"U3A is a movement which enables people in their Third Age to continue and share the journey of life-long learning" Hon. Dr. Barry O. Jones, AO (Patron of U3A Alliance Australia)
Indigenous Cultural Significance Mudgee is full of Aboriginal history and was home to the Wiradjuri Nationwhich extended from the Blue Mountain eastern ranges to the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee rivers in the west, with the Murray River forming the southern border and the Wellington plains and hills the northern border. The Wiradjuri Nation was split, and sub split into many tribes. In Mudgee the Mowgee clan extended over a 50 km radius. The Mowgee women’s totem was the wedge tail eagle (Mullian) and the men’s totem was the crow (Waggan). They settled around the Cudgegong River, using its resources for food and water. Many Mudgee districts were named after the local Wiradjuri tribal areas, including Mudgee itself (Moothi, nest in the hills), Lue (Loowee, a chain of water holes), Gulgong (a gully), Wollar (a rock water hole), Menah (flat country), Eurunderee (a local tree), Guntawang (a peaceful place), Cooyal (dry country), Wilbertree (a long switch), Burrendong (darker than usual). The Aboriginal name for the Rylstone area was Combalong.
Are you interested in trains? On February 4th, Mike Sweeney whetted the appetites of locals with a far-reaching exploration of the development of the railways. Tracing them from their earliest origin on the Isthmus of Corinth through the development of wooden, then iron and eventually steel rails, as well as different locomotives, Mike presented a fascinating story of a changing world. Did you know that the first railway in NSW was begun in 1856 and in 34 years 3500km of track had been laid? All of that was dug by hand: men with picks and shovels, wheelbarrows, using dynamite and horses and carts. It involved an astonishing 100,000 sleepers - each cut and shaped by hand. A major enterprise. Gradually a network emerged. A major development was the first Hawkesbury Bridge (1889) linking the northern and southern networks. The Zig-Zag allowed for western development and up to WW1 there was a steady progression of branch lines, including Mudgee to Gwabegar in 1909. Two wars and the Great Depression slowed the expansion. Some projects, like the locally famous Sandy Hollow Line, were started but never completed. The more recent history of rail has been one of decline as road transport has dominated. Mike outlined the current situation with rail as well as touching on potential future projects. On February 11th he will present the second instalment of this course, with a focus on the railway to Mudgee. U3A would like to thank Mike for taking the time to develop this wonderful course and to share his extensive knowledge with the group.
Know the latest.........
Term Dates for 2025
Term 1: 03 February - 11 April Term 2: 28 April - 04 July Term 3: 21 July - 26 September Term 4: 13 October - 19 December
WARNING BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD One needs a PERMIT to Burn. Contact Fire Control for more details. 02 6370 9800
Are your contact details up-to-date? Moved home? New telephone/mobile phone number? New email address? If any item has changed and you've not informed the secretary, you may miss out on new information. Your details are in your control. Mudgee District U3A Privacy Policy