Nambour
Postcode: 4560
Nambour is a town situated in south east Queensland, Australia, 101 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane. The town lies in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast at the foot of the Blackall Range. Nambour has a population of 13,800, as measured in the 2006 census. It is the administrative centre of the Maroochy Shire Council.
The name is derived from the Aboriginal word “naamba”, referring to the red-flowering tea tree Callistemon viminalis.
Nambour’s primary industry has been sugar, with extensive cane fields surrounding the town, and the Moreton Sugar Mill in the town centre. The mill itself was closed in 2003, and the long term future of the sugar industry in the area is in doubt. Other industries in the area include tourism, and the growing of tropical fruits. The Big Pineapple tourist attraction on the southern outskirts of the town combines both of these pursuits. Other tourist attractions include The Big Cow and The Big Macadamia nut. Nambour is in Queensland, roughly an hour north of Brisbane.
Nambour is also known as the place where tennis star, Pat Rafter, made his debut. His name has been on the wall of the local tennis club since he won the junior championship as a sixteen year old. Pat went on to win the US Open twice. His large family is still well known and respected in the district.
Famous people born in Nambour include National Rugby League player Billy Slater and Australian Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd.
Kevin Rudd attended Nambour High School as did federal opposition treasury spokesperson Wayne Swann and Queensland Nationals deputy leader Fiona Simpson.