Gunnedah is a town and shire situated upon the Namoi River in north western New South Wales. The original inhabitants of the region, the Kamilaroi, are generally regarded as a hostile people. This is suggested in their tribal name, which translates as "no". An eighteenth century leader of the Gunnedah tribe was the legendary warrior, Cumbo Gunnerah, from whom the region gets its name. His burial place was intrusively unearthed in the twentieth century, and the great warrior's remains sent to the Australian Museum as a curiosity for Europeans. In an effort to redress this travesty, the Gunnedah Historical Society erected a sign to designate the site of Cumbo Gunnerah's intended resting place.

Various translations have been offered for the Aboriginal expression "Gunnedah". "Motherless" and "destitute" have both been credibly suggested. However the commonly accepted translation is "place of white stone". An eminence of white stone was a distinctive feature of the town site, which was visible in the region of the present day public school. By the early 1880s, most had been removed for use in the construction of street foundations.

The first European explorer to sight the valley of the Namoi was Surveyor John Oxley during his 1818 expedition. In 1831 Major Thomas Mitchell surveyed the Namoi River, naming it after the Aboriginal word "Njamai", which describes a variety of Acacia. During this expedition Mitchell camped within close proximity of the future town site of Gunnedah.

Towards the close of 1832, Philip Thorley and Thomas Parnell were squatting upon runs in the Gunnedah district. Thorley's "Bondabolla" estate continues to bear this name. By 1834 the squatter John Johnston had established himself upon the land of the present day town site. Proprietor of the "Clydesdale" Estate and Inn of the Hunter Valley, Johnston erected a slab hut upon his Gunnedah site. Johnston named his property Hartfell, after his family's Scottish holdings which dated from the twelfth century.

Johnston's woolshed developed into a meeting place for residents of the surrounding district. Appropriately enough this region became known as "The Woolshed", a name which continued well after the town was officially proclaimed Gunnedah. In 1854 Surveyor Hyde was despatched to lay out the town on the Namoi. Gunnedah was officially proclaimed in the Government Gazette in 1856, and the first land sale occurred at Tamworth in 1857. Jacob Wester Weller was the first purchaser of town allotments. His establishment of a business in Conadilly Street secured its future as the commercial centre of the township.

Gunnedah was proclaimed a municipality in September 1885. The population of the new municipality had reached 1362 by 1891. In 1906 the Carrutus Local Government Act introduced the neighbouring Liverpool Plains Shire Council. The year 1980 witnessed the amalgamation of the Gunnedah Municipal Council and the Liverpool Plains Shire Council, under the new title of the Gunnedah Shire Council.

The persistent inland climate ensures the popularity of Gunnedah's local aquatic centre, the Memorial Baths. Agitation for this form of relief began as early as 1894. In 1925 a river reserve nearby Cohen Bridge was denoted as a swimming hole. The enthusiasm of the swimming club resulted in the erection of lights, a spring board and concrete surrounds. During the close of World War Two, it was decided at a public meeting that a community pool would be an appropriate town War Memorial. To the delight of locals, in December 1955 the Gunnedah Memorial Baths opened officially opened for bathing.

Museums and Historic sites

Dorothea MacKellar's memorial in ANZAC Park honours one of Australia's most famous poets, who also made her home here and immortalised Gunnedah in her works. Dorothea wrote many of her well known works while visiting her families properties in the township. The Water Tower Museum contains a unique historical record of Gunnedah. Many local families have donated memorabilia and other documents to the fascinating display. The Rural Museum houses one of the country's most comprehensive collections of vintage machinery form the early days of agriculture. Memorials to the explorer John Oxley and the Aboriginal warrior Cumbo Gunnerah may be visited in Gunnedah and the district.

Natural Attractions

The Keepit State Recreation Area is located midway between Gunnedah and Tamworth and is a watersports centre. Swimming, waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing and speed boat racing may all be indulged in here. Picnic and caravan and camping facilities as well as a playground for kids, a BMX track for biking enthusiasts and half court tennis facilities all make Lake Keepit one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Gunnedah. A network of walking trails, weaving through picturesque bushland lead the visitor to the Porcupine Lookout Point where amazing views of the area may be enjoyed.

Other Attractions

The Creative Arts Centre in Gunnedah is a showcase for the creations of local artists as well as stocking a range of other arts and crafts for the visitor to enjoy. Each Tuesday, Gunnedah's largest livestock sale comes alive as farmers and visitors intermingle at the largest beef sale in the State. This sale provides an ideal opportunity to observe agricultural life at this hectic sheep and cattle sale. The nearby Kappinghat Winery allows visitors to sample locally made wines. The woolshed reserve is perfect for picnics and strolls along the Naomi River. A memorial located near the greyhound track honours the world record breaking Gunnedah greyhound - Chief Havoc. Numerous modern sporting facilities are available to the visitor.

Events

The Annual Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Contest is the largest and most famous competition in Australia. Culture has a strong base in Gunnedah with regular performances by the New England Theatre Group. The occasional concert and choral recital is held in the town and the Shire Band encourages youngsters to learn music.

5 of a possible 5 points from 1 votes