WarrumbungleAstronomy Shire Capital of

A History of Condobolin...... 3 A History of ...... 3

A History of Coolah ...... 4

A History of ...... 5 A History of ...... 5

Things you need to know ...... 6

All that The has to Offer ...... 7 Communications...... 7 Migrant Support ...... 7

Transport ...... 8

Main Industry of the Region...... 9

Accommodation...... 10

Real Estate...... 12

Childcare ...... 13

Education ...... 14

Higher Education ...... 15

Employment Agencies ...... 16

Attractions/ Things to Do ...... 17

Sporting Clubs/Associations...... 19

Community Groups/Associations ...... 21

Churches/Religious Services...... 22

Retail, Services and Trades ...... 23

Cafes/Restaurants ...... 24 CAFÉS...... 24 RESTAURANTS...... 24

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TAKEAWAYS...... 25 Clubs/Hotels...... 25

The Country Careers Program...... 26

Health Service Details ...... 27 History on Coonabarabran hospital/MPS ...... 27

History on Baradine hospital/MPS ...... 28

History on Coolah hospital/MPS...... 29

History on Dunedoo hospital/MPS ...... 32

GWAHS Learning & Development Division...... 33

The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST)34

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements ...... 35

Created by: Catherine Deverell Country Careers Coordinator May 2008

A Better Life

WarrumbungleAstronomy Shire Capital of Australia

A History of Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran is known as the 'Gateway to the Warrumbungles', a mountain range which arcs around the town to the west, north and east. Much of it is a popular national park. Wool and wheat are the economic mainstays of the town though it has capitalised on tourism provided by its proximity to the Warrumbungles. There is also a strong timber industry based in the Pilliga Scrub to the north-west.

The town's name derives from the language of the Kamilaroi people who inhabited the area prior to white settlement, though its meaning is now highly uncertain.

The first European to discover the Castlereagh was , a member of 's 1818 party which passed 25 km to the north during the expedition which led to the European discovery of the .

The 'Cooleburbaran' sheep run was established in 1836 and, in the late 1840s, became known as 'Coolabarabyan' when it was owned by James Weston who grew wheat and established a mill. By 1848 a man named William Field owned the land opposite on the northern bank of the river. The two men had selected land around a river crossing on the 'Old Wool Road' which joined the inland to the river port of Morpeth. When settlement of proceeded, the wool trade from the north also crossed the river at this point. Both men realised the potential of the site and each established a store and hotel on opposite sides of the crossing. Other buildings developed, including a blacksmith's, a Presbyterian school and a post office which opened in 1850. A small police force was posted to the town as early as 1857. A survey of the townsite was conducted in 1859 and land sales proceeded in 1860 when the first courthouse and lock-up were built.

Australia's only Chinese bushranger, Sam Poo, was active in the district in 1865 but was caught and hung that year after killing a police officer.

A public school was built in 1870. The following year the population was still only 163 but it more than doubled in the 1870s. All of the major religious denominations built churches in the course of the decade. Cobb and Co established a coach service through the town in 1876. A shire hall, sawmill and newspaper were established the next year, and a new sandstone courthouse was built in 1878. Further expansion occurred in the 1880s with improved roads and services, new and more specialised stores, banks, the establishment of the local agricultural show and a bridge over the Castlereagh in 1885 (replaced in 1926), though drought followed by a plague of kangaroos and emus caused economic hardship.

After weathering the depression of the 1890s the town became a quiet service centre. A tourist orientation seemed to be in operation by 1904 when Coonabarabran became

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known as the 'Katoomba of the north west'. This development was enhanced, along with local primary industry, when the railway arrived in 1917.

Australian novelist Kylie Tennant re-met and married her husband while he was teaching at Coonabarabran in 1932. Her novel Tiburon (1935) depicts the town during the Great Depression.

The park beside the

A History of CoolahCoolahCoolah

Coolah is the gateway to Coolah Tops National Park. The sub-alpine park combines tall eucalypt forests, waterfalls, giant grass trees, scenic forest drives and panoramic views. The wildlife is abundant and includes the greater glider, a 1 m-long nocturnal possum, which can glide for up to 100 m.

Coolah is situated by the Coolaburragundy River, 89 km north-east of and 352 km from . Prior to white settlement the area the Coolah valley was occupied by the Kamilaroi and peoples. In 1823 explorer Allan Cunningham became the first known European in the district when he came across Pandora's Pass, the route over the Warrumbungle Range on to the Liverpool Plains. The district was surveyed in 1832 and squatters soon followed, in search of fresh pastures.

The Black Stump Wine Saloon was established about 10 km north of Coolah at a junction where the road split, heading north-east to and north-west to Coonabarabran. The pub was apparently named after the nearby Black Stump Run and Black Stump Creek. As if to strengthen the claim it is said the Aboriginal name for the area means 'place where the fire went out and left a black stump'. For these reasons locals argue that the Coolah area lies at the origin of the Australian saying 'beyond the black stump', meaning beyond the limits of civilisation, though it has other contenders.

The townsite of Coolah was first occupied in the 1840s. By 1848 there was a slab blacksmith's and a slab hotel. Local sandstone was used to construct more substantial buildings in the 1870s. The railway did not arrive until 1910. Before that time, travellers en route to Sydney had to journey by a horse-drawn vehicle to Mudgee, by Cobb & Co coach to Penrith and then by rail to the city.

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A History of DunedooDunedooDunedoo

Dunedoo was named after an Aboriginal word meaning "swan". These birds were once common on nearby lagoons.

Part of the 1978 movie, "The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith", was filmed in the old picture theatre at Caborra, near Dunedoo.

