Taree, New South Wales
From Freepedia
Taree (31°54′ S 152°27′ E) is a major town on the Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia. Taree and nearby Cundletown were settled in 1831 by William Wynter. Since then Taree has grown to a population of 20,000 people and is the centre of a significant agricultural district. It is about 15 km from the sea coast, and about 400 km north of Sydney. Taree can be reached by train via the North Coast Railway, and by the Pacific Highway.
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Name
The name Taree is derived for the local native Biripi word meaning tree by the river, or more specifically, the Sandpaper Fig Ficus Coronata.
Media
There are three local radio stations, 2RE, Max FM (107.3) and community station 2Bob (104.5FM). Taree is home to the Manning River Times, a local newspaper. Prime Television, NBN Television and Southern Cross Ten all maintain sales departments in Taree.
Tourism
Nearby towns include historic Wingham, Tinonee, and the beachside town of Old Bar.
A local tourist attraction is a building called "The World's Largest Oyster" also called "The Big Oyster". Big Things are a common Australian Tourist attraction. Like the Big Merino and Big Banana the 'Oyster' is an artifact based on local produce;the Manning River produces some 3 and a half million oysters a year [1]. The Big Oyster was an unsuccessful business venture, known to the locals as a 'Big Mistake', and is now home to a motor dealership.
The Manning Entertainment Centre was built in the 1980’s at great cost to the council as the cultural centre of the district. Although it seats 500 people it is too small to attract large acts. An example is that the orchestra pit is not large enough to accommodate a full symphony orchestra. This does not prevent a great variety of quality acts, including the District Eisteddfod and local amateur dramatic societies from providing great cultural outings for the local community.
Located next to the Entertainment Centre and the Visitor Information Centre at the northern entrance to Taree if the Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre. This facility includes a 25 meter outside pool and a 50 meter indoor pool and soon after the time of opening had the second most expensive pool entrance fee in Australia, the most expensive being a pool in Perth, Western Australia. The Aquatic Centre was built in the late 1990’s – early 2000’s to replace the Taree Pool, which could no longer be used for swimming. Located next to the Manning River in the centre of town, the Taree Pool had fallen into disrepair and started leaking into the river. It is now home to the local Navy Cadets Corp.
The Manning Regional Art Gallery is located in a cottage style building next to Taree Public School. The art gallery hosts a changing selection of works by local artists and visiting exhibitions.
Annual Events
January
Third Week
Craftathon includes food and entertainment, sales, demonstrations & supplies, exquisite handmade crafts and free workshops. Featuring the Gourmet Food Fair - pickles, chutneys, mustards, flavoured oils, cheeses, cookies, confectionery, fresh produce and food & drinks available. Held at Taree Racecourse
Events in the NSW Rowing Association Annual Pointscore Rowing Regatta are held at Endeavour Place in Taree during the third week of January. This Regatta consists of 50 races with competitors travelling from many parts of New South Wales to compete.
February
Fourth Week Godfest is an all ages non-denominational Christian music, entertainment festival. Godfest covers all music styles from classical, jazz, country, rock, pop, heavy to kids entertainment and supporting acts. Events are held on the river bank, in the streets and in the pubs and restaurants.
March
The Easter Powerboat Classic is held on the Manning River near Queen Elizabeth Park during the Easter Long Weekend. Events start on Friday morning and feature the Stuart Doyle Cup on Saturday and the Ken Warby time trials midday Saturday and Sunday. See also Taree Power Boat Club
April
Second Week The Taree and District Eisteddfod is held from the second week of April till the first week of July and Culminates with the Grand concert. The Eisteddfod is renowned for being one of the best in the state. It draws hundreds of competitors from all over the state to the Manning Entertainment Centre to compete in Dance, Piano, Electric Organ, Vocal, Instrumental, Speech and Drama and Early Childhood Sections. Events this week include the Vocal Section.
Third Week Taree and District Eisteddfod – Piano Section
Fourth Week Taree and District Eisteddfod - Speech and Drama Section
May
First Week Taree and District Eisteddfod - Speech and Drama Section continues
Second Week Taree and District Eisteddfod – Dance Section
Third Week Taree and District Eisteddfod – Choir and Electric Organ Sections
Fourth Week Taree and District Eisteddfod – Instrumental, Early Childhood, Primary Choir Sections
June
First Week Taree and District Eisteddfod – Grand Concert
Second Week Taree Envirofair is held at Taree Showground and celebrates World Environment Day with businesses and community groups promoting products and services that support a clean and healthy environment. The day includes good food, entertainment and activities for children. The aim is to raise public awareness to environmentally friendly products and show how to care for the environment.
July
The Crazy Day sales are an opportunity for shoppers to get a bit of retail therapy at sometimes greatly reduced prices months from the Christmas sales. The idea of ‘Crazy Day’ was adopted by local businesses to boost trade in an otherwise low period of commercial activity.
August
Third Week The Taree Gold Cup is a prestigious horse racing event held at the Bushland Drive Racecourse.
October
First Week The Non Conventional Homes Eco Tour allows people to visit private homes, commercial buildings and gardens which all feature innovative and interesting methods of construction. Many buildings use recycled or environmentally friendly materials, such as mud brick. Visitors have the opportunity to speak to the owners of these interesting creations.
Second Week The Annual Taree Show is held at Taree Showgrounds and features the showing of horses, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, dairy goats, poultry, pigeons, farm and vegetable produce, flowers, cookery and needlework. There is also side show alley and a demolition derby.
December
Carols by Candlelight at Fotheringham Park.
