Charlton, Victoria
Encyclopedia
Charlton "The Friendly River Town", is a town in Victoria, Australia
. It is a small agricultural community straddling the Avoca River
, located at the junction of the Calder Highway
(A79) and Borung Highway
(C239) and positioned in the last of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range
. Its location, almost halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, makes Charlton a popular stop along the way for tourists.
Aborigines
. After extensive travels throughout the region by Major Thomas Mitchell, settlement by Europeans occurred in 1848 when Robert Cay and William Kaye established a station
and named the region after a town in Greenwich, England. Unlike many other towns in the region, Charlton was not established as a result of gold mining, but for pastoral purposes and the proximity to a permanent water supply (the Avoca River). The original town was named Charlton East due to its location on the eastern banks of the Avoca River, and the fact that another town in the Victoria was named Charlton (renamed Chute in 1879). The Charlton East Post Office opened on December 21, 1876 (renamed Charlton in 1879) replacing an earlier (1854) office nearby named Yowen Hill.
The first bridge to cross the river was erected in 1867 by James Paterson, allowing for expansion on both sides of the river. Throughout the history of Charlton, the Avoca River has been known for its spontaneous flooding after heavy rain showers, resulting in many floods that often surrounded the town or on rare occasions flooded the town. Levy banks were constructed to their present levels in the 1950s, however parts of the town were flooded
in September 2010.
One of the town's most prominent landmarks is the former hotel, the "Vale of Avoca", which was built on the site of an early bark hut inn by James & Elizabeth Egan in 1879. Built on a reef of stone, Mrs Egan named the building as being in the 'vale' or valley of the nearby Avoca River (Source: The Vale of Avoca official website http://www.valeofavoca.com.au/HISTORY.html). It was delicensed as a hotel in 1942, restored in the 1990s and currently operates as a Bed and Breakfast
.
, Charlton had a population of 1,072. Government department downsizing in addition to regional economic decline led to the largest percentage decline in population within Victoria between the mid 1980's and the mid 1990's with an estimated 18.3% loss in population (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/2f762f95845417aeca25706c00834efa/1d90c1ef4ac928d5ca2570ec0018e4f7!OpenDocument). Recent agricultural developments (such as the AWB Limited
facilities), a sharp increase in house prices within larger urban areas, in addition to economic recovery, have resulted in a shift towards stabilisation and subsequent increase in Population.
in the state, situated in Yeungroon just south of the town. Recent additions to the region, including an olive farm and winery have diversified the town's agricultural applications.
Major employers in the Charlton area are:
, one being a V/Line
coach service serving the town (and others) to Melbourne. Charlton used to have its own railway station on the Kulwin line, although a bare platform remains and no passenger services operate on the line. The line only carries wheat trains.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. It is a small agricultural community straddling the Avoca River
Avoca River
The Avoca River drains a substantial part of Victoria, the southernmost state of mainland Australia. The river rises at the foot of Mount Lonarch in the Central Highlands near the small town of Amphitheatre, and flows north for 270 km through Avoca, Charlton and Quambatook...
, located at the junction of the Calder Highway
Calder Highway
Calder Highway is a Highway linking Ravenswood South in Victoria, to Mildura. North of the Victoria/New South Wales border, the highway continues north to Broken Hill, Tibooburra and the New South Wales/Queensland border as the Silver City Highway, under the standard national route shield as far...
(A79) and Borung Highway
Borung Highway
The Borung Highway is a 140 kilometre rural highway in western Victoria running in a west-east direction from Dimboola in the west to Charlton in the east...
(C239) and positioned in the last of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range
Great Dividing Range
The Great Dividing Range, or the Eastern Highlands, is Australia's most substantial mountain range and the third longest in the world. The range stretches more than 3,500 km from Dauan Island off the northeastern tip of Queensland, running the entire length of the eastern coastline through...
. Its location, almost halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, makes Charlton a popular stop along the way for tourists.
History
The original inhabitants of the region were the JaaraJaara baby
The Jaara baby was an Aboriginal Australian child who died at some stage during the 1840s to 1860s. The child's remains were discovered in 1904, and kept in storage by Museum Victoria for ninety-nine years, until in 2003 they were repatriated to the Dja Dja Wurrung community...
