wongawilli

SITTING AT THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT, THE ONCE SLEEPY VILLAGE OF WONGAWILLI HAS A LONG HISTORY OF DAIRY FARMS AND MINING. TODAY, IT’S A POPULAR AREA FOR FAMILIES LOOKING FOR A RURAL FEEL

Words Cathy O’Brien Sources www.dharug.dalang.com.au, Wollongong City Library Image From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society P14865

Located west of Dapto, the name Wongawilli stems from ‘Wonga’ or ‘Wunga’, the Dharawal word for native pigeon. European settlement dates back to the early 1800s when parcels of land were granted to settlers. In the early years, the lands were cleared and primarily used for mixed farming. It wasn’t until much later in the nineteenth century that the factory-based dairy industry emerged. Mining became a major contributor to the growth of the Wongawilli area. Coal was first discovered in the region around the 1880s. However, mining didn’t take place until 1906. In the early years coal was hauled by horse and oxen to Dapto Station where it was then transported by train to various other locations.

The Hoskins family purchased the lease to the Wongawilli Colliery in 1916.The quality of the coal was recognised with significant investment made into a washery, coke ovens and a railway to supply their coke to the steel works in Lithgow. BHP was the longest owner of the mine operating it from 1935 to 2007.

As mining grew, villages popped up around the area as well as other community-related structures, including the first church on land dedicated by the mine owners and the opening of the Wongawilli Public School in 1928. By the late 1930s, there was a population of around 1500.

The strong agricultural ties to the land date back to early 1800s. Initially due to the climate, the land was primarily used for grazing. Over time, the homestead of Coral Vale began producing grain crops, such as wheat, maize and potatoes, with a shift to dairy farming influenced by a major drought and rust outbreaks in the wheat crops in the 1860s.

Dairy farming in the region was successful with many different subsidiary products being developed such as cheese and butter. Coral Vale was still a productive dairy until well into the 1980s.

Wongawilli has always had a strong sense of community, and in 1987 the Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club was established. It aimed to promote and preserve traditional Australian music, song and dance, regularly hosting dances every Wednesday night still to this day.

In recent years, Wongawilli has had a resurgence in population, as a result of the development of the agricultural lands in the area. As a part of the development, the original Coral Vale homestead was given heritage status, with it being restored to its former glory in 2010.

A number of businesses and parks have also been established as the Wongawilli development grew. These are located in and around the heritagelisted dairy sheds on the Coral Vale homestead property, including eatery and general store Smiths Ln Dairy, a discovery garden, childcare centre and library. Bankbrook Park – set on the banks of the creek which flows from the escarpment to the coast – is also a popular community hub. There are natural play areas and an exploration trail, with elements of the old mines incorporated to bring links to the history of the area alive for new Wongawilli residents.