Yarram, Victoria

Yarram (formerly Yarram Yarram) is in Victoria, Australia, in the Shire of Wellington, located in the southeast of Gippsland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town was 2,135.[1] The town is the regional centre of a prosperous farming district. It has a vibrant community, which remains dedicated to a strong sporting culture. The town also has a strong tourism industry, with Tarra Bulga National Park, Port Albert, Ninety Mile Beach and Agnes Falls all being within a 30 minute commute from Yarram. The town is located about one and a half hours from Wilsons Promontory. Nearby towns include Welshpool, Alberton and Foster.

Yarram
Victoria
The historic South Gippsland Creamery and Butter Factory
Yarram
Coordinates38°33′S 146°40′E
Population2,135 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)3971
Location
  • 221 km (137 mi) E of Melbourne
  • 59 km (37 mi) S of Traralgon
  • 72 km (45 mi) SW of Sale
LGA(s)Shire of Wellington
State electorate(s)Gippsland South
Federal Division(s)Gippsland

Etymology

The term 'Yarram Yarram' is thought to be an Aboriginal phrase meaning 'plenty of water,'[2] however it is not known which language group the name is taken from.

History

The traditional custodians of the land surrounding Yarram are the Kurnai people, an Australian Aboriginal group, who resisted the invasion of their lands, and sustained heavy casualties as a result.[3]

Being close to one of the first Victorian trade ports, Port Albert, the town grew quickly after settlement, as a result of the rich dairy country that supplies milk products to Australia, and to the timber industry. In 1841 the site, originally a low-lying swamp, was chosen by a Scottish clan leader, Aeneas Ronaldson MacDonnell, who, with his fellow Scots, attempted to set up a feudal-style court. However, the experiment folded and he subsequently moved to New Zealand.[4]

The post office opened on 1 February 1861 as Yarram Yarram and was renamed Yarram in about 1925.[5] The railway arrived in 1921; the line between Welshpool and Leongatha was closed in October 1987.

The Yarram Magistrates' Court closed on 1 January 1990.[6]

Today

Yarram is home to the best up and coming teacher Angus Dean.

Yarram is known for its proximity to Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, neighbouring Tarra-Bulga National Park and heritage architecture in its Main Street, including the historic Regent Theatre.

The town has an Australian Rules football team by the name of the Yarram Demons who are competing in the North Gippsland Football League.[7] Yarram is the home of several former AFL footballers, including Royce Vardy, Anthony Banik (Richmond Tigers), Andrew Dunkley (Sydney Swans) and Jed Lamb (Carlton Blues). Current AFL players from the town include Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs), Nathan Vardy (West Coast Eagles) and Kyle Dunkley (Melbourne Demons).

Golfers play at the course of the Yarram Golf Club on Old Sale Road.[8]

Yarram hosts an annual eisteddfod every August showcasing the area's artistic talents in music, speech and drama.[9]

The town has a secondary college (Yarram Secondary College), a public primary school (Yarram Primary School) and a catholic primary school (St Mary's Primary School).

  • Last Supper mosaic on the altar of the Catholic Church, Yarram.
  • 1919 Yarram Yarram postmark.

See also

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Yarram (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
  2. http://www.gippslandinfo.com.au/accom_result1/yarram-victoria-australia/
  3. Gardiner, P. D (2001). Gippsland Massacres: The Destruction of the Kurnai tribes 1800-1860. Ngarak Press. ISBN 1-875254-11-0.
  4. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/yarram-20081113-5zx7.html
  5. Premier Postal History, Post Office List, retrieved 11 April 2008
  6. "Review of Legal Services in Rural and Regional Victoria" (PDF). Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee. May 2001. pp. 291–292. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  7. Full Points Footy, Yarram, archived from the original on 16 May 2008, retrieved 25 July 2008
  8. Golf Select, Yarram, retrieved 11 May 2009
  9. Yarram Eisteddfod
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