Dunedoo is a small town set amidst gentle rolling hills and wide valleys adjacent the . It is 60 km north of Mudgee, 325 km north-west of Sydney. It functions as a service centre to the surrounding district which has as its main industry the production of wheat, cattle, mixed farming, timber, fat lambs and wool.

Prior to white settlement the area was occupied by the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri peoples. In 1823 explorer Allan Cunningham became the first known European in the district when he came across Pandora's Pass, the route over the Warrumbungle Range on to the Liverpool Plains. The district was surveyed in 1832 and squatters soon followed, in search of fresh pasturage. The townsite was not surveyed until 1868. The name 'Dunedoo' is said to derive from an Aboriginal word for 'swans' which frequented the nearby lagoons.

The railway did not arrive until 1910. Before that time, travellers en route to Sydney had to journey by a horse-drawn vehicle to Mudgee, by Cobb & Co coach to Penrith and then by rail to the city. The town has a nine-hole golf course.

A History ooff BaradineBaradineBaradine

Baradine is a small and very pleasant town in the Goorianawa Valley, at the south- western edge of the Pilliga Scrub. It is located some 40 km north-north-west of Coonabarabran on the road to Pilliga and about 490 km north-west of Sydney.

Baradine began as a service centre to the timbergetting activities based in the . It is now a good farming community. A new addition to the economic repertoire of the town is the enormous number of emus and ostriches being farmed for their meat, leather and oil in the area around the town. Related abbatoirs are being constructed in the district.

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Things you need to know (Facts and Figures)

The Climate of the Warrumbungle Shire ranges from a summer climate of 15 - 31 degrees to 0 - 14 degrees in the winter months.

Other major towns near the towns of the Warrumbungles include , which is between 1 hour and 1.50 hours and also Orange which is about 4 hours away.

The Population of Coonabarabran consists of 3000 people.

The Population of Baradine consists of 500 people.

The Population of Coolah consists of 950 people.

The Population of Dunedoo consists of 850 people.

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All that The Warrumbungle Shire has to Offer

Communications

The local paper for the Warrumbungle region is the Coonabarabran Times.

3G mobile phone networks work in the Warrumbungle area. Telstra’s Next G network seems to have better cover than other providers the further west you head. This may change as the network grows.

Television services offer 5 channels, including the ABC, Seven (Prime), Nine (WIN), Ten (Southern Cross) and SBS. Pay TV is also available in the area.

Broadband and Dial up internet services are available in the Warrumbungles. There are many providers servicing the Coonabarabran area. You can check on the internet for the provider that most suits your needs.

Migrant Support

Support for employees from a non-Australian background is available through the Regional Migrant Support Services. In Dubbo the contact person is Gwen Young, who can be contacted on (02) 6882 2100.

The services provided by Migrant support include a mentoring program to put you in touch with other people in the community from the same background; provides information and help for visa applications; help finding employment, education and training; as well as putting you in touch with multicultural groups in the area.

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Transport

The closest airport is the Dubbo City Airport. It is situated 5 kilometres North West of Dubbo and is serviced by Regional Express, Eastern Australian Airlines and Air Link (Member of the Rex Group) providing regional passenger transport services between Dubbo and western to Sydney, transporting 177,031 passengers in 2006/2007.

Dubbo City Airport is one of the leading regional airports in Australia with 247 Regular Public Transport (RPT) flights per week operating to and from the Airport as well as charter flights, General Aviation flight training and airfreight operations. The Terminal Building has recently undergone a $3.8M redevelopment.

Countrylink train service leaves Sydney at 7.10am each morning for Coonabarabran, arriving at 11.56am and then continues on to Dubbo. The train again stops in Coonabarabran at 3.55pm the same day on its return journey to Sydney, arriving in Sydney at 8.48pm.

Selwoods Coaches has daily coaches connecting Coonabarabran and Sydney. They can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] or via telephone on 02 6362 7963.

Central West Taxis is quite a large taxi service operating in Coonabarabran and they can be contacted on 131 008.

Coonabarabran has a large bus network and has a fleet of 20 buses. There are several routes available and regular stops throughout the town. The town is well covered by the bus routes and easily assessable by all residents. A map of bus routes is attached to this brochure.

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Main Industry of the Warrumbungles Region

Wool and wheat are the economic mainstays of the region though it has capitalised on tourism provided by its proximity to the Warrumbungles. There is also a strong timber industry based in the Pilliga Scrub to the north-west.

Agriculture industries include broadacre, dryland grazing of sheep and cattle and grain and fodder cropping. Baradine has a strong timber industry.

Due to the proximity to the Warrumbungles National Park and Siding Spring Observatory, a tourism industry has grown based on servicing the visitors coming to the area and the traffic passing through on the various highways.

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Accommodation There is an extensive variety of temporary accommodation available in Coonabarabran, including motels, Boutique hotels, B&B’s, Guesthouses, self contained, and hotels.

The following is a fairly comprehensive list of the different accommodation in the town.

