VICFarming
Kyabram
Selection and irrigation turned dry country into a food town.
1876Town blocks sold · wheat-and-dairy settlement
WHAT STARTED IT
When a large pastoral run was opened to selectors, wheat farms and dairies created a need for local stores and services. Township blocks were sold in 1876 and rail linked the settlement to markets in 1887.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Irrigation water in the 1890s brought orchards and closer settlement. A fruit-preserving co-operative founded in 1922 built one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest canneries; dairy processing also became important.
TURNING POINTS
1876Town blocks sold.
1887Railway arrives.
1922Fruit Preserving Co-operative established.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A Goulburn Valley service town for dairying, fruit, livestock and food processing, also known for its fauna park.