Macarthur

History

Before British colonisation, the region around Macarthur was occupied by the Worerome killink gundidj clan of the Gunditjmara people. The formally recognised traditional owners for the area in which Macarthur sits are groups within the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara peoples, who are represented by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (GMTOAC). In 1840, the Bolden brothers were the first British pastoralists to obtain crown leaseholds in the region. The immense leasehold, named Bolden's run, covered large amounts of land west of the Hopkins River. In 1842, the Boldens' leasehold was divided up and the resultant properties around what was to become the Macarthur region were known as Eumeralla East, Eumeralla West and Harton Hills (which was also known as Blackfellows Creek). The Eumeralla leaseholds were taken up by James Hunter and his associates, while Harton Hills was occupied by William Carmichael. In 1852, the Eumeralla Inn, built by Mr. Gwyther was the first building constructed. The township was laid out near the Eumeralla River by surveyor John Turner, with the first land sales taking place shortly after on 17 July 1857. Macarthur Post Office opened 1 January 1862. The Macarthur Magistrates' Court closed on 1 January 1983.

Most-observed species

• Australian Magpie

  Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  405
• Little Raven

  Corvus mellori Mathews, 1912 · Aves
  288
• Superb Fairywren

  Malurus cyaneus (Ellis, 1782) · Aves
  284
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

  Cacatua galerita (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  261
• Welcome Swallow

  Hirundo neoxena Gould, 1842 · Aves
  257
• Gray Shrikethrush

  Colluricincla harmonica (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  215
• Red Wattlebird

  Anthochaera carunculata (Shaw, 1790) · Aves
  215
• Crimson Rosella

  Platycercus elegans (Gmelin, 1788) · Aves
  200

Most recent

• M 3.8 — 2011-06-01
  45 km NE of Hamilton, Australia