Town Accommodation Address Phone Accommodation Name Type Coolah Gels Country Home Marchmont 6375 0225 Self Contained Stay Park, Narangarie Rd Coonabarabran Acacia Motor Lodge 10 John Street 6842 1922 Motel Dunedoo Coonabarabran All Travellers Motor John Street 6842 1133 Motel Inn Coonabarabran Country Comfort Newell Hwy 6842 1188 Motel Motor Inn Coonabarabran Clock Tower Motor 47 Dalgarno 6842 2444 Motel Inn Street Coonabarabran The Coachman's Newell 6842 2111 Motel Rest Motor Lodge Highway Coonabarabran El Paso Motel Newell Hwy 6842 1722 Motel Coonabarabran Matthew Flinders Newell Hwy 6842 1766 Motel Motor Inn Coonabarabran Poplars Motor Inn Newell Hwy 6842 1522 Motel Coonabarabran Wagon Wheel Motel Newell Hwy 6842 1860 Motel & Cabins Coonabarabran Warrumbungles Newell Hwy 6842 1832 Motel Mountain Motel Baradine Baradine Hotel Wellington 6843 1649 Hotel/Motel Street Coonabarabran Coonabarabran Hotel John Street 6842 2640 Hotel/Motel Coonabarabran Hotel Royal 51 John Street 6842 1816 Hotel/Motel Coonabarabran Imperial Hotel John Street 6842 1023 Hotel/Motel Coonabarabran Camkeena Bed & Newell 6842 1331 B&B Breakfast Highway Coonabarabran Everton Bed & Reservoir Street 6842 2619 B&B Breakfast Coonabarabran Innisfail B&B 19 John Street 6842 3297 B&B Coonabarabran Overflow B&B 108 Cassillis 6842 1195 B&B Street Baradine Warrigal Gardens Macquarie 6843 1765 B&B Street Coonabarabran Castlereagh Village Newell Hwy 6842 1706 Self Contained Coonabarabran Craggibungle Cabin Timor Road 6842 3355 Self Contained Coonabarabran Kookaburra Cabin Tibuc Road 6842 2663 Self Contained

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Town Accommodation Address Phone Accommodation Name Type Coonabarabran Starlight Cottage 71 Edwards 6842 2247 Self Contained Street Coonabarabran Tibuc Cabins Timor Road 6842 1740 Self Contained Coonabarabran Timor Country Timor Road 6842 1055 Self Contained Cottages Coonabarabran Warrumbungles Timor Road 6842 3400 Self Contained Holiday Camp Coonabarabran John Oxley Caravan Newell Hwy 6842 1635 Caravan Park Park Coonabarabran The Wayfarer Newell Hwy 6842 1773 Caravan Park Caravan Park Coonabarabran Warrumbungle Timor Road 6825 4364 Camping National Park Coolah Black Stump Motel 10 Campebell 6377 1208 Hotel/Motel Street Coolah Glenron Coolah The Black 6377 1741 Caravan Park Stump Way Coolah Coolah Valley Hotel 28 Binnia Street 6377 1210 Hotel/Motel Coolah Coolah Black Stump 61 Binnia Street 6377 1231 Hotel/Motel Inn Coolah Munna Bed and Binnaway Road 6844 6244 B&B Breakfast Coolah Cunningham 38 Cunningham 6377 1338 Caravan Park Caravan Park Street Coolah Coolah Tops 30kms East of 6372 7199 Camping National Park Coolah Camping Coolah Baladonga Bed & Baladonga 6377 1390 B&B Breakfast Dunedoo Dunedoo Hotel 26 Bolaro Street 6375 1403 Hotel/Motel Dunedoo Royal Hotel 78 Bolaro Street 6375 1109 Hotel/Motel Dunedoo Dunedoo Rose Cottage B&B Whiteley Street 6375 1151 B&B Dunedoo Dunedoo Caravan Bolaro Street 6375 1455 Caravan Park Park Baradine Camp Cypress Baradine 6843 1035 Self Contained Showgrounds Dunedoo Swan Motel 58 Bolaro Street 6375 1112 Hotel/Motel Dunedoo Blue Biddy B&B 38 6375 1814 B&B Street Dunedoo Redbank Gums B&B 41 Wargundy 6375 1218 B&B Street

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Real Estate

The Warrumbungles region provides for all types of lifestyles at an affordable price. The region has land available in urban and rural settings, with blocks and properties of various sizes. Housing options range from 2 bedroom units, heritage homesteads, suburban brick homes in new and established estates, or sprawling country mansions.

Rural properties include everything from productive farms to smaller properties of varying sizes that provide the opportunity to reside in a peaceful and beautiful environment, maintain a few horses or stock, or just have plenty of room for the children to play and explore.

Whether your preference is for the convenience of living in a modern, well – serviced regional town, in a quiet country village, or tucked away in a hidden valley somewhere, you will find it in town.

Below is a list of Real Estate Agents in the Warrumbungles that can help you find the dream home you desire.

Town Real Estate Name Address Phone Coolah Cameron Davidson & 75 Binnia Street 6377 1555 Co Coonabarabran Earth Works Real 37 John Street 6842 2774 Estate Coonabarabran Davidson Cameron & 42 John Street 6842 1177 Co Coonabarabran PDK Real Estate 58 John Street 6842 1822

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Childcare

There is an extensive range of children’s services provided throughout the Warrumbungles region. There are several childcare centres and caregivers licensed by Family Day Care provide occasional childcare, long day-care, overnight, out-of-school-hours and weekend care in Coonabarabran.

Town Education/Childcare Services Name Address Phone Service Type Provided Baradine Baradine Outreach 3 - 5 years Baradine Outreach Cnr 6843 1513 Preschool Pre-school Lachlan & Darling Sts Coonabarabran Home Based Child 0 - 12 years Family Day Care 27 John 6849 2183 Care Street Coonabarabran Long Day Care 0 - 5 years ABC Cnr 6842 5558 Centre Coonabarabran Bandulla St & Newell Hwy

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Education

There are approximately 4 primary schools in the Warrumbungles region. These are comprised of public, catholic and independent schools. There are also 2 high schools, including 2 catholic schools.

