319 people.^[1]

History

The district was inhabited by the Wiradjuri tribe before white settlement. The first European to visit the area was Surveyor John Evans who came as close as 10 kilometres from Mendooran in 1815. Two years later it was John Oxley's group that passed through the area while conducting one of the first inland expeditions. 'Mendooran' station was established in 1834. It is believed that the name came from an Aboriginal word meaning 'sand washes down from the hills in this place'. Lucerne, wheat and sheep were established on the station in later years.

The small village grew in the 1860s on the old station near the bridge which passed over the Castlereagh River. As at 1866 there were 24 residents recorded in the area. The village was called Mundooran until the 1920's when the name was changed to Mendooran.

The John Bull Inn was erected to serve the passing traffic of the 1860s. A bridge was erected over the Castlereagh River in 1869 which increased the road traffic and contributed to local development. The town was laid out in 1881 with a school, police station and courthouse being built.

The Robertson Land Act of 1893 broke up the larger squatting runs and closer settlement then came about.

The Mendooran show is held each year in February/March/April.

Attractions

Mendooran Free Rest Area

Along the Castlereagh River, nestled amongst large gum trees, there is located a public rest area that has free cold water showers and toilet facilities. Close by is a small Village called Merrygoen which was used to shoot some of a popular ABC Minnie series- "Leaving Of Liverpool" which starred Aussie Actor John hargreaves, Who actually was a school teacher at Mendooran Central School, in the late 50's.

The Town of Murals

Murals are the main attraction of Mendooran. Local artist Karin Thurston has painted most of these amazing features.

Prospects for bushwalking are excellent but there are not any facilities, so remember to take food and water and to notify someone of your movements.

Mendooran Golf Club

The Mendooran Golf Club is a 9 hole course situated within and surrounding the racecourse.

Well Known People

Mendooran is the home of top Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman, who honed his skills at Mendooran Race Course. Hugh has recently returned from racing in the UK. Coincidentally, Ron Quinton Famous Horse Trainer/ Jockey was born in Dunedoo, And raised in Mendooran, who also started his career out riding at the Mendooran Race Track. Ironically the pair met In 1999 and ventured a partnership between the two, they soon learnt they had this in common.

References

1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Mendooran (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/LocationSearch?collection=Census&period=2006&areacode=UCL151800&producttype=QuickStats&breadcrumb=PL&action=401. Retrieved 29 October 2009.