The City of Queanbeyan, New South Wales.

Queanbeyan is a city and local government area (Queanbeyan City Council) in south eastern New South Wales, Australia. It is a city overshadowed somewhat by its proximity to the Australian federal capital city of Canberra: it has effectively become a de facto district of the nearby capital city as it lies on the Australian Capital Territory border and is approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Canberra's CBD, Civic. The border itself is defined by a railway line. The Queanbeyan River runs through Queanbeyan, near the centre of the city and this area surrounding the river boast some of the highest house prices in the district.

On Census night 2006, Queanbeyan had a population of 34,084 people and has been said to be the "fastest growing city in Southern NSW".

Today

Queanbeyan is a regional centre providing the opportunity for people to work in Canberra and live in New South Wales. The city is home to a large shopping centre known as Riverside Plaza. Queanbeyan has most of the major fast food outlets and selected speciality stores. Queanbeyan has two government high schools, Queanbeyan High and Karabar High. Queanbeyan primary schools include Queanbeyan South Public School, Queanbeyan West Public School, Queanbeyan East Public School, Queanbeyan Public School, Jerrabomberra Public School and St. Gregory's. Queanbeyan has a major hospital, ambulance station, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, community centre, public library and several parks. There is no longer a cinema in Queanbeyan. Much of the growth of Queanbeyan is found in Jerrabomberra, this suburb being created in 1992 and now having a population of over 6000. The city is served by the privately owned bus company, Deane's Buslines. On 16 December, 2006, level 3 water restrictions were introduced for the first time in Queanbeyan. Queanbeyan is protected by two fire services, NSWFB and a NSWRFS Volunteer Brigade (Queanbeyan City Brigade)

Sport and culture

Queanbeyan has a strong sporting culture. One of the major sports in Queanbeyan is Rugby League. The town has two teams, the Queanbeyan Blues and the Queanbeyan Kangaroos, of which the Blues is, as of 2006, the more powerful team. In addition Queanbeyan has a successful Australian Rules Football team, the Queanbeyan Tigers, and a successful Rugby Union team, the Queanbeyan Whites, who secured two premierships in 2007 by claiming the first grade and colts titles. Queanbeyan has fostered many rugby superstars including Ricky Stuart, David Campese, Matt Giteau, Matt Henjak, Anthony Faingaa and Saia Faingaa. Other sporting icons include Mark Webber, a Formula One driver, and local sporting heroes Terry Campese and Trevor Thurling who play for the neighboring National Rugby League team the Canberra Raiders.

Queanbeyan includes a diverse range of Indigenous, African, European, Asian and Pacific cultures. Clubs and associations in Queanbeyan cater for many of these groups, including residents having Dutch, Macedonian, Italian or Mediterranean origins.

The Queanbeyan Show, which is now 111 years old, is held annually at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds in November over two days. There are equestrian events, a sideshow alley, art and craft displays, cooking exhibits, an agricultural pavilion and livestock exhibitions. Also held is a Showgirl, Miss Junior Showgirl and Tiny Tots competition.

In February, the Queanbeyan Showgrounds play host to the annual "Convoy for Kids" to aid cancer research. The event is widely supported by community groups, regional businesses and the emergency services. The event attracts hundreds of commercial vehicles, trucks, prime movers and bushfire brigade vehicles. The highlight of the afternoon is the sounding of horns, which can be heard for miles around. Other regular events throughout the year include the Rodeo in March, Field Days, and a camping and off-road vehicle show.

In March 2008, the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre - the Q - became the new home for the Queanbeyan Players who have provided over thirty years of live theatre and dramatic entertainment for the Queanbeyan community.

Suburbs

• Carwoola
• Crestwood
• Environa
• Googong
• Greenleigh
• Jerrabomberra
• Karabar
• Queanbeyan East
• Queanbeyan West
• Queanbeyan
• The Ridgeway
• Royalla
• Tralee

• (Oaks Estate is sometimes mistakenly assumed to be part of Queanbeyan but is in fact located in the Australian Capital Territory.)

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