Aborigines
Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
. After extensive travels throughout the region by Major Thomas Mitchell, settlement by Europeans occurred in 1848 when Robert Cay and William Kaye established a station
Station (Australian agriculture)
Station is the term for a large Australian landholding used for livestock production. It corresponds to the North American term ranch or South American estancia...
and named the region after a town in Greenwich, England. Unlike many other towns in the region, Charlton was not established as a result of gold mining, but for pastoral purposes and the proximity to a permanent water supply (the Avoca River). The original town was named Charlton East due to its location on the eastern banks of the Avoca River, and the fact that another town in the Victoria was named Charlton (renamed Chute in 1879). The Charlton East Post Office opened on December 21, 1876 (renamed Charlton in 1879) replacing an earlier (1854) office nearby named Yowen Hill.
The first bridge to cross the river was erected in 1867 by James Paterson, allowing for expansion on both sides of the river. Throughout the history of Charlton, the Avoca River has been known for its spontaneous flooding after heavy rain showers, resulting in many floods that often surrounded the town or on rare occasions flooded the town. Levy banks were constructed to their present levels in the 1950s, however parts of the town were flooded
2010 Victorian floods
The 2010 Victorian floods were a widespread series of flood events across the state of Victoria, Australia. The floods, which followed heavy rain across southeastern Australia in early September 2010, caused the inundation of about 250 homes, hundreds of evacuations and millions of dollars of...
in September 2010.
One of the town's most prominent landmarks is the former hotel, the "Vale of Avoca", which was built on the site of an early bark hut inn by James & Elizabeth Egan in 1879. Built on a reef of stone, Mrs Egan named the building as being in the 'vale' or valley of the nearby Avoca River (Source: The Vale of Avoca official website http://www.valeofavoca.com.au/HISTORY.html). It was delicensed as a hotel in 1942, restored in the 1990s and currently operates as a Bed and Breakfast
Bed and breakfast
A bed and breakfast is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Since the 1980s, the meaning of the term has also extended to include accommodations that are also known as "self-catering" establishments...
.
Demographics
Charlton is the second largest town in the Shire of Buloke. At the 2001 censusCensus in Australia
The Australian census is administered once every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The most recent census was conducted on 9 August 2011; the next will be conducted in 2016. Prior to the introduction of regular censuses in 1961, they had also been run in 1901, 1911, 1921, 1933,...
, Charlton had a population of 1,072. Government department downsizing in addition to regional economic decline led to the largest percentage decline in population within Victoria between the mid 1980's and the mid 1990's with an estimated 18.3% loss in population (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/2f762f95845417aeca25706c00834efa/1d90c1ef4ac928d5ca2570ec0018e4f7!OpenDocument). Recent agricultural developments (such as the AWB Limited
AWB Limited
AWB Limited is a major grain marketing organisation based in Australia. It was a government body known as the Australian Wheat Board until 1 July 1999, when the AWB was transformed into a private company, owned by wheat growers...
facilities), a sharp increase in house prices within larger urban areas, in addition to economic recovery, have resulted in a shift towards stabilisation and subsequent increase in Population.
Economy
The economic backbone of Charlton exists almost entirely in agriculture and services. Massive silos dominate the skyline, evidence of the town's rich history in various grains including wheat, oats and barley. Sheep and cattle farming are also prolific with the largest beef feedlotFeedlot
A feedlot or feedyard is a type of animal feeding operation which is used in factory farming for finishing livestock, notably beef cattle, but also swine, horses, sheep, turkeys, chickens or ducks, prior to slaughter. Large beef feedlots are called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations . They...
in the state, situated in Yeungroon just south of the town. Recent additions to the region, including an olive farm and winery have diversified the town's agricultural applications.
Major employers in the Charlton area are:
- AWB LimitedAWB LimitedAWB Limited is a major grain marketing organisation based in Australia. It was a government body known as the Australian Wheat Board until 1 July 1999, when the AWB was transformed into a private company, owned by wheat growers...
(Grains) - BoralBoralBoral is a multinational company dealing in building and construction materials. Founded in Australia, it also has extensive operations in the USA and Asia. Boral was demerged from the 'old' Boral Limited in February 2000. The 'old' Boral Limited, comprising energy assets, was renamed Origin Energy...
(Quarry - Mostly for road aggregate) - Buloke Shire Council (Local Government)
- Charlton Feedlot (Livestock)
- Charlton P-12 College, Cluster Centre and Saint Joseph's Primary School (Education)
- Graincorp (Grains)
- Lake Marmal Vineyards (Grapes)
- Timbercorp (Olives)
Transport
Charlton has various public transport connections to MelbourneMelbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, one being a V/Line
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
coach service serving the town (and others) to Melbourne. Charlton used to have its own railway station on the Kulwin line, although a bare platform remains and no passenger services operate on the line. The line only carries wheat trains.
