Stonehenge, Queensland (Barcoo Shire)

Stonehenge is an outback town and locality in the Shire of Barcoo, Queensland, Australia.[2][3] In the 2021 census, the locality of Stonehenge had a population of 58 people.[1]

Stonehenge
Queensland
Late afternoon, Stonehenge
Stonehenge is located in Queensland
Stonehenge
Stonehenge
Coordinates24°21′09″S 143°17′15″E / 24.3525°S 143.2875°E / -24.3525; 143.2875 (Stonehenge (town centre))
Population58 (2021 census)[1]
 • Density0.00376/km2 (0.00973/sq mi)
Postcode(s)4730
Area15,432.8 km2 (5,958.6 sq mi)
Time zoneAEST (UTC+10:00)
Location
LGA(s)Shire of Barcoo
State electorate(s)Gregory
Federal division(s)Maranoa
Localities around Stonehenge:
Opalton Opalton Longreach
Diamantina Lakes Stonehenge Longreach
Farrars Creek Jundah Isisford

Geography

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Stonehenge is in the Channel Country.

Nearby is one of three areas used to base the Australian Department of Defence's over-the-horizon radar system.

History

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Stonehenge, 1931

Its name originates from when the area was a stopping point for bullock teams. A stone hut used by the bullock drivers to overnight in eventually fell into disuse, and the stone remains became known as "Stonehenge".[4]

The Stonehenge State School opened on 3 September 1900. The school closed in 1947 but subsequently reopened. It closed again on 1 February 1977 but reopened again on 27 January 1981.[5]

The Stonehenge Library opened in 2009.[6]

Demographics

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At the 2006 census, Stonehenge and the surrounding area had a population of 106.[7]

In the 2016 census, the locality of Stonehenge had a population of 44 people.[8]

In the 2021 census, the locality of Stonehenge had a population of 58 people.[1]

Facilities

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Stonehenge has a sports centre and community centre.[9]

The Barcoo Shire Council operates a public library at 9 Stratford Street.[10]

Education

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Stonehenge State School is a government primary (early childhood-6) school at 27 Bulford Street (24°21′03″S 143°17′15″E / 24.3507°S 143.2874°E / -24.3507; 143.2874 (Stonehenge State School)).[11][12] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of seven students with two teachers and four non-teaching staff (one full-time equivalent).[13] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of four students with two teachers (one full-time equivalent) and six non-teaching staff (one full-time equivalent).[14] The school motto is "Strong and Proud".[15]

There is no secondary school in Stonehenge. The nearest one is in Longreach 155 kilometres (96 mi) away; other options are boarding schools and distance education.[16]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Stonehenge (SAL)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 February 2023.  
  2. ^ "Stonehenge – town in Shire of Barcoo (entry 32495)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Stonehenge – locality in Shire of Barcoo (entry 49112)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  4. ^ Action Graphics A Stonehenge without stones
  5. ^ "Opening and closing dates of Queensland Schools". Queensland Government. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17" (PDF). Public Libraries Connect. State Library of Queensland. November 2017. p. 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  7. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Stonehenge (Barcoo Shire) (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 25 January 2008.
  8. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Stonehenge (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018.  
  9. ^ "Stonehenge". Barcoo Shire Council. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  10. ^ "Stonehenge Library". Public Libraries Connect. State Library of Queensland. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  11. ^ "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  12. ^ "Stonehenge State School". Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  13. ^ "ACARA School Profile 2017". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  14. ^ "ACARA School Profile 2018". Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  15. ^ "Stonehenge State School". Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  16. ^ "Queensland Globe". State of Queensland. Retrieved 10 August 2019.

Further reading

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  • McIvor, Roy (2010). Cockatoo: My Life in Cape York. Stories and Art. Roy McIvor. Magabala Books. Broome, Western Australia. ISBN 978-1-921248-22-1.