Tabulam, New South Wales

Tabulam is a rural village in the far north-east of New South Wales, Australia, 800 kilometres from the state capital, Sydney. Tabulam is located on the Bruxner Highway (Highway 44) between Tenterfield and Casino and on the Clarence River. According to the 2006 Census, there were 573 people living in Tabulam. Tabulam is locally administered by Kyogle Council.EtymologyThe name Tabulam is derived from Bundjalung Dahbalam.HistoryOriginally, Tabulam and the surrounding farm and bushland was inhabited by Bundjalung Aborigines of which many still inhabit the town and surrounding area. The land was first settled by Europeans in 1839.It is the birthplace of Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel of the Australian Light Horse.During World War II tank traps were built in the area near Paddys Flat, to repel a potential armoured attack. More of the tank traps became visible after flooding of the Clarence River in 2011.CultureTabulam has a large Indigenous population with a number of Indigenous villages surrounding the local area. The main one being Jubullum Village which is the home to the Tabulum Turtle Divers rugby team. This village is located on the Rocky River and has around 130-150 people. Local cultural leaders and artists live in this village and a team of locals maintains the lawns and houses.