About Ouyen

Ouyen’s name is derived from the aboriginal word meaning ghost water hole. Aboriginals however, did not actually live in the area. They preferred to live nearer the Murray River and only pass through the area to trade with tribes in the Grampians Region.

Before 1900 sheep runs dotted the north west Mallee area. Some of these were Pine Plains, Tiega, Paignie, Ouyen, Kulkyne, Kow Plains Etc.

​

Early in 1900 the government surveyed the area into blocks of one square mile (640 acres approx.), and then offered these blocks foe farming pursuits.

In 1902 the railway line snaked its way through the Mallee to finish at Mildura. The railway line was essential for transportation of produce from Mildura to Melbourne markets. Therefore, Ouyen was a centre for railway workers at this time.

As the farmers took up their blocks and began to clear the Mallee scrub, families became a vital part of the community. This meant that schools had to be provided so that the government could send out teachers to educate the children.

​

Ouyen as a town began to grow, the original business area being on the Calder Highway. The area was prone to flooding, and by 1910 shops were being built on the west side of the railway line further up the hill. As the population increased, and demand foe supplies grew, the town flourished, churches, banks, improved schools, more shops, blacksmiths etc. appeared on the landscape.

When World War I broke out in 1914 many of the men in the district enlisted and over the next few years difficult times put pressure on the womenfolk to survive the hardship.

​

Water had always been scarce, with the farmers relying on catchment dams, or at times of severe drought, the trains brought water from Hattah Lake to the railway station. During 1916, water in channels reached Ouyen from the Grampians. Although the channels provided the precious water much of it disappeared along the way through evaporation and seepage. When the water finally reached Ouyen, it was stored in open dams which provided a continuous supply to the town. This water supply was a saviour to the town of Ouyen and outlying farms.

​

By 1920 many of the soldiers came back to the area and took up their lives again. As well, the government allowed returned soldiers to take up some properties under the Soldier Settlement and the Mallee began to flourish agriculturally.

Ouyen, as the town, also flourished between 1920 and 1929. Moree homes were built, better businesses came to town and Ouyen itself thrived on the western side of the railway line. Oke Street, the main street, was named for one of the original storekeepers and others streets in the town were named for leading identities of the community. The future appeared to be assured.

By 1940, conditions in the area were beginning to improve once again but the onset of the 2nd World War produced the same difficulties as before. Menfolk enlisted once again and the pressure was on the women who were left behind. Ouyen was in a better position to maintain the families as they had more services to support them.

​

When this War finished in 1945 agriculture thrived under new farming methods and Ouyen grew rapidly as a central township. From this time on new halls, schools, sporting facilities, banks etc. were built to last. The next thirty years was a time of consolidation and improvement to Ouyen.

 

Education facilities were expanded and improved and the personnel who moved to the area added to the expertise and contributed greatly to the improvements to the town. The Ouyen Hospital also was upgraded and improved and became one of the largest employers in the town. Agricultural business thrived and again provided abundant employment.

The aesthetics of the town from this stage began to improve, local government perceived the importance of ridding the town of its dusty image and gardens flourished everywhere.

​

The “excesses of the eighties” had little impact on Ouyen due to the attitudes of the Mallee folk. There were never huge expectations of the region and the dips and rises of the economy were less obvious.

Sporting activities in Ouyen have always played a very important part to the population. The social structure has been based on the various sporting pursuits. Many local boys have aspired to league football; bowlers and tennis players have achieved at state level. There is always a place for those who enjoy the social and sporting activities regardless of ability.

In recent years there has been improved facilities for those who prefer access to cultural interests. The availability of the internet to Ouyen makes it possible to access information and world markets.

​

A Highlight of Ouyen is the upgrade of the centrally located saleyards. Sheep sales are held fortnightly throughout most of the year, and these sales bring an average of 200,000 sheep/lambs per year.

With the advent of the piped water from the Murray River the all-important water supply for Ouyen is assured.

Tourism has lifted the region’s profile and Ouyen in particular, due to the easy access to Murray Sunset, Hattah and Wyperfield National Parks has reaped the benefit.

​

The future at this stage is promising. With a number of events highlighting the town of Ouyen, public awareness throughout Australia has changed to one of interest and more and more travellers flock to this unique spot in the world.