The name "Allawah" is Aboriginal in origin, from a local term meaning 'make your abode here' or 'remain here'. It is thought that the Aboriginal clan most prominent in the St George area, the Gameygal or Kameygal – the people of Kamay, lived in and around the area. The first land grant was made in 1808 to Captain John Townson by Major George Johnston after he had briefly deposed Governor Bligh in 1808, consisting of 1950 acres, which became known as Townson's Farm. The grant extended from King Georges Road and Stoney Creek Road to beyond Kogarah railway station. Later, an additional 250 acres to the north was granted after Townson complained about the quality of about 300 acres of this grant. The railway line to Hurstville was opened in 1884, but the railway station at Allawah did not open until 23 October 1925. The Allawah post office opened in May 1933.
Demographics
According to the of Population, there were 5,706 residents in Allawah. 34.7% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were China 21.7%, Nepal 6.9%, Philippines 2.9%, Hong Kong 2.8% and India 2.5%. 27.1% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Mandarin 18.7%, Cantonese 11.6%, Nepali 7.1%, Arabic 3.7% and Macedonian 2.6%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were No Religion 31.6%, Catholic 17.0% and Hinduism 9.0%.
Commercial area
Allawah is a small landlocked suburb, about 15–20 minutes walking distance from Hurstville. Allawah's main shopping centre is located on Railway Parade, beside Allawah railway station. The Allawah shopping strip contains a newsagent, post office, corner store, Nepalese/Indian grocery store, real estate agencyCentury 21 Southside Properties, take-away shops, a computer repair business, an Internet cafe, and the local pub and bottle shop, the Allawah Hotel.
Transport
is on the Illawarra line serviced by Sydney Trains. The railway station has had an upgrade in recent years, including the installation of lifts to benefit the mobility challenged. Trains to Bondi Junction and to Hurstville stop at Allawah six times an hour during peak times, and 4 times an hour at all other times except weekends. Weekends run 2 train services an hour in both directions.
