Kincumber, New South Wales

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Kincumber is a township located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, as part of the Gosford City Council local government area.

It is a small (but growing) community of around 7000 people, nested between the mounting reserve and the local waterway, located 91 km by road North of Sydney--via the Newcastle Freeway (F3). Neighbouring communities are Green Point, Saratoga, Bensville, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, and Avoca Beach.

1 Naming
2 Early Settlement
3 Natural Resources
4 Modern Facilities
5 Political Representation
6 External links
7 See also

[edit] Naming

Modern 'Kincumber' derives its name from the original Aboriginal inhabitant's name for the area of "Kincumba" meaning "towards the rising sun". A large open flat rock area at the highest plateau of Kincumba Mountain, commands panoramic views of the region, and was used by the local Aborigines as their meeting place and camp. Being the highest open position in the region, it was first to receive the morning sun as it broke over the eastern horizon Tasman Sea/Pacific Ocean, and so this area was also referred to as "towards tomorrow".

[edit] Early Settlement

Due to the freshwater creek, water access from The Broadwater and the Hawkesbury River, and an abundance of old rainforest timber in the surrounding valley hills, Kincumber was one of the earliest settlements on the Central Coast, supplying wood for the needs of the growing Sydney colony in the early 1800's.

Boatbuilding became an early local secondary industry after timber-getting, to meet the primary necessity of water transport. Boatbuilding along Cockle Creek in Kincumber continued until into the first years of the 21st Century.

[edit] Natural Resources

A significant geographical feature is Kincumba Mountain, which is a nature reserve, and is often used by the community for various functions, including picnicking, bush-walking, orienteering, parties, and carnivals.

[edit] Modern Facilities

A high school, primary school, cinema, shopping centre, library, and hotel and fast food outlets service the town and surrounding areas. Kincumber also lays claim to the nation’s best Indian Food restaurant of 2004.

Over recent years petty crime has been a problem in the area, however following the installation of a council-run skate park and a legal graffiti wall, crime rates have decreased somewhat. Some local residents are committed to improving the area, and have held events aimed at bring the community closer together, forming a progress association. A local youth centre has also been running projects to keep kids off the street.