Sawtell

Sawtell, Toormina, and Boambee are three adjacent townships situated on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Each of these towns has its own unique history, yet they share similarities in their roots, development, and current status. Sawtell Initially, Sawtell was known as Sawtell Beach, and it was a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and surfing. The town's main street, First Avenue, used to be a dirt road that connected the beach with Sawtell Railway Station, which was built in 1928. The real start of Sawtell's development happened in the 1940s, when the government developed a scheme to encourage migration from Great Britain. The Department of Immigration and the Housing Commission of New South Wales collaborated to create a new community in Sawtell that would provide homes for migrants and support them in building new lives in Australia. During the 1950s and 60s, Sawtell experienced a period of rapid growth. Many new residents moved into the town, attracted by the relaxed beach lifestyle and the opportunities presented by the expanding tourism industry. Sawtell became increasingly popular with holidaymakers, and the people who had migrated to the area started to establish small businesses to cater to the growing number of visitors. Today, Sawtell is a vibrant town with a population of approximately 4,000 people. It has a thriving business district that caters to both locals and visitors, with many cafes, shops, and restaurants. Sawtell's beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and surrounding areas make it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the mid-north coast. Toormina Toormina was established in the late 1800s as a farming community. The area was covered in dense forests, and early settlers cleared the land to establish dairy and beef farms. The land was subdivided into small farmlets, and the first homes and businesses were built in the 1920s. Toormina's population remained small until the 1960s, when the government established the Toormina Garden Estate, a residential area that was designed to accommodate the growing population. The construction of the estate resulted in a massive expansion of the town, and the population grew rapidly over the following decades. Today, Toormina is a bustling suburb situated approximately 7 kilometres south of Coffs Harbour. The town has a population of around 7,000 people and provides a range of services, including shopping, healthcare, and education. Toormina is also home to the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport, which provides daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Boambee Boambee is a small rural township situated approximately 10 kilometres south of Coffs Harbour. The town is located at the junction of the Pacific Highway and Bruxner Park Road, making it a popular stopping point for long-distance travellers. Boambee was originally established as a farming community, with the first settlers arriving in the mid-1800s. The area was covered in dense forests, and the land was cleared to establish grazing land for sheep and cattle. In the early 1900s, a small village was established to support the farming community, and businesses such as stores, hotels, and blacksmiths were built. Today, Boambee is a quiet town with a population of approximately 2,000 people. The town provides essential services, including a post office, a petrol station, and a general store. Boambee's location, close to Coffs Harbour and other major towns, makes it an attractive place for people who want to live in a rural setting while still having access to urban amenities. In conclusion, Sawtell, Toormina, and Boambee are three towns with their own unique histories, yet they share a common thread of development. Each of these towns has evolved over the years to reflect the changing needs and preferences of the people who live there. Today, they are vibrant communities that contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia.