About Uki

History

The village of Uki (pronounced 'yuke-eye'and meaning edible swamp fern root) is situated near Mount Warning, approximately 15km west of Murwillumbah.
Uki was first settled by Europeans in the 1860's. The main industry at the time was cedar felling. The rich volcanic soil was ideal for dairy farming and this became the main industry for most of the new settlers to the area.

In 1910, Norco built a butter processing factory in Uki, now known as The Buttery. This is to become "home" to the CTC@Uki towards the end of 2003. The Buttery is also the site of the Uki markets and some small retail outlets. As well as The Buttery other historic buildings in Uki include the old bank built which was built in 1910, Uki Hall (previously known as the School of Arts) built in approximately 1914, and two churches.

Mount Warning is one of the main attractions of the area. It is approximately 1150 metre high. 20 million years ago Mount Warning was the plug of a volcano covering an area of almost 4,000 square kilometres. Originally it was nearly twice its present height.

Over time erosion has produced a unique landform, the caldera, which we call the Tweed Valley. Mount Warning was the magma chamber of this ancient volcano. Being composed of harder rocks which cooled underground, it resisted the forces which carved the surrounding erosion caldera down to solid rock. Today it stands as the dominant feature in the region's landscape, being seen clearly from Byron Bay to Coolangatta. Mount Warning had deep significance for the Aborigional inhabitants of the area. They called it 'Wollumbin', which means 'cloud-catcher' or 'weather-maker'.

Mount Warning catches the first rays of the sunlight in Australia. The mountain first made its appearance in recorded history when it alerted Captain Cook of reefs. He named it Mount Warning to warn future mariners of the offshore reefs that he had encountered on the 16th May 1770. Mount Warning was reserved for publc recreation in 1928, and dedicated as a National Park in 1966.

Old General Store

People and places

The town of Uki in the far north-east of New South Wales. The town is a fascinating place with a tradition and history all of its own. The people are unique, with cultural divsersity and passion for their town envied by other villages. Just a quick visit will surely introduce some fascinating members of the community from the "old timers" such as Lloyd, Ida and Joy, to the "newcomers" such as Ray, from Legal Highs and his wonderful and colourful partner, Elizabeth.

Uki is positioned on the edge of a national park, and attracts visitors from far and wide. Some come to stay at the many bed and breakfasts in the area and relax in the beautiful and relaxed surrounds, while others come to see the picturesque scenery that has remains natural and undeveloped . The towering, cone-shaped peak of Mount Warning and its two 'shoulders' have become the focal point of the Tweed from every point in the valley and beyond. The mountain dominates the landscape.

Mt Warning at Sunset. Photo by Julie Baigent

Economic base

The Tweed Valley is a rural area relying on income from sugarcane, bananas, avocados, coffee and tea and small crops. Farming is becoming increasingly more difficult with the increase in population and heavy demand on subdivision of the land.

Bush tucker has become more popular with the increase of the alternative and multicultural population.

Drought and the economic impact on farming has seen tourism play a more important role. Mt Warning and the heritage listed Mt Warning National Park see thousands of visitors to this area every year.

CTC@UKI

Tourism

The Tweed Valley is situated in the caldera of Mt Warning. It is a lush valley with many rainforests, waterfalls, creeks and rivers. The heritage listed National Park and Mt Warning attract thousands of visitors every year.

Many new tourist resorts and Bed and Breakfasts are becoming a major attraction to visitors to the Tweed Valley. The laidback, relaxed alternative lifestyle is an attraction to many people in the hustle and bustle society of today.

Tweed Valley CTC has recently become a Visitor's Information Centre. This will give visitors to the area the opportunity to find out more about the services, facilities and places to visit.

Mt Warning. Photo by Julie Baigent

Services

Guest House
Situated in the heart of Uki Town, it houses around six double-rooms. Large spacious enclosed verandahs surround this lovely building.
It also has an entertainment area with a pool table.

School
The Uki public is a K-6 Primary School. It is a small, community minded school with a happy atmosphere and has many good features under its wing.
Such features include: a healthy canteen, (which gained a 'silver award' for excellence in 2002), an outdoor education center (OEC), and also a spacious grassy playground for the students which includes a soccer field, netball courts, cricket nets, basketball court and a handball area.

Servicing the local area, the buses at Uki stand as a periodical way for people to move around the area.

Uki Dreaming
Uki Dreaming is an alternative lifestyle shop. It sells a range of goods and gifts such as jewellery, alternative medicines and novelty gifts.

Post Office
In conjunction with the news agency, the people at the post office are well known as the 'people to ask' for the residents of Uki. To name just a few of its features, this shop sells magazines, stationery, and there is access to a reliable postal service.

General Store
This friendly general service store is the proud supplier of such things as; fruit and vegetables, takeaway food, beverages, hardware supplies and petrol.

Smash-Repairs
This welcoming service caters adequately for any damaged cars.

Butchery
Well known for its quality meats and friendly smiles, this service caters well for the general public of Uki.

Cafe/Restaurant
Supplies the populace of Uki with many wonderful vegetarian delights such as pizzas, sandwiches and superb sit-down dining, and live music at weekends.

Mt Warning Hotel
As the main social focal point of Uki, the Mt Warning hotel houses a variety of enjoyable aspects that the people of town enjoy, including a cosy fire in the winter.
Such entertainment aspects include; a takeaway food section, a bistro with a pool table and jukebox, pokie machines, a large beer garden and a bottle shop on the side.

Although it speaks for itself , this location is well renown for its excellent service and pleasant atmosphere, leaving the people here to exist within a serene and relaxed environment.

Mt Warning Hotel, UKI

Infrastructure

Federal Electorate: Richmond (area approx. 2137 sq km)
The Federal Electorate of Richmond is located in the far north east corner of NSW. Its northern boundary is the NSW-Queensland border and the Pacific Ocean lies to the east. The western border follows the shire boundaries of Tweed and Byron and to the south a number of local roads and waterways make up the border which runs through the Shire of Ballina.
Richmond Information
Richmond Electorate: Area Map

State Electorate: Tweed District (Area: 1,260.49 sq.km)
Commencing at the junction of the boundary between the States of New South Wales and Queensland with the low water mark of the shore of South Pacific.
Tweed District: Area Map

Local Electorate: Tweed Shire (Area: 1303 sq. km)
Tweed Shire adjoins the NSW shires of Byron, Lismore and Kyogle, with the NSW/Queensland border to its north where it divides the twin towns of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta. Population of 76,229.
Tweed Shire Council: About the Tweed
Tweed Shire Council: Area Map

Byangum, Tweed Valley. Photo by Julie Baigent

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