Girgarre, Victoria
| Girgarre Victoria | |
|---|---|
 Memorial Hall | |
  Girgarre | |
| Coordinates | 36°23′56″S 144°58′51″E / 36.39889°S 144.98083°ECoordinates: 36°23′56″S 144°58′51″E / 36.39889°S 144.98083°E |
| Population | 593 (2011 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 3624 |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Shire of Campaspe |
| State electorate(s) | Euroa |
| Federal Division(s) | Murray |
Girgarre is a small town in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, Australia. It is in the Shire of Campaspe local government area. At the 2011 census, Girgarre and surrounding area had a population of 593.[1]
History
The Post Office opened on 21 May 1917 as Stanhope North and was renamed Girgarre in 1920.[2]
Girgarre Kindergarten was established in 1964. It has operated out of several locations within the town. Currently the kindergarten operates out of the old Primary Schools Principals Home. The Kindergarten is celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2014 with several events planned throughout the year.
The Girgarre Community Centre was established in 1984 and is operated by the Girgarre Community Group Inc. A not for profit organisation that operates largely through the significant contribution of volunteers.
Today
The main industry in Girgarre is dairying, mainly on family owned farms.
Girgarre has a primary school, kindergarten, milk bar/post office, and a V/Line bus stop. It is 18.9 km and 17 minutes drive from the larger town of Kyabram, and 38.6 km and 33 minutes drive to Shepparton.
Girgarre has been home to a large Heinz factory, a significant regional employer. Waste water from the factory was made available for farmers for irrigation and stock use.
On 27 May 2011 Heinz announced it would close the Girgarre factory with a loss of 146 jobs.[3] Heinz also announced job losses for its factories in Northgate (Brisbane), and Wagga Wagga.[4] Heinz said it expected to complete the lay offs within 12 months.[3] Heinz factory has been sold to a food recycling animal foods processor. When factory is operational will employ approximately 30 workers.
Sport plays a vital role in providing an exercise outlet for the town with many locals members of the local football, cricket, tennis and netball clubs. Girgarre Football Club (the "Kangaroos") is the local football team.
One of the most popular additions to the town in the past three years as been a local farmers market. The market is held on the second Sunday of every month. Hundreds of people come from near and far to shop at the market which features excellent range local produce, crafts and a well attended popular live poultry auction. The market is held in the park at the rear of the Town Hall.
The Town has a Community Cottage which works hard to provide services that are needed within the town, provide training opportunities and produces the local newspaper the Girgarre Gazette. The Gazette is produced monthly with features including local news and news from the wider district and the state. The Girgarre Community Cottage operates the Community Car, which ensures people within the district are able to attend appointments - both locally and in Bendigo and Melbourne. The car is driven by volunteers. The community has a very strong sense of self and has a strong volunteer base.
References
- 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Girgarre (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Retrieved 2008-04-11.
- 1 2 "Heinz Australia announces productivity initiatives to accelerate future growth" (Press release). Heinz Australia. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
- ↑ Gearin, Mary (27 May 2011). "Heinz slashes jobs across Australia". World Today. ABC Radio National. Retrieved 27 May 2011.