Grenfell

Temperatures (average): 21-29C summer, 10-15C winter

In the period 1870-71, Grenfell was producing more gold than any other town in Australia. Many towns have a gold heritage, but they do not hold records like that. In fact, gold even influenced the naming of the town. Originally called Emu Creek, the town was renamed after a gold commissioner murdered by bushrangers.

Which leads us to another interesting point in history... bushrangers. Where there is gold, and in Grenfell's case a lot of it, there is bushrangers. One of Australia's most famous bushrangers, Ben Hall, resided nearby, in what is now know as the Weddin Mountains National Park. In 1862, Ben Hall pulled off what was at that time the greatest robbery in Australia's history. His ill-gotten gains were never recovered, and rumour has it, this treasure is still buried somewhere in the Weddin Mountains.

And while we are on the subject of history, Grenfell boasts as one of its sons, Henry Lawson, one of Australia's most famous poets and short story writers. A monument marks where Lawson was believed to have been born, in a tent on the goldfields.

For a small town, there are so many historical features that one will not be bored. But does this town have anything to offer an investor or those contemplating moving there?

CLIMATE

As is typical of western towns, winter can get cold and summer can get hot. But you cannot say every day in summer and winter is like that. Many days in those seasons are perfect, as are autumn and spring.

Water does not seem to be a problem. The usual precautions apply with the use of this precious commodity, but average rainfall is sufficient for most people.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Annual events include:

• Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts
  
  
• Guinea Pig Races (twice yearly)
  
  
• Car and Bike Show
  
  
• Agricultural Show
  
  
• Weddin Mountain Muster
  
  
• Amateur Country Music Festival

If we could pick one event to definitely be a part of, it is the Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts. We had the pleasure of being in attendance for the 2006 festival. Unfortunately it rained, but the farmers loved that. The festival has a procession, many other activities around town. And what is basically part of the festival, the Pinnacle Guinea Pig Races. Childhood memories of the pigs racing, with the day concluding with a bush band, are not forgotten.

The main sport supported in town is rugby league. The local team is the goannas. But like most locations, no matter what sport interests you, that sport is no doubt played here.

As noted in the introduction, Grenfell is steeped in history. The town has a museum in Camp Street, which in our opinion, is one of the best museums in Australia. Not surprising really since there is so much local history that can be drawn on.

For more history, it is worth walking down George Street. This used to be the main street, until fire destroyed some of the buildings. Fortunately, many old buildings remain, most dating to the 19th century.

TOWN SERVICES

Schools. There is one high school, known as The Henry Lawson High School. The town also has one public primary school and one private primary school. A TAFE campus is located near ST Joseph's Primary School.

Health. Three doctors have practices in town. There is also a local hospital. Larger facilities are available in Cowra, only half an hour away.

Shops. The main shopping street is called, funny enough, Main Street. A number of very old buildings are in the street, particularly the hotels, of which there is five. The regular conveniences are available. Larger shops can be found in Cowra, Forbes and Young, none of which are far away.

GRENFELL AREA

The countryside around town is very pretty, with undulating hills, mountains, forested areas, and of course farms. The stand out feature is the Weddin Mountains.

The Weddin Mountains are not far out of town, on the road to West Wyalong. As noted above, the mountains had an infamous resident, in Ben Hall. Located in the mountains is Ben Hall's Cave, which well marked signs will direct you to. Another two walks will lead you to lookouts over the countryside. Two rare birds inhabit these mountains, the Peregrine Falcon and Turquoise Parrot.

Would you expect to see a castle in rural New South Wales? Well, there is one, near Greenthorpe. Iandra Castle is more akin to the English countryside, not Australia's. But there it is in all its glory, and is available for tours. Being such a large construction, it can be seen from quite a distance away.

As also noted above, many towns with their own attractions are located near Grenfell, being Young, Cowra and Forbes.

If you would like to learn more about what Grenfell has to offer, for both the tourist and those interested in moving to the town, please contact Grenfell Tourism and Economic Development for more information. We found them very helpful and we are sure you will also.

Why can we speak so positively of Grenfell? One of our writers lived there for 11 years, so we have first hand knowledge of the town.

Want to see a map of Grenfell?

ECONOMICS

Employment. The current unemployment rate in the Weddin Shire area is below 4.5%, well below the Australian average. Employment is growing in particular in manufacturing, education and community services and a strong demand exists for most trades. Many services are underrepresented in the shire. Contact the council for more comprehensive information.

The population history of Grenfell was typical of smaller rural communities, with steadily declining population. However, the local council has been proactive to reverse this trend, promoting the town as an appealing place to live, especially in comparison with the high cost-of-living capital cities. The result has been that the population of the town has started to increase. This will bring economic benefits to the whole community.

The Weddin Shire Council has in place an incentive policy to stimulate business growth in the shire. For expanding local business there are some handsome incentives worth considering if you are going to operate a business locally. Please contact the council for further information.

Investing. More information soon. Search here for real estate or rental properties available in the area.

Are there any comments you would like to add to our discussion above? Any photos you would like to contribute? Please let us know.