Unveiling the centenary plaque were George Rathbone, Murray River Councillor Dennis Gleeson and June Lowry.
The township of Wakool was celebrated in style at the weekend, with hundreds returning home for centenary celebrations.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Wakool Community Progress Group organised event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the settlement of Wakool, and the construction of the Riverina Rail Line from Moama to Balranald, via Wakool.
White man first occupied Wakool country some 139 years ago — Werai Station by the Gwynne Brothers in 1842; Tulla by EB Green in 1849, and North Wakool by C Throsby in 1850.
Under the terms of the Border Railway Agreement in 1923, some large holdings were compelled to subdivide.
This increased the population as far as resident landholders were concerned, and with the construction of the railway line in 1925, the site for Wakool township began.
A plaque commemorating this event was unveiled during the weekend’s celebrations, which event co-organiser Anne Hamilton said attracted about 400 people along.
The plaque commemorating Wakool's centenary.
The plaque was possible thanks to support from Murray Irrigation.
“We also had a great display in the hall of photos and memorabilia, and displays of old cars, tractors, boats, and more,“ Ms Hamilton said.
“Donway Caravans also has displays of their Wakool range of caravans. While the name is a coincidence, once they heard about our celebrations they asked to be involved.
“Guests were given maps on other locations to visit where other displays were found, and there were but trips out to Tullakool where there was a great display in the hall.”
Saturday night’s dinner including the dedication of the newly upgrades and renamed Golden Hawks Auditorium at the Wakool Services Club, now decorated with up-to-date Wakool Golden Hawks memorabilia.
A panel of long-time residents helped bring life to Saturday's dinner.
The 185 dinner guests also hear tales old and new from some of the town’s most settle residents - Kathleen Mathers, Jill Robinson, George Rathbone and Kingsley Green.
“There was overwhelming appreciation from people who came back for the celebrations. Some of them had not been here since leaving as children.
“Everyone loved the photo book we had made, and we’re looking at getting more copies printed if there’s enough interest.
“Jason Greatorex wrote a song about Wakool for the celebrations. It’s just amazing and includes everything you know about Wakool, and a CD can be purchased.
“Community members really came together, and I have to give a shout-out to Christine Dartnell who has helped with research, organisation and the weekend. I could not have done it without all the help.”
Tullakool Hall land manager Dianne Doyle said it was a thrill to be involved in the Wakool celebration, which allowed them to unveil recent renovations.
“We welcomed over 140 people to the Tullakool Hall for afternoon tea and a walk-through time with our displays.
“We enjoyed an amazing display of our Tullakool history through photo tables and memorabilia, showing the story of the Tulla Station Subdivisional sale 1925 and the early settlements, the Wakool Domestic & Stock Water Supply and Irrigation District 1941, the history of the Wakool Rice Growing Project 1942, the Tullakool Prisoner of War Internment Campsite, the Tullakool Soldier Settlement Ballot 1947, the Tullakool township including the school, the hall and streets, the history of rice growing and agriculture in the area as well as displays of toys, household and farming equipment.”
The new-look and renamed Golden Hawks Auditorium was the location of the dinner.
12°C