Wycheproof is a small rural town on the Calder Highway a major tourist route linking Melbourne to Mildura. Wycheproof is at the gateway to the Mallee.
The town is named for the Wycheproof pastoral run (also known as the Avoca pastoral run) established in 1846. The name is from the Wergaia language word witchi-poorp meaning rushes or grass on a hilltop. The district is a major grain producing area with broadacre cropping the main industry. The town boasts a vibrant retail and service industry, a top ranking P-12 College, well equipped hospital and residential aged care facility and GP clinic Wycheproof is the administration centre of Buloke Shire Council The town and district has a proud history since settlement in 1876. The town expanded on the west side of Mt Wycheproof once the railway line reached the town in 1883. One of the earliest buildings, the current day post office, opened in 1884. Other landmark buildings the Wycheproof Hospital and Wycheproof Shire Hall were built in the Art Deco style and opened in 1938. A natural feature is Mount Wycheproof known as the world's smallest registered mountain rising 43 m above the surrounding plain (148m above sea level). Wycheproof is a railway town and attracts rail enthusiasts from across Australia to experience and photograph trains travelling along the main street, Broadway. VolunteeringThere are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the local community or to visit community led initiatives. Buloke Shire is the number two local government area in Victoria for volunteering.
Volunteering is a mainstay of the community. From formal and well known organisations such as the Lions Club of Wycheproof. CFA and SES to sports clubs, and groups that are the social fabric of our community. Interested in social enterprise see the volunteers at the Wycheproof Op Shop or the Wycheproof Arts and Crafts and Information Shop. Volunteering for the environment are the Friends of Mount Wycheproof or the Wycheproof Landcare Group. The Wycheproof Community Resource Centre is a volunteer hub and umbrella group for many volunteer organisations from crafty Sunday Patchworkers, to the Wycheproof Youth Group and Wycheproof Mens Shed. Buloke Shire Council offers volunteering opportunities including delivering Meals on Wheels. Other volunteer opportunities are through East Wimmera Health Service-Wycheproof Campus including the hospital auxiliary. |