Tooraweenah began in 1837 as one of Andrew Brown's 'runs' which covered 16,000 acres.
The first store in the village provided supplies for shepherds and drovers pushing stock to the north and north west. The provisions were brought in by wagon.
When the Land Settlement Act of 1861 was introduced Tooraweenah Run was broken up into smaller holdings and settlers, with their families, began moving into the village and surrounding district.
By 1884 the first school was established and within 30 years, by the outbreak of World War I, there were more than 15 thriving businesses in the village. Residents lived in lean-tos and tents or wattle and daub houses. Unfortunately many of these early dwellings were destroyed by floods or dismantled to use in other locations.
Residents and property owners earned cash from the rabbit plague with, at one time, between 6,000 and 8,000 pairs of rabbits being caught daily!
At the end of World War II land holdings were again reduced, this time to provide land for men returning from the war. At the time the average size of a property was 1,200 acres.
By 1938 Butler Air Transport was established initially carrying mail and later passengers. Motor cars improved as did roads and by the mid 1950's buses were bringing children from outlying properties to the village school. As infrastructure expanded to include electricity, bridges and sealed roads the population of the village began to shrink as people were able to travel to transact business in the larger nearby towns or simply just move away.
The strength of the community spirit has assured the survival of Tooraweenah.
Although many of the earliest buildings have gone there are some that have been 'rescued' and 'restored' and although the road may now be paved the historic village charm still remains.
The village has a self guided historical walk around some of the local landmarks, collect a map from the office and take a wander with a purpose as you discover some of the surprising facts supplied. It is also possible to visit the original 'Butler Air' terminal building which houses photos, facts and memorabilia relating to the heyday of air transport in the area from 1938.
Currently the village boasts 5 businesses; the caravan park, a pub for lunch, dinner or a relaxing ale, a rural store (incl Post Office) for postcards, stamps and newspapers, a service station (incl general store) for groceries, fuel, vehicle repairs and maintenance and a technology centre with internet access.
The first store in the village provided supplies for shepherds and drovers pushing stock to the north and north west. The provisions were brought in by wagon.
When the Land Settlement Act of 1861 was introduced Tooraweenah Run was broken up into smaller holdings and settlers, with their families, began moving into the village and surrounding district.
By 1884 the first school was established and within 30 years, by the outbreak of World War I, there were more than 15 thriving businesses in the village. Residents lived in lean-tos and tents or wattle and daub houses. Unfortunately many of these early dwellings were destroyed by floods or dismantled to use in other locations.
Residents and property owners earned cash from the rabbit plague with, at one time, between 6,000 and 8,000 pairs of rabbits being caught daily!
At the end of World War II land holdings were again reduced, this time to provide land for men returning from the war. At the time the average size of a property was 1,200 acres.
By 1938 Butler Air Transport was established initially carrying mail and later passengers. Motor cars improved as did roads and by the mid 1950's buses were bringing children from outlying properties to the village school. As infrastructure expanded to include electricity, bridges and sealed roads the population of the village began to shrink as people were able to travel to transact business in the larger nearby towns or simply just move away.
The strength of the community spirit has assured the survival of Tooraweenah.
Although many of the earliest buildings have gone there are some that have been 'rescued' and 'restored' and although the road may now be paved the historic village charm still remains.
The village has a self guided historical walk around some of the local landmarks, collect a map from the office and take a wander with a purpose as you discover some of the surprising facts supplied. It is also possible to visit the original 'Butler Air' terminal building which houses photos, facts and memorabilia relating to the heyday of air transport in the area from 1938.
Currently the village boasts 5 businesses; the caravan park, a pub for lunch, dinner or a relaxing ale, a rural store (incl Post Office) for postcards, stamps and newspapers, a service station (incl general store) for groceries, fuel, vehicle repairs and maintenance and a technology centre with internet access.
