Orana (New South Wales)


Orana, a region in central northern New South Wales, Australia, had an estimated population of 113,824 people. The largest region in New South Wales, it has an area of, comprising approximately 25% of that state. The major localities include Dubbo, Cobar and Mudgee.
The Orana region encompasses twelve local-government areas: the Dubbo Regional Council, the Mid-Western Regional Council, and the Shires of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett, Warren and Warrumbungle. This region corresponds approximately with the Australian Bureau of Statistics North Western Statistical Division.

Etymology

The term 'Orana' is said to mean "welcome" in an Aboriginal language, perhaps that of the local Wiradjuri group, but this is contested. Orana was popularised as an Australian Aboriginal word in the carol Orana to Christmas Day, released in 1948, though its true origins are obscure. Linguist David Nash suggests that Orana's true origin may be a Polynesian language, noting that Kia orāna is a common greeting on Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands.

Economy

Agriculture is the predominant industry in the Orana region, with 86% of the area under agricultural land use. This land makes up 27% of the total agricultural land in New South Wales. The output equals approximately 658 million or 11.7% of the state's agricultural production. Agriculture industry jobs provide over 20 percent of the employment in the region.