Town School Name School Year Address Phone Type Level Baradine Baradine Central Public Pre Narren Street 02 6843 1805 School Kinder - Yr 12 Coolah Sacred Heart Primary Catholic K - 6 15 Church Street 02 6377 1132 Coolah Coonabarabran St Lawrences Central Catholic K - 10 P O Box 248 02 6842 1732 Coonabarabran Dunedoo St Michaels Primary Catholic K - 6 P O Box 9 02 6375 1387 School Dunedoo Baradine St Johns Primary Catholic K - 6 Box 46 02 6843 1644 Baradine Coolah Coolah Central Public K - 12 Binnia Street 02 6377 1101 School Coonabarabran Coonabarabran High Public 7 - 12 02 6842 1099 School Coonabarabran Coonabarabran Public K - 6 Cnr John St & 02 6842 1771 Public School Newell Hwy Coonabarabran St Brigids Primary Catholic K - 6 P O Box 506 02 6822 1511 Dunedoo Dunedoo Central Public K - 2 Digilah Street 02 6375 1489 School

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Higher Education The WarrumbunglesCoonabarabran region has a number of higher education facilities on offer.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest regional university and has a campus at Dubbo located within the town limits. The academic programs at CSU Dubbo include Bachelor awards in Business, Science, Nursing, and much more.

Charles Sturt University can be contacted via their website – www.csu.edu.au/campus/orange or by calling the number in the list below.

TAFE, Western Institute, Dubbo campus offers access and foundation courses plus business, community services, hospitality and information technology programs, with many at diploma level. The campus also offers a wide range of trade courses and specialises in children’s services, conservation earthworks, fine arts, design, HSC, hairdressing, horticulture, music, plumbing, painting and decorating, shop fitting, sign writing, travel, turf management, viticulture and welfare.

TAFE, Dubbo campus can be contacted via their website – www.wit.tafensw.edu.au or by calling the number in the list below.

There are also approximately 11 training organisations in the Dubbo region. Training is offered in many trades, in occupational health and safety management, machinery operations, warehouse and distribution, computer use and clerical skills.

For contact details, please see below.

Education type Facility Name Address Phone Training Centre Access Group Training 36 Darling Street 6884 9981 Training Centre Five Star Safety & Training 6888 1088 Training Centre Aurora Practical Solutions 37 Erskine Street 6885 5558 Training Centre Australian Business Limited 23 Church Street 1300 652 236 Apprenticeships Centre Training Centre Break Thru People Solutions 136 Darling Street 6884 5151 Training Centre Fitzroy Training Centre 254 Fitzroy Stree 6882 6866 Training Centre GWS Personnel 23 Church Street 6884 1298 Training Centre HRM Partners 1300 855 502 Training Centre MAS National 46 Church Street 1800 651 610 Training Centre OEC 254 Fitzroy Street 6882 6866 Training Centre Wool Industry Training Australia 80 Street 6882 8137 University University of Sydney School of Rural Health University Charles Sturt University Yarrandale Road 6885 7330 Government College TAFE 6883 3444 College Western College of Advanced 37 Cobbora Road 6884 2899 Education

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Employment Agencies

There is an employment agency in the Warrumbungles region providing services to both job seekers and employers. Services include job matching, training and the provision and management of a number of government assistance schemes.

Town Industry Company Phone Address Type Name Coonabarabran Employment OEC 6842 9395 John Street Agency Employment

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Attractions/ Things to Do

The Warrumbungles region have many things to see and do.

Below is a listing of all that is on offer.

Town Activity/ Facility Name Address Phone Facility Baradine Tourism Pilliga Pottery 35km north of 6842 2239 Coonabarabran Coolah Tourism The Black Stump 14 Campbell Street 6377 1208 Motel Tourist Information Centre Coonabarabran Museum Australian Museum Coonabarabran Visitor 6849 2144 Diprotodon & Information Centre Megafauna Display Dunedoo Antiques Dunedoo Antique Shop Bolaro Street Coonabarabran Tourism Coonabarabran Visitor 1800 242 881 Information Centre Coonabarabran Tourism Crystal Kingdom 6842 1927 Coonabarabran Tourism Warrumbungle Timor Road 6842 2663 Glasshouse Gallery Coonabarabran Astronomy Skywatch Observatory 6842 3303 & Astro Mini-Golf Coonabarabran Astronomy Siding Spring 6842 6211 Observatory Coonabarabran Nature Warrumbungle 6825 4364 National Park Coonabarabran Winery Coonandry Wines Dandry Road 6842 1649 Coonabarabran Winery Wattagan Estate Oxley Hwy 6842 2456 Winery Coonabarabran Art The Art Gallery of 55 Cassilis Street 6842 1462 Coonabarabran Baradine Nature Pilliga Forestry Office 6843 1607 Coonabarabran Tourism Newcastle Hats 6842 5041 Coonabarabran Winery Timor Valley Estate 6842 1496 Vineyard Coonabarabran Gallery Ken Dundas 24 North Street 6842 3130 Didgeridoos Dunedoo Museum Dunedoo Museum Dunedoo Tourism King Togee's Grave Neilrex Road Dunedoo Tourism Fossicking for Fossils Narangerie Road Dunedoo Fishing Fishing Coolaburragundy River Coolah Crafts Coolah Crafts 37 Binnia Street Coolah Tourism David Sherlock - 43 Martin Street 6377 1077 Blacksmith Coolah Nature McMaster Park Cnr Binnia & Booyamurra Sts

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Town Activity/ Facility Name Address Phone Facility Coolah Nature Coolah Tops National Cassilis Road Park Coolah Tourism Cunningham Memorial Coolah Creek Road & Pandora's Pass Coolah Tourism Black Stump Nursery 96 Scully Road, Coolah Rhyme Village & Camel Farm

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Sporting Clubs/Associations

Sport is a popular pastime in the Warrumbungles region. There is competition available for the beginner right up to A grade level and is a great way for the community to interact socially. The region has exceptional sporting facilities to support this community focus.

