Population 274 (2006 census) Local time Wednesday 8:16 AM | Postcode(s) 3293 Postal code 3293 | |
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Location 267 km (166 mi) W of Melbourne60 km (37 mi) SW of Ararat50 km (31 mi) NE of Hamilton18 km (11 mi) E of Dunkeld Weather 19°C, Wind N at 24 km/h, 67% Humidity | ||
Glenthompson is a town in the Australian state of Victoria. It lies on the Glenelg Highway between Hamilton and Ballarat, close to the Grampian mountain range. At the 2006 census, Glenthompson and the surrounding area had a population of 274.
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Map of Glenthompson VIC 3293, Australia
Its most notable landmark is the tall brickworks chimney that is also the symbol of what was the township's main industry for a period of time, as it provided bricks for regional buildings constructed in the post-war era.
History
Originally, a small township named Yuppekiar was built approximately five kilometres away, but it was moved to the present site of Glenthompson because of the construction of the railway linking Ballarat and Hamilton. The Post Office opened on November 1, 1866 as Glenthompson, was known for some months in 1872 as Yuppeckiar before reverting to Glenthompson.
Pastoral settlement in the Glenthompson area began in 1848, and the subdivision of the land began in 1853. One of the resulting portions was the Glenronald property (which may be the source of the first part of the towns name, with the second part believed to have come from the name of a surveyor or local land owner).
Nowadays it is a very quiet country town that serves as a minor transport and services hub for the surrounding farming district.
Amenities
Glenthompson is distinctive in that the town's hotel, Mac's Hotel, was built across the road from the railway station, some distance from the main road, unlike other country pubs in towns of a similar size, highlighting the importance of the railway in the town's development. The hotel closed in 2013.
Rose Cottage in McLennan Street was first built in 1850 and was used for business as a blacksmith, the local bakery, and the front room for dress making and alteration.
In 1996 the residents got together and started a History Group known as Glenthompson Historical Group Inc. which operates a museum out of the former Glenthompson Railway Station. The History Centre is open to visit on Sundays and Public Holidays from 12pm.
Sport
The town, in conjunction with nearby township Dunkeld, has an Australian Rules football team, Glenthompson-Dunkeld, competing in the Mininera & District Football League (MDFL). In 2010, the team won the league Premiership.
Prior to 2004, the Glenthompson Football Club had competed in the MDFL for more than half a century. The club had secured senior premierships in 1969, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1985.
Education
The first school was opened in 1868. This was rebuilt in 1902, featuring a steeped structure. In the same year, a Mechanics' Institute was opened.
There is currently a school that operates that is a campus of the Dunkeld Consolidated school.