- Source: Glenfern, Queensland
Glenfern is a rural locality in the Somerset Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Glenfern had a population of 11 people.
Geography
The D'Aguilar Highway marks a section of the northern boundary. The southern boundary is roughly aligned with the Stanley River, however when the Somerset Dam is full, the dam's waters cover Glenfern's southern extent. Sandy Creek flows from the north into the dam in this area (26.9723°S 152.5831°E / -26.9723; 152.5831 (Sandy Creek)) and forms the north-eastern boundary of the locality. The land is used for farming.
History
In January 1880, Alexander McPherson obtained a country publican's licence to operate the Glenfern Hotel. The Glenfern Hotel was located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Kilcoy on the road to Woodford (now the D'Aguilar Highway). In 1884, McPherson died from a fall from his horse; his wife Eliza (née Webb) continued to operate the hotel, being described in 1886 as "by no means a pretentious-looking place, but it was scrupulously clean". In 1889, Eliza McPherson married John Young who became the licensee. In 1890, the annual Kilcoy horse races were held in the hotel grounds. The hotel operated until at least 1913 but by 1923 was in use as the private home of Amelia Raleigh (one of the McPherson daughters). The hotel no longer exists, but is likely to be the origin of the locality name.
In 1913, the Kilcoy railway line was constructed with Glenfern railway station (26.9538°S 152.6058°E / -26.9538; 152.6058 (Glenfern railway station)) serving the area. The railway line and the station closed in 1964.
Demographics
In the 2012 census, the population of Glenfern was very low so it was included in the population statistics for the adjoining locality of Velleneuve, which recorded a population of 449.
In the 2016 census, Glenfern had a population of 10 people.
In the 2021 census, Glenfern had a population of 11 people.
Education
There are no schools in Glenfern. The nearest primary school is Kilcoy State School in Kilcoy to the west. The nearest secondary school is Kilcoy State High School, also in Kilcoy.
Kilcoy Motorcycle Club
The Kilcoy Motorcycle Club leases a park on the western corner of Neurum Road and Runges Road (26.959165°S 152.607760°E / -26.959165; 152.607760 (Kilcoy Motorcycle Club)) from the Somerset Regional Council. The club has developed an off-road motocross course on which it runs competitions and practice and coaching days. Facilities include spectator grandstands, canteen and bar, and showers. The club competes in the Sunshine State Series and the South East Queensland Junior Series. The club hosts the annual Ironman Competition.
References
External links
Media related to Glenfern, Queensland at Wikimedia Commons