Glenthompson, Victoria
| Glenthompson Victoria | |
|---|---|
 Western approach to Glenthompson on Glenelg Highway | |
  Glenthompson | |
| Coordinates | 37°38′0″S 142°32′0″E / 37.63333°S 142.53333°ECoordinates: 37°38′0″S 142°32′0″E / 37.63333°S 142.53333°E |
| Population | 274 (2006 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 3293 |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Southern Grampians |
| State electorate(s) | Lowan |
| Federal Division(s) | Division of Wannon |
Glenthompson is a town in the Australian state of Victoria. It lies on the Glenelg Highway between Hamilton and Ballarat, close to the Grampian mountain range. At the 2006 census, Glenthompson and the surrounding area had a population of 274.[1]
Its most notable landmark is the tall brickworks chimney that is also the symbol of what was the township's main industry for a period of time, as it provided bricks for regional buildings constructed in the post-war era. .[2]
Originally, a small township named Yuppekiar was built approximately five kilometres away, but it was moved to the present site of Glenthompson because of the construction of the railway linking Ballarat and Hamilton. The Post Office opened on November 1, 1866 as Glenthompson, was known for some months in 1872 as Yuppeckiar before reverting to Glenthompson.[3]
Glenthompson is distinctive in that the town's hotel, Mac's Hotel, was built across the road from the railway station, some distance from the main road, unlike other country pubs in towns of a similar size, highlighting the importance of the railway in the town's development. The hotel closed in 2013.
Nowadays it is a very quiet country town that serves as a minor transport and services hub for the surrounding farming district.
The town, in conjunction with nearby township Dunkeld, has an Australian Rules football team, Glenthompson-Dunkeld, competing in the Mininera & District Football League. In 2010, the team won the league Premiership.
Rose Cottage in McLennan Street was first built in 1850 and was used for business as a blacksmith, the local bakery, and the front room for dress making and alteration.
In 1996 the residents got together and started a History Group known as Glenthompson Historical Group Inc. which operates a museum out of the former Glenthompson Railway Station. The History Centre is open to visit on Sundays and Public Holidays from 12pm.
References
- 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Glenthompson (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 2007-08-04.
- ↑ "Custom Kiln Fired Sold Pressed Clay House Bricks from Glenthompson Bricks". www.glenthompsonbricks.com.au. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Retrieved 2008-04-11.
External links
Media related to Glenthompson, Victoria at Wikimedia Commons