Shire Timeline

1876
Boulia was established as a goods and service centre for local graziers.

1879
August 2nd - 1280 acres of land was set aside. The town of Boulia is founded. The first mail service by horse is commenced.

1882
Area surveyed by F.A. Hartnell in October 1882 (and March 1883).

1883
First land sale in Boulia.

1884
First telegraph line is completed and telegraph station opened in Boulia on 11th August. Police station opened and first police magistrate is appointed.

1885
The town of Urandangi was founded and the first store commenced trading.

1886
The first courthouse is completed.

1887
The Boulia Divisional Board was gazetted on the 24th September.

1889
Urandangi first school was opened.

1892
John MacPherson MacDonald - Police Magistrate dies aged 65 years.

1904
Gun club was formed 1904/1905, functioned for four years.

1905
New courthouse and office with accommodation completed. Mable Gertrude Crutchfield appointed as surgeon to the Cottage Hospital at Boulia.

1908
First motor vehicle in the area. Boulia Shire Council and Winton Council signed an agreement to bear 1/3 the cost of an artesian bore on Mackunda (water was struck in 1909).

1910
Urandangi School closed due to low attendance.

1911
Railway reached Duchess.

1912
One of the early Governors, Sir William McGregor, passed through Boulia. First documented sighting of the Min Min Light.

1913
Teachers were appointed to travel and teach children in country areas, travelling by bike or car.

1912
The Min Min Hotel was burnt down approximately around this time line.

1916
1916-1918 Teece conducted a horse and buggy mail run from Boulia via Coorabulka to the Mayne Hotel.

1917
A tragic bushfire was started by lightening near Elrose in October 1917 burning two men so badly they died from their injuries.

1919
George Absolom was the first man to cart supplies between Dajarra and Boulia.

1920
The first parade of local servicemen was held on Anzac Day.
The first CWA (Country Women's Association) meeting in Boulia.
A maternity ward was built in the hospital, and the first baby born was named Mary Maternity
Cockeril of Mercia Springs.
The first picture show was opened.

1921
Captain Pat McGinnis piloted the first aeroplane to visit Boulia.
A Glenormiston syndicate won 20 000 pounds when it drew Sister Olive in the Melbourne Cup.
Ernest F Jones (one of the overseers of the GNRB) was also the first Chairman of the Boulia Shire Council elected under the State Roll Franchise.
Urandangi School re-opened.
The last pack horse mail run from Boulia to Roxborough by J. Jones. It was then carried by car for the next thirty years.

1925
Charlie Robinson drove one of the last horse drawn mails from Middleton to Boulia in March 1925.

1926
One of the driest periods in the history of Boulia was between 1926-1929 when only 415mm of rain was recorded.

1927
Dr Spalding was one of the first Flying Doctors to visit Boulia during 1927-1928.
The dance hall was opened in Boulia on the 25th February.

1928
All fences under the Gregory North Rabbit Board were abandoned.

1930
The "Widow's Cap" was worn by Aboriginal widows in mourning for their warrior/man having been killed. It was worn up until the 1930's.

1932
Urandangi Federal Hotel burnt down and was completely destroyed on the 29th April. Two people perished in the fire.

1933
The Dingo Board was abolished and the Districts Improvements Board was established under the "Grazing District Improvement Act of 1933".

1936
The Women's Auxiliary of the RSL was first formed in 1936. Mrs J.E.M. McGlinchey was the first president.

1938
The first school building (1891) was sold for removal and a large school building from Selwyn was removed and erected in Boulia by contractor A.H. Wellington.

1942
The last IOU's (first form of currency in Boulia and region) were used.
On 19th February, a very efficient troop of the V.D.C. was formed.

1950
The highest registration of rainfall for 24 hours was recorded at 345mm in March.

1951
The Boulia Shire Council became licensed for the maintenance of the Boulia Aerodrome on the 21st February. The Boulia Shire Council building burnt down on Good Friday 1951.

1956
The Buffalo Lodge was opened in Boulia by Bro. George Kallinicus, ROH.

1957
Power was connected to Boulia on the 26th January. The Power House and residence for the Power House Superintendent was erected.