Kambalda (at Kalgoorlie)
Kambalda is a small mining town about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the mining city of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, within the Goldfields. It is split into two townsites 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) apart, Kambalda East and Kambalda West; and is located on the western edge of a giant salt lake, Lake Lefroy. At the last census, Kambalda had a combined population of 2,468.[a]
Kambalda was established in 1897 at the base of nearby Red Hill during a mining boom when prospectors from all over Western Australia came into the area. The location owed its existence to Percy Larkin, a prospector who discovered gold in the vicinity. For many years Kambalda was mined for its gold but soon after nickel was discovered.[1][2]
History
Kambalda is situated in a semi-arid environment on the land of the Galaagu people, approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) southeast of Coolgardie and 616 kilometres (383 mi) east of Perth. Kambalda's determination to keep as much native flora as possible separates them from other similar mining towns. Kambalda West is approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) from Kambalda East and is the location of the tourist bureau and the shire offices.[3][4]
The original settlement of Kambalda grew up in the area after Percy Larkin discovered gold in December 1896.[5] The town was officially gazetted on 10 December 1897 and laid out by the Government surveyor W. Rowley, who chose the name Kambalda.[6] The Red Hill Gold Mine, which began operations in 1897, was relatively short-lived. It was closed by 1907 and the small settlement had become a ghost town. One memory of the original town is the old well in George Cowcill Street.[7]
New interest in the area occurred in 1954 when George Cowcill took samples of what he thought was uranium. Later analysis found large deposits of nickel and by 1966 Western Mining Corporation had established Australia's first nickel mine. It is fair to describe Kambalda East and Kambalda West as Australia's first nickel mining towns. Apart from the Red Hill Lookout with its views over Lake Lefroy, and the opportunity to drive across the causeway, the town offers historical attractions and modern amenities, with a 24-hour RV stop area, shops and a skate park. Kambalda is known for its feral goats.[8]
Narromine (At Cowra)
Narromine (/næroʊmaɪn/) is a rural Australian town located approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Dubbo in the Orana region of New South Wales. The town is at the centre of Narromine Shire. The 2016 census recorded a population of 3,528.[4] Narromine holds strong historical ties to the Australian Military, as it was the location of RAAF No.19 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD) during World War II. The base contributed to the preparation of troops through a training organisation known as the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). The town was one of twelve locations for the No.5 Elementary Flying Training School RAAF in 1940.[5]
The town and its district was formed on traditional Wiradjuri country, one of the largest Indigenous populations in central New South Wales. The Macquarie River passes through the town. The Mitchell Highway, named after the early explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell, is the main road from Dubbo to the West and also passes through Narromine. Prior to settlement in the early 1800s, Wiradjuri tribes occupied much of the land between Wambool/Wambuul (renamed the Macquarie River by late settlers), the Kalar (the Lachlan River) and the Murrumbidgerie (Murrumbidgee River).[6] In December 2021, the NSW government restored its traditional name and formally assigned the name Wambuul to the riverbed of the Macquarie River.[7] The term Wambuul means 'winding river' in Wiradjuri language and both names are recognised with equal status.
Narromine district has a history of flooding, with the largest flood recorded in 1926. Multiple plant and animal species are found within the Narromine district and is home to many iconic Australian species. Situated in the Murray-Darling Basin region, Narromine's agricultural land is used for many dryland and irrigated agricultural activities.[8] Although Narromine is one of the main growing regions for cotton in the Central West district of New South Wales,[8] the production of beans, wheat and grain, as well as livestock products including wool, mutton, lamb and beef are all common. The Burrendong Dam has facilitated irrigation schemes that have greatly aided local agriculture in the town and its surrounding districts.[9] The town's rural history has organically bought tourism to the area, with the Narromine Aviation Museum, Aero Club and Mungery Picnic Races being highlight attractions. Rugby teams are represented by the Narromine Jets and Narromine Gorillas.
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