Facilities include sports grounds, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools as well as many others. Indoor facilities include tennis, squash, netball, cricket, ten-pin bowling, equestrian sports, swimming and more.

Contact details are listed below.

Town Activity/ Facility Name Contact Address Phone Facility Name Coonabarabran Airplanes Coonabarabran Aero Club Ian Munns 6842 2331 Coonabarabran Archery Warrumbungle Field Phil "Greenwoods" 6842 2348 Archery Club Greenwood Coonabarabran Bowling Coonabarabran Bowling 45 Edward Street 6842 1349 Club Coonabarabran Bushwalking Coonabarabran Richard PO Box 420 6842 2685 Bushwalking Club Savage Coonabarabran Cricket Junior Cricket Club Phil Draper 6842 1099 Coonabarabran Cricket Senior Cricket Club Justin "Eurona" 6842 2550 Dicks Coonabarabran Cycling Warrumbungle Wheelers Lynda 6842 2113 Bicycle Users Group (Bug) Row Coonabarabran Dancing Old Time Dancing 6842 4288 Coonabarabran Dancing Square Dancing Peter 6842 1082 Coonabarabran Dancing Tap Dancing Classes Liesel 6844 2242 Coonabarabran Golf Coonabarabran Golf Club Ian 7 Nandi Street 6842 2106 Stevenson Coonabarabran Greyhounds Coonabarabran Coursing Neil PO Box 210 6842 3466 Club Woods Coonabarabran Gymnastics Coonabarabran Physical Stacy "Eurona" 6842 8208 Culture Club Sullivan Coonabarabran Horses Coonabarabran Jockey Don PO Box 80 6842 1980 Club Mulrooney Coonabarabran Horses Coonabarabran Riding for Hazel "Manumbah" 6842 9122 the Disabled Aylett

Coonabarabran Horses Pony Club Rebecca 6844 1609 Moxham Coonabarabran Rugby Coonabarabran Junior Greg Kable PO Box 17 6849 2000 League & Netball Club Coonabarabran Rugby Coonabarabran Rugby Chick P O Box 29 6842 2409

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Town Activity/ Facility Name Contact Address Phone Facility Name League League Football Club Maiden Coonabarabran Rugby Coonabarabran Junior Rebecca "Hollymount" 6843 8258 Union Rugby Union Club Ryan Coonabarabran Rugby Coonabarabran Rugby Phillip PO Box 118 6842 4900 Union Union Football Club Dicks Coonabarabran Shooting Rifle Club (small bore) Peter Ellis 6842 7955 Coonabarabran Shooting Rifle Club (Big bore) Kevin 6842 1538 Barrington Coonabarabran Shooting Pistol Club Alan 6842 2767 Norton Coonabarabran Squash Squash Court Youth Club off Coonabarabran Capell St Coonabarabran Swimming Coonabarabran Amateur Jason 6842 4550 Swimming Club Hayes Coonabarabran Tennis Coonabarabran Tennis Dell Tink Chappell Ave 6842 1566 Club Coonabarabran Yoga Yoga Catherine 6842 4077 Stinson Dunedoo Bowling Dunedoo Bowling Club Neville Cobbora Street 6375 1470 Stanford Dunedoo Golf Dunedoo Golf Club Warrungundy 6375 1018 Street Dunedoo Golf Dunedoo Lady Golfers Cheryl 6886 6274 Royal Dunedoo Horses Dunedoo Pony Club Ann 6375 1521 Knight Dunedoo Polo Dunedoo Polo Crosse Club Ann 6375 1451 Bowman Dunedoo Rugby Dunedoo Junior Rugby Mark 6375 1267 League League & Netball Gallagher Dunedoo Rugby Dunedoo Rugby League David 6375 1832 League Williams Dunedoo Squash Dunedoo Squash Club Dunedoo Golf 6375 1018 Club Dunedoo Swimming Dunedoo Swimming Club Kerry Wallaroo Street 6375 1186 Adams Dunedoo Tennis Dunedoo Tennis Club Belinda 6375 0455 Ferguson

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Community Groups/Associations

Town Community Group Contact Address Phone Group Name Type Name Baradine Baradine Progress Community Liz Cutts PO Box 37 6843 1166 Association Baradine Baradine Senior Community Glenda 60 Warrigal Street 6843 1742 Citizens Johnston Coolah Coolah & district Community Coordinator 6377 1675 Development Group Coonabarabran Apex Club Community Dan PO Box 99 0428 428 219 Sheridan Coonabarabran Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Diana PO Box 559 6842 1143 Dodd Coonabarabran PAI&H Community David PO Box 198 6842 1436 Association Grant Coonabarabran RSL Sub Branch Community Kevin 53 King Street 6842 1538 Barrington Coonabarabran RSL Women's Community Edna Mack 40 Cassilis Street 6842 1016 Auxiliary Coonabarabran Senior Citizens Community Edna Mack PO Box 587 6842 1016 Association Coonabarabran Volunteer Rescue Volunteer Kahn Smith PO Box 130 6842 3157 Association Coonabarabran Legacy Volunteer Bob PO Box 103 6842 3297 Jackson Coonabarabran SES Volunteer 132 500 Dunedoo Bush Fire Brigade Volunteer David "Edgefield" 6375 1530 Copeland Dunedoo Dunedoo & District Community Sue PO Box 1 6375 1975 Development Stoddart Group Dunedoo Farmers Community Brett Yeo 6375 1256 Association Dunedoo Fire Brigade Volunteer John Smith 22 Tallawant 6375 1493 Street Dunedoo Hospital Auxilary Volunteer Beryl Yarrow Street 6375 1034 Association Canon Dunedoo Library Community Melissa Bolaro Street 6375 1468 Farrow Dunedoo Playgroup Community Raelene 6375 1938 Sweeney Dunedoo Returned Services Community Keith 6375 1457 League Turner

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Churches/Religious Services

Coonabarabran is home to many religious denominations.

