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HISTORY
OF MOLONG
Settlemernt began in Molong as early as the late 1840 s. however,
Molong was officially gazetted in 1849 The name 'Molong' is
derived from an aboriginal word meaning 'place of many rocks'
The town boasts an early Austen-European main street which
is classified by the National Trust. With many other beautiful
and well cared for historic buildings scattered throughout
the town. Molong provides the visitor with a look back into
the past |
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The shopping centre of Molong
provides a large number of services such as chemist, banks, supermarkets,
furniture, electrical and rural supplies. There is also a strong representation
of artists and craftspeople with the Old Yarn Market and Coach-house Gallery,
Kimrol Pottery. woodworkers, artists and Strathmore Lane Teddy Bears. Molong
has a strong creative underpinning to its town.
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The Historical Society is very active with a great local museum displaying the
history of the area The Railway Station has a special significance for Molong
being the secret to Molorig's growth. With the bringing of the railway in 1886,
Molong became the terminus for trade further west The continuing of the railway
to Dubbo in 1893 lost Molong its advantage coinciding with a Depression in the
late 1800's. substantially slowed growth for a while.
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With a warmer climate than Orange, many people choose to live there and commute
to work in the City of Orange just 32 kms away This causes a certain level of
escape expenditure from the Molong economy, however, there is opportunity to do
weekend trade when Orange is basically closed and people are looking for an
escape. Millthorpe is a prime example of how a community can benefit by
providing a weekend escape to good food, good coffee and interesting things to
see and do.
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Molong has continued
to grow though slowly and steadily over the years and today has a
population close to 2000 people.
Molong plays a central role in the Shire Council area as it contains
the administrative offices of Cabonne Council and is also the service
centre for many smaller district centres.
Sometimes, a platypus can be spotted in the creek banks near Molong
whilst fishing for the abundant trout in the Bell River can be a popular
pastime.
A hospital is located at Molong, as well as two doctors and an ambulance
station. Aged care is well catered for . Specialist services are obtained
from Orange which is located approximately 30 kms away. Education
is well accommodated with the Central School which caters for kindergarten
to Year 12 and a Catholic Primary School. There is also a preschool
and playgroup. |
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