Macksville, New South Wales

Macksville is a small town on the Nambucca River in the Nambucca Valley, New South Wales, Australia. It is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, along the Pacific Highway, approximately 40 minutes north of Kempsey, 40 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, 1 hour 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie, 5 hours south of Brisbane and 5 hours north of Sydney.

"Macksville" redirects here. For the town in the midwestern United States, see Macksville, Kansas. For the town in West Virginia, see Macksville, West Virginia.

Macksville
New South Wales
Macksville
Coordinates30°43′0″S 152°55′0″E
Population2,785 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)2447
Elevation3 m (10 ft)
Location471 km (293 mi) from Sydney
LGA(s)Nambucca Valley Council
State electorate(s)Oxley
Federal Division(s)Cowper

Demographics

At the 2016 census, Macksville had a population of 2,785,[1] despite the sign at the entrance to the town claiming a population of 7000. This included 236 (8.5%) Indigenous persons and 2,302 (83%) others born in Australia.

Facilities

It is home to the Macksville Bridge, Macksville RSL, and Star Hotel, located on River Street and overlooking the Nambucca River. The Nambucca Valley Council chambers are located in Macksville.

History

Macksville was named after Angus Mackay and Hugh McNally, who built the Star Hotel in 1885.[2] The town became Macks Village before changing to Macksville.

Nambucca Post Office opened on 1 August 1868 and was renamed Macksville in 1889.[3]

Australian Test cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was born and raised in Macksville, was struck on the neck by a cricket ball in a Sheffield Shield match in November 2014, and died several days later. The funeral, held at Macksville High School, brought global attention to the quiet country town.[4] In December 2017, the Pacific highway bridge bypassing the town, over the Nambucca River, was named in his honour.[5]

Heritage listings

Macksville has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

Media

Radio stations accessible in Macksville include Triple M (2CS-FM 106.3 and 2MC-FM 106.7), hit (105.5 & 105.1) and Triple J (91.5 & 96.3). There is also a Nambucca Valley community radio station (2NVR 105.9FM) which focuses on the Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads and surrounding communities.[8] Local papers include the Midcoast Observer, Hibiscus Happynings and Guardian News. There are no local television stations but all major free-to-air networks broadcast to the town.

Sport and recreation

Macksville has a strong sporting history. Each November it holds NSW's oldest professional foot race, the 120m Macksville Gift.

Macksville is known for its passion for rugby league and has been the home of Group 2 Rugby League club Macksville Sea Eagles since 1912. Between 2002 and 2007 Macksville won five Group 2 titles.

Notable people

Schools

Culture, events and festivals

Macksville holds an annual show. The Macksville Show is held on the last weekend in April. The showground also hosts a range of other events throughout the year including cattle sales, the "Rusty Iron Rally" and "Pro-Ag". Since 2013 Macksville has held a river festival that includes fireworks, music, magical floating lanterns and show rides. It is organised by both Macksville and Nambucca Rotary Clubs. A new riverside stage was constructed for the 2015 event. In 2016 the event was discontinued due to being financially unviable.

Transportation

Macksville is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Highway. The town was bypassed in late 2017.[9] Macksville railway station is on North Coast railway line.

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Macksville (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  2. "PLACE NAMES". The Australian Women's Weekly. National Library of Australia. 13 May 1964. p. 61. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  3. Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  4. Philip Hughes funeral: Australian cricketer gets emotional send-off BBC News 3 December 2014
  5. "Hughes honoured with tribute in home town". AAP. cricket.com.au. 17 December 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  6. "Macksville Railway Station group". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Office of Environment and Heritage. H01184. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  7. "Macksville Post Office (Place ID 106127)". Australian Heritage Database. Department of the Environment. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  8. Nambucca Valley community radio station 2NVR Website
  9. Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads – Pacific Highway upgrade Roads & Maritime Services
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