Population 1,662 (2011 census) LGA(s) Shire of Hindmarsh Postal code 3414 Federal division Division of Mallee | Postcode(s) 3414 State electorate(s) Lowan Local time Wednesday 6:38 AM | |
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Location 337 km (209 mi) from Melbourne
391 km (243 mi) from Adelaide
39 km (24 mi) from Horsham
39 km (24 mi) from Nhill Weather 15°C, Wind E at 13 km/h, 71% Humidity | ||
Dimboola is a town in the Shire of Hindmarsh in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, Australia, 334 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
Contents
Map of Dimboola VIC 3414, Australia
History
Situated on the Wimmera River , Dimboola was previously known as 'Nine Creeks'. Following a survey conducted in late 1862 by contractor Frederick Smith of Ararat, a plan for a township in the County of Dimboola was proposed. It was first recognised as being a township when mentioned in the April 1863 edition of the Government Gazette. At the 2011 census Dimboola had a population of 1,662.
Before the arrival of white people into the district, the Aborigines called the area Watchegatcheca which had the meaning 'Wattle Tree and White Cockatoos'. The name 'Dimboola' has generally been accepted to have come from the Sinhalese word "dimbula" meaning 'Land of Figs'. The name came from the District Surveyor of the time John George Winchester Wilmot, who had previously lived in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The relationship of the name to this area is suggested to have come from 'Upper Regions Station' where an abundance of fruit trees grew in the garden, many of which were figs.
The Post Office opened on 3 April 1863, but was known as Nine Creeks until 1869.
Dimboola's economy is predominantly rural, with wheat, sheep and timber being traditionally important. There have been recent forays into emu and alpaca rearing and olive plantations.
Paintings of Dimboola landscapes by noted Australian painter Sidney Nolan, who was stationed in the area while on army duty in World War II, can be found in the National Gallery of Victoria. Dimboola is also the setting of the play (and subsequent film) Dimboola by Jack Hibberd.
Distinguished Australian-British physicist Richard Dalitz was born in Dimboola.
The Dimboola Show is held on the third Thursday in Oct and coincides with Caulfield Cup Day.
Education
There is a range of education options available in Dimboola. There is one kindergarten, two primary schools and one secondary college.
St Peter's Primary School and Dimboola Primary School are the two primary education providers.
The town's secondary college is the only purpose-built memorial secondary college in Victoria, Australia, hence its name, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College. It offers VCE and VCAL courses for senior year levels and currently has an enrolment of around 200 students.
Transport
Vline coach services depart from the rear of the Old Shire Hall in Lloyd Street. These travel to both Melbourne and Adelaide.
The Dimboola railway station used to have The Overland passenger rail services between Melbourne and Adelaide, twice weekly in each direction.
Sport
Dimboola has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Wimmera Football League.
Other sports clubs include hockey, tennis, netball, rowing and badminton.
Golfers play at the Dimboola Golf Club on Riverside.
Dimboola is home to a state-of-the-art synthetic hockey pitch lined for both hockey and tennis.