Once upon a time, Coimadai was a bustling village. Now, let me tell you about its story. Coimadai, a locality in central Victoria, sits 63 kilometers west of Melbourne. Its name comes from an Aboriginal word. It means “Resting Male Kangaroo”.
In 2021, the census recorded a population of 409 in Coimadai. Coimadai lies in the Shire of Moorabool. It is a rural locality, just 10 km north of Bacchus Marsh. Also, it is 48 km northwest of Melbourne.
Coimadai is west of Merrimu Reservoir. It is in the valley of Pyrete Creek, also called Coimadai Creek. The creek flows south from the Lerderderg hills. The Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road follows the creek valley.
Coimadai’s school opened in 1862. Antimony mining caused population changes here. The original village was on a flat area. It had a hotel, a church, and a creamery. Besides mining, there was a limestone quarry. Magnesium springs were also present.
In 1903, the Australian handbook described Coimadai. A hall opened in 1925. A fire destroyed it in 1937. This happened the morning after the Antimony Ball.
The Merrimu Reservoir’s completion in 1969 changed Coimadai forever. It flooded the village. However, the school remained above the reservoir’s western edge. Extensive remnants of limestone kilns are still visible. One kiln operated until the 1950s. Limestone extraction served agricultural purposes. This continued until the land around Merrimu Reservoir was reclaimed.
In 2014, the primary school had 53 pupils. Coimadai’s war memorial stands on the road to Diggers Rest. You will also find an avenue of honour and a recreation reserve there.
Census data shows Coimadai’s fluctuating population. In 1871, it was 87. By 1911, it rose to 296. In 1961, it dropped to 120. The 2011 census recorded 404 residents including Merrimu. Today, Coimadai offers a glimpse into Victoria’s past. It is a story of resilience. It also reflects the impact of industry and nature.