Town Religion Type Address Phone Dunedoo Anglican Church 55 Cobbora Street 6375 1246 Coolah Anglican Church 17 Binnia Street 6377 1090 Coonabarabran Anglican Church Cowper Street 6842 1038 Dunedoo Catholic Church 42 Yarrow Street 6375 1126 Coolah Catholic Church 7 Church Street 6377 1274 Coolah Presbyterian 80 Booyamurra Street 6377 1543 Church Coonabarabran Catholic Church 14 Namoi Street 6842 1043 Coonabarabran Presbyterian John Street 6842 1046 Church Coonabarabran Presbyterian 4 Hilton Estate 6842 1176 Community Church Coonabarabran Uniting Church 63 Cassilis Street 6842 1325

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Retail, Services and Trades The towns in the Warrumbungles region have a vibrant central business district.

There is main street parking and numerous free car parks to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

Town Industry Company Name Phone Address Type Coonabarabran Accountant Kim Collins & 6842 1616 Cnr John & Cassilis Associates Sts Coonabarabran Accountant Forsyths 6842 1744 60 John Street Coonabarabran Accountant Hancocks Chartered 6842 1699 30 John Street Accountants Coonabarabran Accountant Redman Stafford & 6842 1744 68 Cassilis Street Partners Coolah Accountant HB Rindfleish & 6377 1302 72 Martin Street Associates Dunedoo Baker Dunedoo Bakery 6375 1088 90 Bolero Street Coonabarabran Bakery Coonabarabran Bakery 6842 1002 67 John Street Coonabarabran Beautician Beauty Bliss By Casey 6842 3717 John Street Coonabarabran Builder SJ & GA Fraser 6842 2376 Dunedoo Builder John Kubowicz 6375 1151 Coolah Butcher Black Stump Butchery 6377 1102 47 Binnia Street Dunedoo Butcher Bennetts Butchery 6375 1326 52 Bolero Street Coonabarabran Clothes Chalkies Mens & 6842 1460 38 John Street Ladies Wear Coonabarabran Clothes Hart & Mancini 6842 2572 54 Dalgarno Street Coonabarabran Electrician Guy Andrews 6842 4028 Electrical Dunedoo Electrician JW Oliver 6375 1247 Dunedoo Electrician AR Pettet & Sons 6377 1347 Coonabarabran Hairdresser Clippers Hair Design 6842 1881 John Street Baradine Hairdresser Cathy's Hair Salon 6843 1609 Wellington Street Coolah Hairdresser Ella's Hair Affairs 6377 1136 49 Binnia Street Dunedoo Hairdresser Sergio's Salon 6375 1131 96 Bolaro Street Coonabarabran Plumber Richard Mathews 6842 3279 Plumbing Coolah Plumber Miller Bros Plumbing 6377 1012 Dunedoo Solicitor Murphy Partners 6375 0438 60 Bolaro Street Baradine Supermarket IGA Supermarket 6843 1678 Wellington Street Coonabarabran Vet Coonabarabran 6842 1251 48 Dalgarno Street Veterinary Clinic Coolah Vet Coolah Veterinary 6377 1258 113 Binnia Street Clinic

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Cafes/Restaurants

There are specialty coffee shops in the Warrumbungles region, as well as several restaurants.

CAFÉS

Town Facility Name Address Phone Coonabarabran Blue Wren Café Dandry Rd, 6842 2239 Pilliga Pottery Coonabarabran Wattagan Estate Winery Oxley Hwy Coonabarabran The Jolly Cauli Coffee 30 John Street 6842 2021 Coonabarabran The Lunchbox 56 John Street 6842 2822 Coonabarabran Roma's Retreat 1 George Street 6842 2562 Coonabarabran Dreamin Coffee Shady Rock 6842 2500 Nursery, Gardener St Baradine Emmy Lou's Eatery 20 Wellington 6843 1781 Street Coonabarabran Cardians Coffee Lounge John Street 6842 1897

RESTAURANTS

Town Facility Name Address Phone Coonabarabran Acacia Restaurant 10 John Street 6842 1922 Coonabarabran Coachmans Restaurant Newell Hwy 6842 2111 Coonabarabran El Paso Restaurant Newell Hwy 6842 1722 Coonabarabran The Lotus Restaurant Coonabarabran 6842 2030 Golf Club, River Rd Coonabarabran Gunyah Restaurant Newell Hwy 6842 1711 Coonabarabran Poplars Restaurant Newell Hwy 6842 1522 Coonabarabran Tulips Restaurant Newell Hwy 6842 1188 Coonabarabran Sanaerchi Star Thai Timor Road 6842 3303 Restaurant Coonabarabran Round Table Steakhouse Newell Hwy 6842 1209` Coonabarabran Imperial Hotel 70 John Street 6842 1023 Baradine Baradine Hotel Wellington Street 6843 1649 Coonabarabran Coonabrabran Hotel John Street 6842 2640 Coonabarabran Golden Fountain 83 John Street 6842 1049 Restaurant Coonabarabran Golden Sea Dragon John Street 6842 2388 Restaurant Baradine Baradine RSL Club Wellington Street 6843 1842

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TAKEAWAYS

Town Facility Name Address Phone Coonabarabran Coona Fish Shop 66 John Street 6842 1618 Coonabarabran Coona Top Shop 9 Camp Street 6842 2066 Coonabarabran Subway John Street 6842 5625 Coonabarabran "Eat It" Dalgarno Street 6842 3123 Coonabarabran Roclees Café 47 John Street 6842 1132 Coonabarabran Eagle Boys Pizza John Street 6842 2676 Coolah Black Stump Servo 119 Binnia St 6377 1215 Coolah Binnia Motors 1a Binnia St 6377 1188 Baradine Baradine Pizza & Pasta 12 Wellington 6843 1222 Street

Clubs/Hotels

Australia is famous for its Pubs and town is no exception. Below you will find a comprehensive list of the Warrumbungles Pubs and Clubs.

