Donald

POPULATION
Town - 1,800
District - 3,200

DISTANCES
Melbourne - 290 km
Horsham - 100 km

Donald has all of the great aspects of country living spades. From the medical centre staff and patients to café waitresses and the people on street – all are friendly and helpful, going out of their way to supply directions, offering a hand and even posing in photos. Donald also strikes a cord with industry – with businesses opening in food supplies and industry. And it shows. The town has a busy main street, full cafes and colourful artworks decorating brick walls. Donald - Full of pleasant Surprises.

HISTORY
Donald sits on the banks of the Richardson River, named by famous explorer Major Thomas Mitchell in 1836 after his botanical collector Matthew Richardson fell from his horse into the water. However, Donald was not founded by Scottish pastoralists until 1844. Victoria’s gold rush provided the infrastructure and beautiful buildings which are still in use in the main street. The town has survived droughts, floods and the tides of fortune changed as a railway was built 1882 only to be closed to passengers in 1993. Agriculture remains the primary industry in the area with wheat, canola, barley, sheep and cattle the main produce.

THE FLAVOUR OF DONALD
In spite of the current drought, Donald continues to flourish thanks to the commitment and dedication of the townspeople and Buloke Shire. Industry has been welcomed to the area and there are now factories and new businesses opening from a funky café to a vegetarian sausage factory. The thriving community spirit is reflected in the vibrancy of the main street, the academic successes of the schools and new facilities such as the Aged Care home and a helipad for the hospital. The main street is a wonderful combination of colonial style buildings, modern facilities and murals which add flair and colour to the main street. A healthy attitude towards sport is a main focus for the community of Donald. Known for its water sports, Donald also offers football, cricket, gym, basketball, golf, swimming, pony club, cycling and angling to name but a few. Hobbies can include the patchwork and quilters club, the rifle club and horse racing.

DONALD INFRASTRUCTURE
The township of Donald has great infrastructure for a rural town, including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a community centre which doubles as a Centre Link and Veteran’s Affairs office, bus services, aged care facilities, award winning primary and secondary schools and the hospital and medical centre.

Useful Links

Education

Town and Tourist Information Sites

GP vacancy for Donald Family Clinic

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