History of the Far West
The history of the Far West is a tale entwined with triumphs and trials. The establishment of the region can be credited to a series of expeditions and the discovery of a rich ore-body. It is important that respect is given to the Aboriginal people who lived on the land for many years before European settlement.
1835:
Major Thomas Mitchell is the first European surveyor and explorer to visit the area.
1860:
Burke and WIlls visit Menindee on their search for the Gulf of Carpentaria.
1866:
Wilcannia is established as a post on the upper Darling River.
1869:
Postmaster and Storekeeper, George Brown Williamson, purchases 40 acres of land from the Waiko pastoral run which would become known as the township of Ivanhoe.
1881:
After the discovery of gold in the area, the warden of the goldfields establishes the township of 'Tibooburra'.
1883:
Boundary rider, Charles Rasp, discovers Broken Hill. He identified what he believed to be tin in the area, which would later prove to be samples of silver and lead coming from an ore-body that would become one the largest of its it kind in the world.
1883:
Silverton is established as a result of the discovery of silver and lead deposits in the area.
1884:
Australia's first commercial opal field is discovered which would soon be known as White Cliffs,
1885:
The Syndicate of Seven form Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP), which is known today as Australia's largest corporate body.
1915:
The Battle of Broken Hill, the only enemy attack on Australian soil in WWI, takes place. This attack saw a Silverton-bound train fired upon by two men in an ice cream cart flying a Turkish flag.
1919:
The 'Great Strike', a mining union movement, launches lasting approximately 18 months, leading to the formation of the Barrier Industrial Council.
1954:
Queen Elizabeth visits Broken Hill, broadcasting a message to the Flying Doctor's outback network.
1960:
The Menindee Lakes Storage Scheme opens, aiming to provide a continuous supply of water to the region.
1971:
The Australian classic, Wake in Fright, that was filmed in Broken Hill is released, signifying the opening of the region as a backdrop for art and media.
EXPERIENCE
THE FAR WEST
Far West New South Wales is a photographer’s dream that must be seen to be believed.
