Cooma

The town of Cooma in New South Wales, Australia, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by the Ngarigo people, European settlement began in the 1820s with the establishment of grazing and farming properties in the area.

In the 1840s, the discovery of gold in the nearby area of Kiandra sparked a gold rush, with thousands of miners flocking to the region. This led to the development of Cooma as a service centre for the mining industry. With its prime location between the growing centres of Sydney and Melbourne, Cooma continued to thrive as a hub for transport and commerce in the region.

Throughout the 20th century, Cooma played an important role in the development of infrastructure and industry in the region. During World War II, the town was home to a large military base, which brought significant economic benefits to the town. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Snowy Mountains Scheme brought an influx of workers to the region, and Cooma played a leading role as a service centre for the project.

Today, Cooma is a vibrant regional centre, home to a thriving agricultural sector, and a range of tourism and service industries. The town remains an important transport hub, as the gateway to the Snowy Mountains region, and as a key link between the coastal cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Ngarigo Culture

The traditional owners of the land in the Cooma region are the Ngarigo people. They have lived in the region for at least 20,000 years, with a deep cultural connection to the land and its resources. The Ngarigo people's traditional territory extends from the Snowy Mountains in the east to the Monaro Plains in the west. They have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong history of storytelling, song, and dance.

The Ngarigo people's way of life was closely tied to the seasons, with a deep understanding of the natural environment and its rhythms. They were highly skilled hunters and gatherers, using firestick farming to manage the land and encourage the growth of plants and animals that provided food, medicines, and materials for tools and clothing.

European Settlement

European settlement in the Cooma region began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of grazing properties by European settlers. The first land grant in the area was made in 1827, and by the 1830s, several large pastoral properties had been established. These properties were run as part of the wider Monaro region, which was known for its fertile grasslands and reliable rainfall, making it ideal for sheep and cattle grazing.

In the 1840s, the discovery of gold in the nearby area of Kiandra sparked a gold rush, with thousands of miners flocking to the region. This led to the development of Cooma as a service centre for the mining industry. With its prime location between the growing centres of Sydney and Melbourne, Cooma continued to thrive as a hub for transport and commerce in the region.

Military Base and World War II

During World War II, the Cooma region played an important role in the defence of Australia. A large military base was established in the town, with thousands of personnel stationed in the area. The base brought significant economic benefits to Cooma, with many local businesses thriving due to the increased demand for goods and services.

The military presence in Cooma also had a significant impact on the town's social and cultural life. Local residents formed close relationships with the servicemen and women, and many marriages were recorded between local residents and military personnel.

The Snowy Mountains Scheme

One of the most significant developments in the Cooma region was the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a massive hydroelectricity and irrigation project that began in the 1950s. The scheme brought an influx of workers to the region, with thousands of people employed on the project over several decades.

Cooma played a leading role as a service centre for the scheme, providing accommodation, food, and other services for the workers. The town also served as a key transport hub, as the site of the scheme's headquarters and administration. The Snowy Mountains Scheme had a significant impact on the region, transforming the landscape and bringing economic and social change to the area.

Modern-day Cooma

Today, Cooma is a vibrant regional centre, home to a thriving agricultural sector, and a range of tourism and service industries. The town remains an important transport hub, as the gateway to the Snowy Mountains region, and as a key link between the coastal cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Cooma is also known for its cultural and heritage attractions, including its historic buildings, museums, and galleries.

Despite the many challenges faced by the town over its long history, Cooma has endured as a strong and resilient community, with a deep connection to its rich cultural heritage and the natural environment of the region.