Sheffield in History
In the early 1800's the Kentish area was discovered by explorers and surveyors working their way north, through what would have been native bushland. |
|
Sheffield in 2010
In modern days, Sheffield attracts over 120,000 visitors each year, to see the murals painted on walls throughout the town and buildings along the roadside.
|
|
|
|
*Main Street heading East |
 |
|
|
*High Street looking South to the snow on Mt Roland |
|
|
|
*Two Oldsmobile motor cars with George Rockliff,
Mrs Mary Rockliff and Ingram Rockliff |
|
|
In the latter part of the century the Sheffield area opened up with land for sale, then settlement began. The township of Sheffield and its rural surrounds grew slowly as people moved into the area bringing trades, knowledge and skills for the town to be self sufficient. |
|
|
|
*Sheffield 1st Scout Group about 1930 |
|
|
In the mid twentieth century an economic upturn was embraced by the town when the Mersey-Forth Power Development Scheme came through the area in 1963. Over the next ten years the town was booming with the building of seven dams and seven power stations. After the work was completed Sheffield returned again to its rural ambience.
In the 1980's it was ascertained that a town in Canada had been in a similar situation as Sheffield and had used murals to attract tourism to the area. There was renewed inspiration to get Sheffield pumping once again, so Sheffield, as 'The Town of Murals' was reborn. |
|
|
|
Mural Fest: The Final Day |
|
|
Sheffield is the epicentre of the entire Kentish district. We have festivals, murals, cafes, street performers, unusual curiosities, galleries, museums, specialty and shops of course artists and artisans in their studios. |
|
|
Colourful Characters: Pedro, Ludo, Manuel |
|
|
The natural beauty of the area also beguiles artists of every discipline. Including photography, fine art, glass, woodcraft, pottery, ceramics and specialised crafts such as wool dyeing and many other handcrafts. |
|
|
SteamFest |
|
|
So many natural attractions from the perfect 360º vista on the summit of Mount Roland, the warmth of nearby thermal springs, vineyards and the dizzy depths of Devil's Gate Dam, have made the Kentish district a truly magnificent place to relax and enjoy the lifestyle.
|
|
|
Matthew: Our local bagpipe street performer |
|
|
Sheffield townsfolk and visitor alike enjoy the quaintness of this lifestyle. It's quiet yet there is always something happening whether it be the Town Hall Markets, Steam Train Rides or one of the many regular festivals in the town. |
|
|
Taste of the Northwest |
|
|
Sheffield is more than just a pretty place, it's full of colour! Enjoy a coffee on the strip chatting with Ludo and his alpaca buddies or enjoy Matthew's bagpipes or embrace the beautiful harp often played right in the centre of town. |
|
|
