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Community An introduction about our community. Where we are, our history and services. |
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 Rathmines
is built around a WWII seaplane base.
 The base became operational in 1939. Image source  320
Catalina crewmen were killed During WWII
No. 9, 10 & 11 Squadrons trained at Rathmines.  From
1940 both Seagull and Catalina seaplanes were based at
Rathmines.
Image source
 160
Catalinas were operational from Australia.
RAAF Rathmines trained some 220 Aircrews. The Catalina aircraft did reconnaissance, bombing, minelaying, supplying troops, coast watch & air sea rescue missions. Image source |
Rathmines
is classified as a Local Centre of a small group of
communities within the local government area of the City of Lake
Macquarie, New South Wales. We are situated on Lake
Macquarie's western shores. Rathmines is surrounded by Fishing Point to
the east, Buttaba to the south, Balmoral to the south-west and a large
commercial / industrial area farther west. The location of Rathmines is 44mins (33 km) drive south west of the City of Newcastle or 1 hour and 40 minutes drive (130km) north-east of Sydney. It has a census population of 8400 people as of 2001. (33 02.264' S151 35.065' E) Rathmines location using Google Maps - Flash Earth & Whereis. Neigbouring communities further south also include Arcadia Vale and Wangi Wangi (pop 8,400). Larger centres adjacient includes Toronto, 10 minutes drive to the north and Morissett, 15 minutes to the south. The mean elevation of Rathmines is 19 meters above sea level and it receives an annual rainfall of 1145 mm per year. The largest single rainfall event is recorded as 284 mm in one day. The largest single July rain fall was 119 mm in 24 hours. Lake Macquarie is Australia largest salt water lake being approximately 25 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide. It is over four times the size of Sydney Harbour. To the west of Rathmines is a large stand of remanant open euclyptus woodland lining ridges and basins towards Wangi Road. This is the main thoroughfare which connects the larger population centres of Toronto and Morisset. The local shopping centre of Rathmines consistes of a Post Office (Postcode 2283) together with a good range of services shops such as a grocery and hardware store, buchery, bakery, hairdressers, takeaways, gift shop, bottle shop and service station to name but a few. There is also a medical practice adjacient to the centre. More information. Rathmines has several commercial centres. North of the shopping centre is the fully licensed Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club. It is situated within the confines of the 50.8 hectares State Heritage listed Rathmines Park. The park confines were formerly the Rathmines RAAF World War II Flying Boat Base. At its peak it housed up to 3000 Air force personnel. During the Base’s twenty year operation it has had a profound effect on post World War II development in Lake Macquarie. Airmen and women stayed on in the area and helped form a technologically skilled resource. This resource helped to develop power stations, mechanised coal mines and established private industry. To this day many of these industries still exists within the City of Lake Macquarie. There are still historically listed RAAF buildings in Rathmines Park which are used for commercial and community purpose. The large industrial estate at the western gateway to the community offers many varied services. These include mechanical repairs, panel shops, auto wreckers, fabrication, veterinary care, removalists, heavy industry and storage to list a few. More information. Demographically Wangi-Rathmines has the following charteristics:
(2001
Census Data)
One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto. Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk. There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berths around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination. How to get to Rathmines:
Wiki Link Externals links Rathmines, Wangi Wangi, Toronto, Morisset, Newcastle and Sydney. Additional external links of interest:
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