Page 28 - Kickin Up Dust - Australia

FEATURE “ The warmth of a small town is measured by its people and the way they work together Kids run in the gorgeous local park and hang off the
Angie White

Tottenham NSW – Soul of the Centre
swings, families using the park as a meeting point.
Tottenham Rural Trading affectionately known as “Brodos”
for and as a community – Tottenham shines at this.
can top you up with fuel 24/7 while a stroll down the
Soul of the Centre – heart of the land – it is hard to truly define small towns as so much
postie or some of the local elderly sharing coffee out the
of their tapestry is made up of the people who live in them. “ main street can earn you a chat with Darrin the local
front of the shop.
Tottenham, a small town in the centre of NSW, has Like most of Australia it has suffered through Local farmers wearing weathered Akubras can be spotted
unofficially named itself the “Soul of the Centre” and crippling droughts and a pandemic. deep in discussion, arms folded, as committee ladies
it’s not hard to see why. Spring to mind the saying In true Tottenham style the community has banded pass by headed to one meeting or another loaded up with
“heart and soul” and you might be closer to the mark. together and supported each other in every way scones, cake and slice.
The welcoming vibe and kindness of its people stand possible to allow the town to keep moving forward
out to all those who visit there or who choose to stay. and stay alive in these tense times. The War Memorial Hall, home to most of the town’s
“special” events, has tributes on its walls to Citizens and
Although the population in the actual town is only 320 The Central School and Pre-school are the hub of groups of the year, past and present, and hosts funerals,
people, the district count is around 1000 people taking the town as is the small main street and the few weddings, celebrations, meetings, church services and
into account families on farms in the surrounding area. remaining shops in it. The Bowling and Golf Club on even dance classes for the kids.
the outskirts of town, plays its part in hosting get-
Tottenham Village was established in the early 1900’s togethers and special family celebrations. Natasha Levick moved to the Tottenham area after her
after a discovery of copper in the area. These days the marriage to husband Harry. “My absolute favourite
main industry is agriculture. It is one of the states The Totty Pub sits proudly on the corner and after thing about our little town is the incredible kindness
largest grain producing areas and incorporates strong harvest or any town event you can see a line-up of and welcoming nature,” she said. “The way the big kids
sheep, wool and beef Industries. dusty utes and cars as they congregate to catch up look out for the little kids which in turn carries on into
and celebrate with locals, inside, and spilling onto adulthood is such a special quality we wouldn’t have in
Generations of families have called Tottenham home the footpath, talking about rain, crops, sheep, cattle the city or bigger towns”. “I’m blessed to live in such a
and it is part of the Wiradjuri nation of the eastern- and footy. beautiful little place”, she said.
central area of NSW. Bonding through a common
language and the rivers of Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Like a lot of small towns, the people of Tottenham take
Macquarie, weaving in with its agricultural history, it is pride in their town and everyone knows everyone. Some
a place that shows strength and resilience. people may say this is not a good thing, while others say
it’s the best. In any case it’s what makes small towns tick.
Tottenham Local Greg Radford, says, “Tottenham’s social
fabric is probably the best part of life in the district.
It’s far enough away from bigger centres to force its
independence, which makes for lots of dedicated and fun
committees and sporting clubs. It’s a nice safe place to
raise our family”, he said.

The community hosts a large race meeting in March
each year, which gathers people from all over the central
west and beyond. It’s all about the frocks, the fillies and
the tinnies and it’s not unusual to see a reunion or two
organised to coincide with the day.

October is Gymkhana month and a great family day out
with something for everyone. Pushbike and yabby races to
foot races and even attempts to ride the unique backwards
bike. The stuff memories are made of and kids remember
forever.

Well known and respected Tottenham resident Jodie
Attenborough sums it up perfectly, “Little town, big heart”.

Tottenham may look sleepy from the outside but its bustle
and hustle, love, laughter, good times and comradery. It’s
KICKIN UP DUST KICKIN UP DUST every little town all over Australia. It is the geographical
centre and the heart of rural NSW – just ask all the people
at the pub on Saturday nights or better still take a drive
through and ask them yourselves.

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28 Story and Photos by Angie White