Eidsvold is situated on the Burnett Highway approximately 430 kilometres (270 mi) north of the state capital, Brisbane. The highway passes through the locality from the south-east to the north-east, passing through the town's main street (Moreton Street). The Mungar Junction to Monto branch railway passes from south-east to north-east through the locality, roughly parallel to the highway; the Eidsvold railway station serves the town.[4] The Eidsvold–Theodore Road (State Route 73) runs south and then west from the town.[5]
History
Wakka Wakka (Waka Waka, Wocca Wocca, Wakawaka) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken in the Burnett River catchment. The Wakka Wakka language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the North and South Burnett Regional Council, particularly the towns of Eidsvold, Cherbourg, Murgon, Kingaroy, Gayndah and Mundubbera.[6]
The town is named for Eidsvold Station, a nearby property, that is named for Eidsvoll, Norway (using the pre-1918 spelling) where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814.[2] The station was given this name by the Archer brothers, Scottish settlers who also had land holdings in Norway. The Eidsvold run was licensed to Thomas Archer in June 1848.
The Town Reserve, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the station homestead, was proclaimed 19 March 1890.
The Church of the Nazarene established a congregation in Eidsvold in 1950 and built a timber church at 12 Moreton Street in 1953.[8] However, the congregation declined and the church closed. The building was purchased by the local Uniting Church in Australia congregation, who had previously been meeting in the CWA rooms, and opened it as the Eidsvold Uniting Church on 23 February 1980.[8][9]
Demographics
In the 2006 census, the town of Eidsvold had a population of 459 people.[10]
In the 2011 census, the locality of Eidsvold had a population of 630 people.[11]
In the 2016 census, the locality of Eidsvold had a population of 574 people.[12]
In the 2021 census, the locality of Eidsvold had a population of 538 people.[1]
Eidsvold has an R. M. Williams Australian bush learning centre, historical museum and complex, swimming pool, showground and bowling and golf clubs.
The North Burnett Regional Council operate a public library at 36 Moreton Street.[18]
The historical museum pays tribute to the 62 soldiers from the Eidsvold area that served in the First World War. Displays include photographs, medals and the Shire of Eidsvold Honour Board.[19]
^Frew, Joan (1981) Queensland Post Offices 1842-1980 and Receiving Offices 1869-1927, p. 263. Fortitude Valley, Queensland: published by the author, ISBN0-9593973-0-2
^ abBlake, Thom. "Eidsvold Nazarene Church". Queensland religious places database. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
^Every, Niles (14 December 2017). "Eidsvold's soldiers". Queensland's World War 1 Centenary Blog. State Library of Queensland. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.