Lockhart

Postcode: 2656

Lockhart is a town of 950 people and Local Government Area in the Riverina Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the location of the Lockhart Shire Council offices. Lockhart was named after C.G.N. Lockhart - a commissioner for Crown Lands in the Murrumbidgee River area in the 1850's. It was originally known as Greens Gunyah, and renamed Lockhart in 1897. Greens Gunyah was so named because a Mr Green was the earliest settler and had a grog shop there, on the Urana - Wagga Wagga stagecoach route.

The National Bank building (originally the Commercial Bank) at 90 Green St is a stately brick building characterised by its first-floor arches. Built in 1912 it retains its original wooden counters and brass fittings. The Railway Hotel at 33 Brookong St was erected in 1908 and the Commercial Hotel (1906), at 111 Green St, is a splendid old pub with a balcony of iron lacework and carved woodwork.

The Pioneer Memorial Gates, a tribute to the early settlers, form the entrance to the showground on the road to Urana. The pillars consist of 22 replica wool bales with the names of the area's original homesteads stencilled on each. The gate takes the form of a bullock cart. The grandstand, built of local Murray pine, and nearby bar pavilion date back to the turn of the century and are really quite impressive.

Lockhart is now a commercial and business centre for the rural community. Wheat is still a major source of income and the town has bulk handling facilities. Sheep, wool, cattle and poultry are other sources of remuneration.

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