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The "Heart of the Darling Downs" in Queensland, Australia.


Another "Smudge" Production




Location

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Pittsworth is the "Heart of the Darling Downs" and is situated 42 kilometers (26 miles) West of Toowoomba. This makes it 231 kilometers (143 miles) West of Brisbane.Click here for town map

The district of Pittsworth encompasses low foothills running down to rich black soil plains. The geological configuration has resulted in a very diverse agricultural profile. The foothills supporting dairying, piggeries, beef and poultry with an increasing shift to horse studs and hobby farms. The irrigation farms of the plains produce a vast array of grains and cotton, with a recent and increasing vegetable industry. The service town is Pittsworth.




History

Pittsworth was originally called "Beauaraba", but changed in 1886. The first building, built in 1879, was the Beauaraba Hotel. shops.jpg - 28099 Bytes

By 1891 the town had a population of 375, today 2600. The first council was formed in 1913, with W.P. Copp as Chairman, who also built many of the fine homes in the town. The first council offices (1913) in Short Street, is now a kindergarten.

The Anz Bank (Heritage listed) was built in 1905 while St. Stephen's Catholic Church was built in 1908.ang_church.jpg - 33521 Bytes The Anglican Rectory was built in 1889 while St. Andrew's Church was built in 1912. It's stained glass windows are exceptional.cat_church.jpg - 21770 Bytes

The first street trees planted were Jacarandas, followed by Silky Oaks in Short Street. The town is now renowned for its flowering trees in October and November. Visitors will notice the colourful banners lining the main street which was commissioned by the Pittsworth District Chamber of Commerce.

The town area also supports a population of koalas.




Schools

Pittsworth has three main schools. There is the State Primary School in Hume Street, with the State High School in Factory Street plus St. Stephen's Catholic Primary School in Murray Street.high_school.jpg - 20528 Bytes

There are also two preschools. One next to the State Primary School in Hume Street, the other next to St. Stephen's Primary School in Murray Streetkindy.jpg - 20359 Bytes.

There is also Child Care at the Primary School as well as Kate's Place in Evans Street.




Sports

There is a good selection of sports clubs in Pittsworth. You can chose from the Pittsworth Bowls Club, with 2 bowling greens, in Weale Street, the Pittsworth Amateur Basketball Assoc. at the Stadium on Old Toowoomba Road and the Pittsworth Tennis Club in Briggs Street.footy.jpg - 26209 Bytes

There is also the Pittsworth Golf Club with a 9 hole course in Hill Street and the Leagues Club in Short Street, home of the mighty "Danes" as well as the Soccer Club.

At the Bowls Club, the Golf Club and the Leagues Club, meals are served as well as having good bar facilities.




Events

There are four major events held in Pittsworth itself every year. The first is the Australia Day Celebrations which are held at the Historical Pioneer Village in Pioneer Way.

The next is the Pittsworth Show which is held early March at the Showgrounds on Steele Street.

The first weekend in September sees the Pittsworth Car Sprints held out at the Industrial Area. This event seems to be getting bigger every year and raises quite a bit of money for local charities. For photos click

In mid September the local Chamber of Commerce holds a Garden Competition open to all residents.

Last, but not least, the Chamber of Commerce holds the "Light Up for Christmas" competition which sees Pittsworth houses and trees illuminated which is a wonderful sight. Some of the residents put a lot of work into their entries and seem to get bigger and better every year.




Attractions

In Pittsworth the main thing to be seen has to be the Folk Museum run by the Pittsworth and District Historical Society and situated on Pioneer Way. hist_vill.jpg - 24875 BytesThis complex gives a visitor the chance to look at many older buildings preserved by the Society which contain lots of displays. There are an authentic 19th century school building, a cottage and shepherd's hut plus the original Post Office. There is now plans to move the Pittsworth Railway Station into this area also which will be another feather in the cap for this busy Society. The complex is sited in a wonderful park setting with Pioneer Park next to it. For more information the Society can be contacted on 07 46931997 or check out their website Click to access

There are also some nice parks situated around the town some with barbecue facilities. The nicest one is in the main street next to the Shire Hall. shire.jpg - 28666 Bytes

This park has, over the years, won awards in the Tidy Town Competition although, due to the drought, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Still these parks are worth visiting.




Finale

Pittsworth is a very picturesque town. It's main claim to fame is that it is still a "country" town but has many of the facilities of a citypost.jpg - 27966 Bytes.

It is also close to Toowoomba and not too far from Brisbane. So the people have the best of everything. It is quiet but the people still enjoy themselves, just visit the two Hotels in town. Accomodation is no problem either with two Motels in town. Next time that you are around the area, dont drive past, call in and see what we have to offer.

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Copyright © 2002 Ian Oxley