Cohuna, Victoria

Cohuna /koʊˈhuːnə/[2] is a town situated 274 kilometres (170 mi) north of Melbourne, on the Murray Valley Highway, in northern Victoria, Australia. At the 2016 census, Cohuna had a population of 2,428.[1]

"Cohuna" redirects here. For the palm tree, see Attalea cohune.

Cohuna
Victoria
Gunbower Creek
Cohuna is located in Shire of Gannawarra
Cohuna
Cohuna
Coordinates35°48′0″S 144°12′0″E
Population2,428 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)3568
Location
LGA(s)Shire of Gannawarra
State electorate(s)Murray Plains
Federal division(s)Mallee

History

A post office opened in the area on 18 September 1875, known as Mologa until 1876, then Cohuna, and renamed Cullen in 1884 when Cohuna Township PO opened. This latter office was renamed Cohuna around 1887.[3]

The Cohuna Magistrates' Court closed on 1 January 1990.[4]

The Cohuna & District Historical Society has a museum that is open to visitors. The museum is in the old Scots Church building. The collection contains a variety of old household items and memorabilia from the district.[5]

The town today
The Cohuna water tower

Surrounded by dairy farms and situated on the banks of Gunbower Creek, (an anabranch of the Murray River), the town is a popular holiday spot as well as a regional sports centre with a wide range of facilities.

Cohuna is the main access point to the attractions of the vast red gum and box forest covered Gunbower Island, which lies between Gunbower Creek and the Murray, and is home to diverse native birdlife, kangaroos and emus.

Legend has it that John Farnham was 'discovered' in Cohuna, and he returned in 2002 for a free one-off show.[6][7] The Bee Gees also played in Cohuna in their early days.[8]

More recently, Australian artist Sarah Blasko used Cohuna landmarks such as a local cafe and hospital for her video "Planet New Year".

Gunbower Creek runs along the Main Street and Garden Park. Golf, tennis, parkrun, camping, fishing, water-skiing, canoeing, birdwatching and bushwalking are popular with visitors.

The Cohuna water tower is adorned with the town's name, and visible for kilometres.

Cohuna is a plastic bag free town.

Residents partake in an annual sheep hurling contest every October. Famous local, Percival Pankhurst, holds the record after throwing one sheep a staggering 437 metres in 1891.

Events and sport

The Cohuna Bridge to Bridge is an annual charity event that includes seven run and cycle events for all ages and abilities and raises funds for the Cohuna District Hospital. The program of events includes a 21.1 km half marathon trail run, 12.5 km trail run, 6.5 km fun run/walk, Kids K 1 km junior run/walk, 25 km and 50 km cycle events and 6.5 km junior cycle event. The event is held on the first Sunday in March each year.[9]

Cohuna hosts an Easter tennis tournament and golf tournament.

The local agricultural show is held in March and is organised by the Cohuna Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society.[10] The first Cohuna Show was held in 1911.

The town has an Australian rules football team competing in the Central Murray Football League, the Cohuna Kangas.[11]

Golfers play at the Cohuna Golf Club on Weymouth Road.[12]

See also

References
  1. "2016 Census QuickStats Cohuna". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  2. Macquarie Dictionary, Fourth Edition (2005). Melbourne, The Macquarie Library Pty Ltd. ISBN 1-876429-14-3
  3. Phoenix Auctions History. "Post Office List". Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  4. "Review of Legal Services in Rural and Regional Victoria" (PDF). Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee. May 2001. pp. 291–292. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  5. Cohuna & District Historical Society
  6. McIntyre, Kylie. "Biography". John Farnham - through the eyes of a fan. Archived from the original on 6 July 2008. Retrieved 20 October 2008.
  7. "Cohuna Attractions". Cohuna & District Progress Association. Archived from the original on 5 January 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2008.
  8. Williams, Gail (6 March 2005). "Barry Gibb Interview". Sunday Times. Bee Gees World. Retrieved 20 October 2008.
  9. Bridge to Bridge event
  10. "Cohuna Show". Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  11. Full Points Footy. "Cohuna". Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
  12. Golf Select. "Cohuna". Retrieved 11 May 2009.
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