The name Shire is of English origin and is primarily gender-neutral. It means "Piece Of Land In Rural England." The term "shire" traditionally refers to an administrative division of land in Great Britain and some other English-speaking countries, often synonymous with county. It has historical roots in Anglo-Saxon settlement and spread throughout England in the 10th century. Shires were governed by officials such as ealdormen and sheriffs and were divided into hundreds or wapentakes. Today, there are 23 counties in England, 23 in Scotland, and 10 in Wales that bear the "-shire" suffix. Additionally, in some rural parts of Australia, a shire is a local government area. The name Shire carries a sense of heritage and connection to rural landscapes, reflecting a deep historical significance associated with the land.
The Shire of Hinchinbrook is a local government area in North Queensland, Queensland, Australia, covering an area of 2,807 square kilometres and having a population of 10,920 people. Established on 11 November 1879, it has a rich history, with the Hinchinbrook Division being one of 74 divisions around Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879. Over the years, the shire has undergone changes, and its governance has evolved to its present form. The shire hall, which was originally constructed in 1883, has seen various transformations, with the present hall opening in 1963. The Hinchinbrook Shire Council operates public libraries at Ingham and Halifax and encompasses several settlements. The shire has had a succession of chairmen and mayors, with Ramon Jayo currently serving as the mayor. The council, elected in 2020, consists of a mayor and six councillors representing the entire Shire. For more information, you can visit the official Hinchinbrook Shire Council website.
The Shire of Etheridge is a local government area located in the Savannah Gulf region of Far North Queensland, Australia. Established in 1882, it spans an area of 39,199 square kilometers and is primarily sustained by cattle grazing and mining activities. According to the 2021 census, the Shire of Etheridge is home to a population of 714 individuals. Originally known as the Einasleigh Division, it underwent a series of name changes before assuming its current title in 1919. The Shire encompasses a number of settlements, including Georgetown, Einasleigh, Forsayth, Gilbert River, Mount Surprise, Abingdon Downs, Conjuboy, Gilberton, Lyndhurst, Northhead, Strathmore, and Talaroo. Former towns and localities, such as Cumberland and Kidston, were once vital mining communities. Presently, the Etheridge Shire Council manages a public library in Georgetown. Over the years, the Shire has been overseen by a number of chairmen and mayors, with Barry Gilbert Hughes currently holding the position since 2020.
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