Population 922 (2011 census) Postal code 2712 | Postcode(s) 2712 County Denison Elevation 119 m Local time Sunday 10:18 AM | |
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Location 647 km (402 mi) SW of Sydney302 km (188 mi) N of Melbourne122 km (76 mi) W of Albury36 km (22 mi) N of Cobram22 km (14 mi) E of Finley Weather 26°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 50% Humidity | ||
Berrigan /ˈbɛriːɡən/ is a town on the Riverina Highway in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. Berrigan is in the Berrigan Shire local government area and contains the Berrigan Shire Council offices. At the 2011 census, Berrigan had a population of 922.
Contents
Map of Berrigan NSW 2712, Australia
History
Berrigan Post Office opened on 11 May 1884.
Because of its location near the border with Victoria, Berrigan was one of the pioneers in the push for an Australian Federation. It was at the suggestion of the Berrigan Australian Natives' Association that the first meeting of the Federation League was held. Due to its centrality, the meeting was held in Corowa.
It is also the birthplace of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.
Education
Berrigan has both a state and Catholic primary school. The nearest high school is in Finley, 22 kilometres (14 mi) to the west. Oaklands has a Central School, that is a part of the Riverina Access Partnership.
Sport
Popular sports in Berrigan include Australian rules football (the town has a team competing in the Picola & District Football League), netball, golf, bowls, and tennis. Horse racing is also popular, with the Berrigan Gold Cup — held on the same day as the Victoria Derby — attracting a large crowd.
Other attractions
The Berrigan Canola festival is held annually in early September. Also held annually is the Berrigan Agricultural Show - Sunday of the October long weekend. It is also close to the Murray River communities of Barooga and Tocumwal.
Once a thriving town with four pubs and the golf club, it has since been reduced to two pubs and the club.
The aging population is well catered for in such a small town, with world class hospice and respite facilities provided. While the town thrives on the farming income generated in the district, it is a very modern, and family-friendly town. In 2013, an Alzheimer's wing was opened, catering to the numerous residents suffering from the disease.