There is little
remaining of the once-thriving village of Kerrabee - then a
3000-acre settlers' Camp catering to around 200 people.
Kerrabee came into
being with the construction of the Newcastle to Ulan train line,
with people automatically congregating at the former school, post
office, general store, telephone exchange, homestead and squatters
cottage.
A logical resting place
on the Denman to Holbrook mail run, Kerrabee was used as a
stockman’s camp by the Denman post office, with riders opening 20
gates across the Widden Valley before resting at the homestead. Also
on the drover’s route to Kanenia, stockmen stopped at Kerrabee
before tackling another gruelling leg.
With a permanent
police station stationed at the property for some years, the
regional focus enjoyed by Kerrabee is obvious.
The McDonald's General
Store operated between 1926 and 1966, with the tiny shop today still
intact. Kerrabee’s other role was also as the local school,
educating children until 1936. Although both store and school were
both forced to close during the World War II period, Kerrabee
retained its position as a community focal-point until just 40 years
ago.
