
SHEEP RUN TO SHIRE
More Than Just a History Lesson
Coolamon Shire is located in the Riverina region of NSW. While wheat has been cultivated in the area since 1851, the township of Coolamon, which the Shire is centered on, was established around the time when the railway arrived in 1881. The Shire was proclaimed on 3 March 1906 and is now home to around 4,300 people, taking in the three larger towns of Coolamon, Ganmain and Ardlethan, and the smaller villages of Marrar, Matong and Beckom.
Ideally situated, Coolamon Shire is bound by the neighbouring Shires of Narrandera, Bland, Temora, Junee and the City of Wagga Wagga and enjoys the best of both worlds - the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of rural living, and excellent services and facilities both within the Shire and in nearby areas.
Coolamon Shire is one of the richest agricultural and pastoral districts in the Riverina and is renowned for its production of wheat, canola, barley, oats and other cereal crops, as well as hay and chaff. Wool, lamb and beef are also important products from the area. The name 'Coolamon' is an Aboriginal word meaning dish or vessel for holding food or water. On an 1870 map of the area, a cluster of water holes were referred to as 'Coolamon Holes', prior to the gazetting of the town of Coolamon in 1881.
By following the links below, you can discover the diverse history as reseached by community members. If you have a family history or story to publish, the Coolamon and District History Group would love to hear from you.
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