Greta, New South Wales

Greta is a small town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. The Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Maitland area are the Wonnarua people. Greta started a small community around Anvil Creek in 1830s. Settled by Europeans from around 1822, when the town was surveyed in 1842 it was given the name Greta, possibly after a small river in Cumberland, England. Coal mining was established in the area in 1862 with the development of a railway station. In 1864 keroscene shale was discovered. By the 1870s, Greta had four hotels , four churches ,a school and schools of arts. Geologist Edgeworth David discovered coal seam in 1886. By 1907 ten collieries were in operation. In 1939 an army training camp was established. After WWII the town's population grew as it became a migrant camp for European refugees. The small town has a large European community with many people coming from, Polish, Ukrainian and German heritage. At the 2016 census the town had a population of 2,830. The Main Street of Greta, High street is a quiet stretch of road with the most popular social areas being Tattersalls Hotel Pub (more commonly known as 'Tatts' or 'Greta Pub') and the bowling club. These days it is largely a commuter town located midway between Cessnock, Singleton and Maitland. A convenient location for miners and their families to live. The town is also linked to nearby town, Branxton where you will find the nearest grocery store. Being in the Hunter Valley, Greta is close to many vineyards and wine cellars.
Greta Army Camp.
The Greta Army Camp, located on the town's outskirts, was opened in 1939 as a training ground for World War II soldier training, and in 1949 was transferred to the Department of Immigration who transformed it into one of Australia's largest migrant reception and training centres between June 1949 and January 1960 as part of the post-war immigration to Australia. Over 100,000 new migrants seeking a new life in Australia passed through Greta Camp throughout its 11-years in operation.
Sport.
Greta is heavily associated with Branxton, which is only to the northwest, with many combined sporting ventures, the most notable being "The Greta-Branxton Wildcats" soccer and "Greta-Branxton Colts" rugby league clubs.
Tidy Towns.
Greta's Tidy Towns projects have also been nationally recognised and even achieved multiple awards and prestige for its beautification of what was once considered an unfashionable place to live. Greta Tidy Towns Committee meets regularly to discuss changes to the town and to manage its continuing beautification.
Transport.
Greta is located on the New England Highway, approximately north of Sydney. Access to Sydney will be possible via the Hunter Expressway when it is completed. NSW TrainLink's Hunter Line passes through Greta railway station, which opened in 1869.
Heritage listings.
Greta has a number of heritage-listed sites, such as the Greta railway station.