Climate
Charlton enjoys a Mediterranean style climate, with long hot summers and mild wet winters. Deep blue skies are regular throughout much of the year as are crystal clear starry nights. Charlton's January average max/min temperatures are 30.4 °C (86.7 °F)/13.8 °C (56.8 °F) and July average max/min temperatures are 13.4 °C (56.1 °F)/3.4 °C (38.1 °F). Annual precipitation is 430.8 mm (16.96") (Source: Bureau of Meteorologyhttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_080006.shtml).| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high (C) | 30.4 | 30.2 | 26.7 | 21.8 | 17.4 | 13.9 | 13.4 | 15.0 | 18.0 | 21.4 | 25.5 | 28.7 | 21.9 |
| Avg low (C) | 13.8 | 14.3 | 11.8 | 8.4 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 10.0 | 12.4 | 8.4 |
| Rainfall (millimetres) | 24.3 | 27.2 | 28.3 | 32.2 | 42.7 | 48.1 | 43.2 | 45.2 | 42.6 | 41.8 | 28.4 | 26.8 | 430.8 |
Facilities
Charlton's central location to the North Central region has resulted in the town being the beneficiary of considerable services not typically associated with such small localities.- The Traveller's Rest is an iconic 'toilet block', held very proudly by the locals, situated in the heart of the town within easy walking of shops and restaurants. Containing picnic facilities, a wishing well, gazebo, views of the river, a footbridge across the river and overnight stop facilities, the Traveller's Rest is a regular stop for tourists, the V/LineV/LineV/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
bus service and various other tour groups. - Sporting facilities are of a high standard, catering to a diversity of sports participated in by locals and visitors. Football (Australian rules footballAustralian rules footballAustralian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
), netball, cricket, basketball and tennis dominate the Charlton sporting calendar. Charlton has a footballAustralian rules footballAustralian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
team competing in the North Central Football LeagueNorth Central Football LeagueThe North Central Football League is an Australian rules football league based in North Central Victoria, Australia.The League was formed in 1930...
. Additionally, the harness racingHarness racingHarness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...
track is a central feature of the town and region, holding regular meets run by the Charlton Harness Racing Club that are televised and broadcast on radio nationally. - The Rex Theatre is a fully restored picture theatre serving and operated by the community with various memorabilia and modern movies.
- The town exhibits education facilities for residents from kindergarten to the end of high school. There is also a cluster centre that is now part of the P-12 Charlton College, providing additional education services for students and further education for adults.
- A comprehensive "driver-training" facility is located within the town, assisting young drivers in learning the rules of the road.
Recreation and tourism
- Charlton's focus is the Avoca River. The picturesque river winds through the town with shady trees and parks lining the banks. Along the river is a 2 km walking track connecting High Street to Charlton Park, where various sporting and recreational facilities exist.
- The Charlton Golden Grains Museum offers the visitor detailed information about the town and its history. The museum is open by appointment on 0418 361 971.
- 2 km west of town is the Charlton golf course. Built in a clover leaf format, containing three arms of six holes each, the golf course is set amongst picturesque scenery in the nearby Dooboobetic Hills. Kangaroos and other native flora and fauna are seen regularly on the course.
- 5 km southeast of the town, excellent views of the region are to be had from Barrakee Hill, or "Quarry Hill" to the locals.
- 14 km west of the town are the Wooroonook Lakes, providing excellent facilities for water sports enthusiasts, picnickers and campers alike.
- 25 km east of the town is Wychetella Forest, containing many native animals, including the rare MalleefowlMalleefowlThe Malleefowl is a stocky ground-dwelling Australian bird about the size of a domestic chicken...
. - Tourist and Information radio is located at 88.0 MHz on the FM dial.
Events
- Annual Australia Day Tennis Tournament - Held over the Australia Day Long Weekend in January
- Art Show - Held every October
- Charlton A & P Society Annual Show, held the 3rd weekend in October
- Charlton Fishing Competition - Held every November
- Charlton Harness Racing Cup - Held every March
- Mardi Gras - Held every December (Christmas celebration)
- Redback Rally - Motorcycle rally, held the second weekend of February
- Charlton Film Festival held at the Rex Theatre every February.