Town Facility Name Address Phone Coonabarabran Imperial Hotel 70 John Street 6842 1023 Coonabarabran Royal Hotel 51 John Street 6842 1816 Coonabarabran Bowl-O-Bistro Edward Street 6842 1349 Coolah Coolah Sporting Club 7 Goddard St 6377 1222 Coolah Coolah Valley Hotel 28 Binnia St 6377 1210 Coolah Black Stump Inn 61 Binnia St 6377 1231 Baradine Baradine Hotel Wellington Street 6843 1649 Coonabarabran Coonabrabran Hotel John Street 6842 2640

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The Country Careers Program

Help for New Staff

The Country Careers Program is a new program that has been funded by NSW Health for the next four years to help with the retention of new staff moving into each Area Health Service.

Catherine Deverell is the Country Careers Coordinator for the Greater Western Area Health Service. The role of the program is to contact new Doctors, Allied Health Professionals and Nurses in difficult to recruit to locations as soon as they have been chosen as the preferred applicant for a position and to assist these new staff, who are moving to a new town, to find rental accommodation; schools for their children; help in networking with local businesses to find work for partners or spouses; finding a sporting or community group they might like to join; etc.

Country Careers is about helping the new staff enter into the community they are moving to and to help them feel welcome and valued as a community member.

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Health Service Details

History on Coonabarabran hospital/MPS • Hospital was founded in 1884 and rebuilt in 1975

Health Service/MPS information; • 33 beds, • General ward only • 24/7 Acute, sub acute medical service and emergency service. Xray and ultrasound facilities available four days a week. Full range of community health services available on site. • Visiting services are provided including Paediatrician, psychiatrist, speech therapist ,audiologist • Shift Rosters. Coverage is seven days a week roster including some night duity • Professional Development and Education provided. Provided usually by Learning & Development at Orange

Hospital/MPS Accommodation • Accommodation is provided for staff in an older style nurses home with single rooms and shared facilities • Staff are able to stay in nurses home as long as it necessary to find suitable accommodation

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History on Baradine hospital/MPS

Baradine Hospital opened 2/12/1996, one of the original MPS Pilot sites. The MPS replaced Baradine Subsidiary hospital which was on this site from 1936- 1996.

Bed Numbers/ Ward Description

• I Acute Care: 5 inpatient beds

• Aged Care/High Care/Low Care: 13 beds total, 5 high, 7 Low, 1 respite.

• ED: Operates 24 hrs.

• Transfers: Majority of transfers are to Dubbo Base Hospital, with a smaller number to Tamworth and Sydney for more specialized treatments. Local transfers to Coonabarabran or Coonamble for radiological diagnostic services.

Services provided

Visiting services • Mental health • Women’s Health • Aged care mental health • Child and Family Health • Occupational Therapy • Physiotherapy

Shift rosters • AM 0700 -330 • PM 1300 – 2130 • N 2115 - 0715

Professional development and education provided

• Agency staff are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities

Accommodation provided at hospital, e.g. nurses home, etc

• Shared onsite nursing home accommodation. • Own room • Shared bathroom • Walking distance to the main shopping centre

Length of time nurse is able to stay in hospital accommodation • Contract term

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History on Coolah hospital/MPS

COOLAH MULTIPURPOSE HEALTH SERVICE

Health Service Manager: Ms Robyn Ringwood [email protected] Nursing Services Manager (Acting): Mrs Ann Taylor [email protected] Hostel Supervisor: Mrs Barbara Palmer Addresses: - Hospital and High Care sections, Martin Street , Coolah NSW 2843 - Hostel care, Goddard Street, Coolah NSW 2843 Phone: 02 6377 1007 Hospital Fax 02 63 771 536 admin, 63 771706 wards. 02 6377 1177 Hostel. Fax 0263 771127

History of Coolah Multipurpose Health Service

Coolah multipurpose health service is a twenty seven bed facility with ten nursing home beds, ten low care beds (off site at Coolah Hostel) and seven acute beds. The original Coolah District Hospital was built in 1908 a maternity ward was built in 1959 and a new facility was built in 1979 with 24 acute care beds. The bed numbers were reduced to 17 in 1983 which reflected the changes in the mode of health care delivery and resources were moved into the community nursing area.

The Old Hospital circa 1920s

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Photographs of the “New Hospital -1979”, the “Old hospital” which is now Day Care and the addition of the purpose built Aged Care wing 2002.

In 1991/1992 the Coolah Hostel was built with monies from The Commonwealth and public contributions. This 10 bed facility was run by a community management committee. In the following years the occupancy rate at the Hostel has remained very high reflecting the need for these low care or hostel type beds, however, the occupancy rate at the Coolah Hospital continued to drop with occupancy rates of 41- 44% being the average over most years in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There was a growing need for high care (or nursing home beds) for residents in the community and district, as many elderly residents requiring high nursing care had to leave Coolah to be accommodated in other centres with nursing home beds.

