R&H Suburb Profile DUBBO

Dubbo is a city in the Central West Region of NSW. It is the largest population centre in the Orana region (almost 30,600 at the 2006 census),and serves an estimated catchment of 130,000 people.

Dubbo is 416km west-north-west of Sydney and is a major road and rail freight hub to other parts of the state. The city is considered the cross-roads of NSW, linked by national highways north to Brisbane, south to Melbourne, east to Sydney and Newcastle, and west to Broken Hill and Adelaide.

The city's largest employer is Fletcher International Exports, which exports lamb to the world. Other local industries reflect the city's agricultural roots. Other large employers are the Dubbo Base Hospital and health services.

Tourism is also a significant industry. Dubbo features the open-range Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to various species of endangered animals, and runs a successful breeding program for several species.The zoo is home to numerous specimens from around the world in spacious open-range moat enclosures, grouped according to continent of origin.

Dubbo is also considered a major shopping centre for surrounding regional areas. It has many shopping districts including the large Orana Mall (East Dubbo), Macquarie and Talbragar Streets (City Centre), Centro Dubbo, Riverdale and Tamworth Street local stores (South Dubbo). Dubbo also has many boutiques and unique stores as well as major national stores. Planning is underway for a new shopping centre in West Dubbo, which will include a major supermarket chain and 15 smaller retail shops.

There are 20 schools and secondary colleges including the Dubbo School of Distance Education. Dubbo is home to one of the four main campuses of Charles Sturt University, located next to the Dubbo College Senior Campus.

Dubbo Base Hospital serves the region.