Goroke is a small pastoral and agricultural centre of some 200 people located 366 km north-west of
The town was laid out in 1882 and named after the Aboriginal term for the district which apparently meant 'magpie'. In 1884 the population was recorded as about 50. It served as a supply centre for local selectors. By 1887 there was a flour mill, two stores, a school, a mechanics' hall, an hotel and a blacksmith's.
The only linkage to Nhill and Kaniva was by a desert track. By 1891 the population had increased to 91. A railway line to Natimuk was completed in 1894.
Poet John Shaw Nielson (aged 8) and his family settled at
It was here that he began writing poetry, his work inspired by local landscapes. The family left for Nhill owing to drought in 1885.
Goroke is close to Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park. A sandstone peak, Mt Arapiles is a challenge for serious, international rock climbers, while the inexperienced can enjoy the views from the summit by taking the steep but less challenging routes. The park conserves 500 species of native plants, including the rare rock wattle and skeleton fern.
Lake Charlegrark, 22km west along the road to Bordertown, is a popular aqua-playground which rewards the patient fisherman with catches of Murray cod, redfin and yabbies, although currently their is no water due to recent climates.
The shores of the lake host an annual Country Music Festival in February. The date for February 2009 to be announced, watch this space.
A Welcome to Goroke Kit is available, anyone wanting a copy please use the contact page to receive this very informative document. The kit is a joint initiative of various local governments, programs and community groups.
Latest News just in...!!
Good to see the Apex Caravan Park getting under way with removal of scrub and ground leveling. Also swimming pool refurbishment well in hand, painting, maintenance etc, looking very good. Well done to those involved.
More news soon.....
Here are some Goroke statistics ;
Goroke is located in west Victoria and has a population of around 250 (45.4% male, 54.6% female). Around 70 families live in the area and of those 37.1% have one or more children under the age of 15. 17.1% of families have only a single parent while 45.7% of couples have no children. Goroke covers an area of approximately 341 hectares (842 acres).
The most common income bracket for people living in Goroke is between $150-$249 per week (24.5% of people). 5.5% have no income and high income earners ($2000 or more per week) account for 1.5% of the population.
Of the 108 private dwellings in Goroke 69% are owned outright by their occupiers, 16% are being purchased (eg. by mortgage) and 13% are being rented. On average there are around 2.3 people per private dwelling in the area. The composition of occupied private dwellings in Goroke is as follows: 96.4% separate houses, 0.0% semi-detached houses (eg. townhouses, row or terrace houses), 0.0% flats (including units and apartments).
In terms of people aged 15 years or more living in Goroke 52% are married, 13% are divorced, 3% are separated, 7% are widowed and 26% have never married.
Compared to the rest of Australia, Goroke has a below average migrant population, with around 5.2% of residents being born overseas. The top 5 countries of birth for migrants in the area are: United Kingdom (1.6%), Bosnia/Herzegovina (0.0%), Canada (0.0%), China (0.0%), Croatia (0.0%).
Goroke varies in altitude/elevation from about 153 m to 191 m above sea level.
Data obtained from http://bonzle.com
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