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The idea for Multiservice centres (MPCs) was floated in the Coolah community as far back as 1981 but it was not until the early 1990s that the idea resurfaced (then known Multipurpose (health) Services or MPSs) as the need to house the frail aged in Coolah was becoming an issue.

Over this time there were changes in health districts with the annulment of Hospital boards and the formulation of Area Health Services. In 1997 the then Macquarie Area Health Service formed local Health Councils. The Coolah Health Council embraced the idea and canvassed the community to ascertain the interest and need for such a health service in the local area. The premise behind the MPS was to provide services that would meet the needs of the community and increase the access to a range of health and aged care services in the most cost effective way ie maintaining aged care services and the local hospital. On the 31st of August 1999 a public meeting was held and there was overwhelming support for the MPS concept from the community.

In July 2003 the refurbished section of the acute care area and Ambulance facility was handed over and occupied. On the 5/7/2003 Coolah Hostel was signed over to MAHS forming the Coolah Multipurpose Health Service.

Further changes to the health system resulted in the formation of the Greater Western Area Health Service on 1 January 2005, following the amalgamation of three former Area Health Services – Mid Western, Macquarie and Far West.

Category of Hospital and Major Services Provided:

Coolah MPS comprises of 10 low care hostel beds, 10 high care nursing home beds, 7 acute beds and 2 accident & emergency beds. The health service offers a community nursing service, an early childhood service, a part time physiotherapist, postnatal recovery , some respite as well as other visiting ancillary services such as podiatry, dietician, mental health, diabetic educator, women’s health, drug and alcohol and optometrist. Community Care Packages are also provided by the staff of the hostel facility. The Ambulance Service is also under the Multi Purpose Service and is staffed by three officers.

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History on Dunedoo hospital/MPS

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GWAHS Learning & Development Division

The GWAHS Learning & Development team provides and supports professional development opportunities for Area Health Service staff.

Learning & Development in partnership with external training providers and GWAHS staff have secured funding from a variety of sources to meet the challenge of growing our own to better meet the needs of our community. This has included participation in the Commonwealth Workplace English Language and Literacy Program.

As part of this Learning and Development and partners are: • Using recognition, assessment and learning pathways to enable staff to gain nationally recognised qualifications. • Developing our staff and expanding their career options. • Benchmarking across facilities to increase consistency and quality of service provision. • Increasing the uptake of Apprenticeships and Traineeships GWAHS and L&D both through partnerships with other RTOs and as a part of the NSW Health RTO offers an increased range of VET programs.

L&D is currently expanding its scope of practice and exploring additional partnerships to increase capapcity in line with workforce planning and organisational needs.

Preliminary evaluation of the overall strategy has shown that staff appreciate the skills recognition and workplace support and are open to career development opportunities. Some taking up roles in supervision and assessment and alternate career pathways within GWAHS. This strategy aims to improve staff retention and skills and contribute to the building of a positive workplace culture within GWAHS.

The Learning & Development Calendar can be accessed via http://gwahs/index.php?select=Learning_and_Development&option=program

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The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST)

The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST) was formed in 2003 following recommendations from the NSW Health Plan (2002). It aims to support rural clinicians across all stages of their careers and promote good practice in rural health service delivery.

It is a "virtual institute" with staff working across NSW. The current Executive Director, Ms Linda Cutler, is based in Dubbo.

IRCST provides a range of opportunities to rural and remote health staff:

• NSW Rural Research Capacity Building Program – each year IRCST accepts up to 30 candidates from rural and remote area health services to undertake a research project. Successful candidates participate in a research methods short course, conducted in Sydney by the NSW Primary Health Care Collaboration; are provided with a paid backfill day each week for a two year period; and are linked with mentors who have an interest or experience in the topic or methods required for the project. Applications are usually called in May each year. • NSW Health Awards Sponsorship – each year IRCST sponsors up to 40 rural and remote health staff to attend the Health Expo which exposes them to a range of continuous quality improvement projects from across the state.

IRCST also conducts a major conference, in a rural location, each year: • NSW Rural Allied Health Conference – held in Dubbo during October 2007, this conference attracts allied health professionals from rural and remote NSW to share valuable experiences and raise issues facing allied health practitioners. This conference is held biennially. • NSW Rural and Remote Health Conference – held in during November 2008, this conference attracts health professionals from a range of disciplines, with a view to working together to improve rural and remote health and health services. This conference is held biennially.

Some of IRCST’s other projects include:

• NSW Rural Stroke Project • NSW Rural Rehabilitation Clinician Network Project • NSW Rural Allied Health Project • Biostatistician Trainee • Chair in Rural Pharmacy

From time to time IRCST calls for submissions for research or service improvement projects which meet the objectives of the IRCST business plan.

The IRCST website provides additional information on all of the above, as well as any emerging projects. You can also sign up to the IRCST webgroup, and you’ll be notified of upcoming events, funding opportunities, sponsorships and new initiatives. Log onto: www.ircst.health.nsw.gov.au

or for additional information contact the Office of the Executive Director on (02) 6841 2271.

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Acknowledgements

The following people/organisations or groups contributed to the development of these booklets and their input is acknowledged with thanks.

Tourism NSW Warrumbungles Shire Council Walkabout Australian Travel Guide Coonabarabran Tourist Information Centre Dunedoo Tourist Information Centre Coolah Tourist Information Centre Staff and Management from Baradine Multi Purpose Service Staff and Management from Coonabarabran Hospital Staff and Management from Coolah Multi Purpose Service Staff and Management from Dunedoo Hospital Arts Out West Arts

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