West Wyalong is the main town of the Bland Shire in the northern Riverina region of western New South Wales, Australia. In the 2021 Census, West Wyalong's population was 3,037.

Located west of Sydney as well as being above sea level, it is situated on the crossroads of the Newell Highway between Melbourne and Brisbane, and the Mid-Western Highway between Sydney and Adelaide.

The West Wyalong district is the largest cereal-growing centre in NSW. Eucalyptus oil production started in 1907 and the West Wyalong area became one of the major world exporters of the product.

History

Indigenous history

The Wiradjuri people were the first to inhabit this region. (Wiradjuri northern dialect pronunciation [wiraːjd̪uːraj]) or Wirraayjuurray people (Wiradjuri southern dialect pronunciation [wiraːjɟuːraj]) are a group of indigenous Australian Aboriginal people that were united by a common language, strong ties of kinship and survived as skilled hunter–fisher–gatherers in family groups or clans scattered throughout central New South Wales.

The name Wyalong comes from the Wiradjuri name Waaylang, meaning hard shelled nut. This refers to the quandong seed, which was ground and used for flour, and is still found in the area.

In the 21st century, major Wiradjuri groups live in Condobolin, Peak Hill, Narrandera and Griffith. There are significant populations at Wagga Wagga, Lake Cargelligo and Leeton and smaller groups at West Wyalong, Parkes, Dubbo, Forbes, Cootamundra, Cowra and Young.

Gold rush

Gold was discovered at Wyalong in September 1893 by Joseph Neeld. In 1895 West Wyalong was developed from Wyalong around the bullock track, without the benefit of town planning, resulting in curious kinks in the road where it avoided trees. As well as the mines, the White Tank water supply was located here. This is now the location of McCann Park.

thumb|West Wyalong Anglican Church

Places of interest

  • The Poppet Head
  • Lions Park Dakota DC3
  • West Wyalong Museum
  • The Sister Kissing Booth
  • West Wyalong Airport
  • Easel sculpture of West Wyalong (Drysdale)
  • Wyalong Wetlands
  • Tivoli Theatre

Schools

  • St Mary's War Memorial Catholic School (K–6) – The original St. Mary's Church School was built in 1901 of corrugated iron and staffed by the Sisters of Mercy. By 1903 there were 167 students. The present St. Mary's School was built in 1961.
  • West Wyalong Primary School (K–6)
  • West Wyalong High School (7–12)
  • Wyalong Public School (K–6)

Sport

The most popular sport in West Wyalong is rugby league. The Goldfields Rugby League was established in 1911, and, along with Tamworth and Wollongong, was one of the first leagues outside of Sydney and Newcastle.

The town hosts a number of different sports club, catering for both adults and junior players.

  • West Wyalong Mallee Men – rugby league and competes in the Group 20 Rugby League competition.
  • West Wyalong-Girral Bulldogs – Australian rules football & netball and competes in the Northern Riverina Football League
  • West Wyalong Weevils – senior rugby union
  • West Wyalong Pirates – junior rugby union
  • West Wyalong Wildcats – (basketball)
  • Alleena Cricket Club – cricket
  • Tallimba Cricket Club – cricket
  • White Tank Cricket Club – cricket

Annual shows and events

January

  • Australia Day Breakfast and Awards (26th), West Wyalong
  • David Earl Memorial Cricket Match, West Wyalong printed on Fridays. It also services nearby towns including Ungarie and Barmedman.

94.5 GOLD FM is West Wyalong's community radio station. It is an independent not-for-profit community broadcaster founded in 2001.

West Wyalong Movies is a project by Ross Harmer aimed at documenting the history of West Wyalong and The Bland Shire.

Surrounding towns

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|• Burcher || ()

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|• Tallimba || ()

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|• Ungarie || ()

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|• Weethalle || ()

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|• Wyalong || ()

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References

  • Bland Shire Council