Latrobe, Tasmania

Latrobe is a town in northern Tasmania, Australia on the Mersey River. It is 8 km south-east of Devonport on the Bass Highway. It is the main centre of the Latrobe Council. At the 2006 census, Latrobe had a population of 2,843.[2] By the 2016 census, this had increased to 4,169.[1] The locality is in the Latrobe Council area, but with a mere 0.1% in the Kentish Council LGA.

Latrobe
Tasmania
Mersey Community Hospital as seen from Perrin Court, 2007
Latrobe is located in Tasmania
Latrobe
Latrobe
Coordinates41°14′S 146°45′E
Population4,169 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)7307
Location
LGA(s)Latrobe Council
State electorate(s)Braddon
Federal division(s)Braddon

History

The area was first settled by B. B. Thomas in 1826 and, in 1861, the settlement was named for Charles Joseph La Trobe (1801–1875), the administrator of the colony of Tasmania.

La Trobe Post Office opened on 31 August 1860 and was renamed Latrobe in 1873.[3]

Latrobe has a museum based in the old court house.[4]

Facilities

The Mersey Community Hospital is located in Latrobe. It is approximately a 100-bed hospital that provides services including: ambulatory and emergency, general adult medicine, general paediatric medicine, general surgery including orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmological, certain oncology services, limited rehabilitation services and allied health support. From 1 September 2008, the Hospital is owned by the Commonwealth and operated by the Tasmanian Government.

The main shopping district can be found along Gilbert Street where a number of hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops call home, such as Supa IGA.

Latrobe has a chocolate factory specialising in Belgian chocolates.

There are aged care facilities in Latrobe such as Uniting AgeWell Strathdevon Community.

The Australian Axemans Hall of Fame[5] showcasing Australia’s wood-chopping sporting champions is located on Bells Parade. The Big Platypus, one of Australia's big things, is outside the museum.

Big Platypus at the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame

Following flooding in 2016, work began on a flood mitigation system for the town involving both a levee and diversion culvert. Construction began in 2022 and is slated to finish in mid 2023.[6]

Sporting activities

Latrobe's Henley-on-Mersey Regatta[7] held on Australia Day 26 January each year at Belles Parade consists of woodchopping, Ferret racing, Triathlon, Iron Trial Strongman, Boat Race, Cherry Spitting and Gum boot throwing. The Christmas Carnival Series is a series of professional athletics and professional cycling events. The boxing day carnival (26 December) is held at the Latrobe Recreation Ground. This event also stages a woodchopping event. Latrobe Football Club and Latrobe Cricket Club[8] also utilize the Latrobe Recreation Oval. Latrobe Basketball Club play in the North West Basketball Union and play out of the Latrobe and Districts Youth Centre.[9] Tennis is played at the Latrobe Tennis Club. Latrobe has a netball team that competes in the Devon Netball Association.

Latrobe Speedway, a clay race track hosts Sprintcars, Street Stocks, AMCA Nationals, Bombers, Junior Sedans, Formula 500s, Modified Sedans, Karts, Wingless Sedans, Tassie Sixers, Speedcars, Caravan Derby and Demolition Derby.[10]

Education

Education facilities include Latrobe Primary School, Latrobe High School, St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Geneva Christian College.

Notable people

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Latrobe (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  2. Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Latrobe (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  3. Phoenix Auctions History. "Post Office List". Phoenix Auctions. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  4. "Latrobe Court House Museum". Nationaltrust.org.au. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  5. "Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame | Latrobe | Tasmania | Australia". 18 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  6. "Green light for flood levee". The Advocate. 12 June 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  7. "Entertainment, Family, Music, Carnival, Travel, Tourism,, Tasmania, Australia". Henleyonmersey.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  8. "Latrobe Cricket Club - MyCricket Site". Latrobecricketclub.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  9. "Latrobe Basketball Association Inc". Latrobe Basketball Association Inc. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  10. "Gulf Western & Independent Oils Raceway, Latrobe". Speedwayaustralia.org. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
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