Population 2,786 (2011 census) LGA(s) Nambucca Shire Elevation 3 m Local time Friday 5:23 PM | Postcode(s) 2447 State electorate(s) Oxley Postal code 2447 Federal division Division of Cowper | |
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Location 502 km (312 mi) from Sydney Weather 23°C, Wind S at 32 km/h, 76% Humidity | ||
Macksville is a small town on the Nambucca River in Nambucca Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.
Contents
- Map of Macksville NSW 2447 Australia
- Town information
- History
- Media and communications
- Sport and recreation
- Notable people
- Schools
- Culture events and festivals
- Transportation
- References
Map of Macksville NSW 2447, Australia
Town information
At the 2011 census, Macksville had a population of 2,786, despite the sign at the entrance to the town claiming a population of 7000. This included 144 (6.7%) indigenous persons and 1,854 (86%) others born in Australia.
It is home to the Macksville Bridge and Star Hotel, located on River Street and overlooking the Nambucca River. The Nambucca Shire Council chambers are located in Macksville.
History
Macksville was named after Angus Mackay and Hugh McNally, who built the Star Hotel in 1885. The town became Macks Village before changing to Macksville.
Nambucca Post Office opened on 1 August 1868 and was renamed Macksville in 1889.
Australian Test cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was born and raised in Macksville, was struck on the neck by a cricket ball in a Sheffield Shield match in November 2014, and died several days later. The funeral, held at Macksville High School, brought global attention to the quiet country town.
Media and communications
Radio stations accessible in Macksville include 2CS-FM (106.3), Star FM (105.5 & 105.1), 2MC-FM (106.7) and Triple J (91.5 & 96.3). There is also a Nambucca Valley community radio station (Website 2NVR 105.9FM) 2nvr.org.au which focuses on the Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads and surrounding communities. Local papers include the Midcoast Observer, Hibiscus Happynings, and Guardian News. There is no local television stations but all major free-to-air networks broadcast to the town.
Sport and recreation
Macksville has a strong sporting history. Each November it holds NSW's oldest professional foot race, the 120m Macksville Gift. The 2015 and 62nd Macksville Gift winner was Olympic hopeful Aaron Stubbs running off a handicap of 3.5 metres. Aaron was the backmarker for the carnival. The 2015 Gift Carnival also included the 5th World Banana Hurl Championship. The longest throw on the day was from Tim Eschebach with a throw of 61.88 metres (2011 record 65.99m). Macksville is known for its passion for rugby league and has been the home of Group 2 Rugby League club Macksville Sea Eagles since 1912. Between 2002 and 2007 Macksville won five Group 2 titles.
Notable people
Schools
Culture, events and festivals
Macksville holds an annual show. The Macksville Show is held on the last weekend in April. The showground also hosts a range of other events throughout the year including cattle sales, the "Rusty Iron Rally" and "Pro-Ag". Since 2013 Macksville has held a river festival that includes fireworks, music, magical floating lanterns and show rides. It is organised by both Macksville and Nambucca Rotary Clubs. A new riverside stage was constructed for the 2015 event. In 2016 the event was discontinued due to being financially unviable.
Transportation
It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Highway. The town is scheduled to be bypassed in 2017. Macksville railway station is on North Coast railway line.