Finley, New South Wales

Finley is a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest town in the Berrigan Shire local government area. At the 2006 census, Finley had a population of 1,921 people. The town is located approximately 140km west of Albury on the intersection of the Newell Highway and Riverina Highways.HistoryThe post office opened on 1 January 1881 but was known as Murray Hut until 1893. Europeans first settled the area around Finley in the early 1840s, with wheat becoming the main crop.The Finley Agricultural & Pastoral Association was formed in 1912 and held its first show on 17 September 1913. The agricultural show is still held annually on the first Sunday in September (Father's Day).Periods of severe drought, combined with the Great Depression of the early 1930s, forced many farmers to abandon their holdings.In 1935, construction on the Mulwala Canal began in order to provide employment and bring water to the area’s rich farmland.EducationFinley has two primary schools, St Joseph's School, and Finley Public School. Finley High School attracts students from a wide catchment including the towns of Berrigan, Tocumwal, Jerilderie and Blighty.