Corporation of the Town of Gawler (GA776)

Gawler is reputed to have been the first country town established in South Australia. It was first viewed as a future site by Colonel Light in 1837 and was surveyed by Light, Finniss & Co in July 1839. Gawler is located 40km north of Adelaide and is situated in the foothills of the Mt Lofty Ranges wth the North and South Para Rivers dividing the town. The town was laid out by W. Jacob and named after the then Governor of South Australia. It was first settled by J. Reid at 'Clonlea' in Feb 1839. Then as today it was the gateway to the north and the Barossa.

Local government was introduced in 1853 with the formation of Munno Para East, Mudla Wirra, Barossa West and Munno Para West District Councils. Up until 1857 Gawler was within the District of Barossa West, however, due to dissatisfaction with services representations were made to the Government in order to gain separate incorporation.

On the 9th July 1857 the Municipality of the Town of Gawler was proclaimed, following the boundaries of the original survey. Since that time Gawler has gone through many changes, both economically and physically. It has grown in size while like most places has seen recession times and prosperous ones. Today Gawler has direct access to the wine industry of the Barossa, the market gardens to the south and wheat and barley fields to the north and west. Recently the council has redevelop the town centre in order to preserve its importance to the region.

Same agency as MRG35 - different archival control system.