We have all heard about Broken Hill, the famous mining town of BHP, home to Drag Queens and many Australian painters; but where [exactly] is Broken Hill?’
Where is Broken Hill situated within the landscape of Australia?
How do you get there? Set in the vast plains of red dirt and grey saltbush Broken Hill encapsulates a real sense of place with its location many kilometres from any town. Driving is the most common option to get to Broken Hill and after driving hundreds of kilometres of endless horizons, you are met with a real sense of the isolated destination.
Where is Broken Hill located in history?
Broken Hill with its strong sense of history and streetscape speak for itself.
The contrast between quality urban streetscapes and the nearby mining operations makes the mining history highly accessible. The main street is a visual feast of grand boom-era buildings, the laneways a quirky mishmash of corrugated iron and weathered bricks.
Miners’ cottages with tin roofs within a backdrop of mineshafts, line the streets with names that reflect the large assembly of minerals that fed BHP for it to become what is now one of the largest mining companies in the world.”
The Line of Lode always visible and dominates the town as a constant reminder of what Broken Hill was born of.”
Where is Broken Hill today?
Broken Hill has become a town looking towards it’s future.
Investment have been made into mining the sun. The solar plant located just out of town and operated by AGL supplies 100% of the power to Broken Hill during day-time. In addition, a windfarm has been built to export power down the grin to Sydney.
The YMCA has been through a major renovation project and is now a Wellness Centre that serves the communities from a perspective of healthy living, family, developing young people and those less fortunate.
Plans are currently under review for a Community Hub and Cultural precinct. It is thought that Art can bring Broken Hill’s fascinating history to life while also making the city socially viable and connected in the present day.
