LOCAL AREA

Singleton was established in the 1820s and was initially known as Patrick’s Plains. The Main Northern railway line reached Singleton in 1863, serving as the end of the line until 1869. The town boasts several historic buildings, including the original courthouse constructed in 1841, various large churches, and numerous traditional Australian pubs. The picturesque countryside surrounding Singleton features an unusual number of fine old mansions, reflecting the aristocratic nature of land grants during the area’s settlement.

The traditional custodians of the Singleton area are the Wonnarua, Wanaruah people, and their lands extend throughout the Hunter Valley. The Wonnarua, Wanaruah people have occupied the Upper Hunter for at least 30,000 years, with traditional knowledge holding that occupation extends back to the early stages of the Dreaming. United by strong ties of kinship, and survived in family groups or clans scattered along the inland area of what is now known as the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Their creation spirit is Baiami, also known as Koin, the creator of all things and the Keeper of the Valley.