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Major Thomas Mitchell, the first European
to explore the Wimmera District, was moved to describe the
country he saw in 1836 as, "ready for the immediate reception
of civilised man and destined perhaps to become a portion
of a great empire". His glowing description of the Wimmera
encouraged the squatters, who combed the countryside over
the next few years and "took up" first the frontages of streams
and then moved steadily outwards.
 The
first of the squatters to occupy land around the future Warracknabeal,
were the Scott brothers, who in 1845 moved to a spot on Yarriambiack
creek which they called "Werracknabeal", after the Aboriginal
word describing the gum trees shading the watercourse and
established their "run" or station. Under the Scotts, the
total area of the station was reported to be 50,000 hectares
and supported up to 100,000 sheep.
The Land Act of 1869 divided the area into 128 hectare blocks
for lease and eventual purchase by selectors, who arrived
from many parts of Victoria and South Australia. The vast
area grazed by the Scotts was reduced to two 256 hectare sections,
and these were finally sold in 1887 ending the squatters era
in Warracknabeal. The Scotts are remembered through the naming
of the main street in their honour. Their Station's first
residence, a log cabin, has been restored and transferred
to a new site just out of town and is available for B&B accommodation
as Leura Log Cabin.
Many of the early settlers found their selected properties
overrun with wild dogs, rabbits, kangaroos, emus and wild
horses but the recurring shortage of water was the biggest
problem. Finally, the government was able to construct the
channel system and provide a permanent water supply and the
district never looked back.
Warracknabeal Today
Warracknabeal is now a thriving town of 2500 residents, situated
on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek, located in the heart
of the nation's richest grain-growing region. The production
of wheat, barley, canola, legumes, fat lambs and wool are
the major agricultural pursuits, with the township providing
the services required by a vibrant rural community.
 A
friendly welcome, the easy-going attitude to life, fantastic
climate and the positive approach to development all make
Warracknabeal an exceptional place to live, work and raise
a family. The opportunities are endless, the service range
and sporting facilities are second to none, encompassing old
and young alike.
The manufacture, sale and service of agricultural equipment
is a major secondary industry along with value adding of locally
grown commodities. Professional services including accountants,
legal and banking, plus a strong retail sector all add to
the healthy business enviroment needed at the centre of the
Yarriambiack Shire, one of only two Poker Machine free shires
in Victoria.
A variety of Education and learning needs are provided by
the local Kindergarten, state primary and secondary schools
along with Catholic primary and Christian schools. Adult education
is provided at Warracknabeal Central and Woodbine Inc provides
training and support for adults with intellectual and other
disabilities.
Excellent health services are provided to the community by
Rural Northwest Health. At the Warracknabeal Campus, services
include a 24-hour emergency telephone advice line and emergency
department, medical/surgical care, nursing home and hostel
residential care, District Nursing Service, day centre, post-acute
care and a comprehensive range of allied health & primary
care services.
Health services offered by Rural Northwest Health are complimented
by the Infant Welfare Centre, Private Dental Surgery &
Medical Centres. 24-hour emergency services based in the town
include Rural Ambulance Victoria, SES, Victoria Police and
CFA.
Positive thinking and forward planning is focusing the community
to achieve the enormous potential Warracknabeal has, to establish
itself as a major sub regional centre of western Victoria.
Come and see for yourself, take the opportunity to visit Warracknabeal
and see first hand the advantages of country living, clean
air and warm friendly people. You never know, you might just
stay.
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