[2] On 17 March 1836, the surveyor and explorer, Thomas Mitchell, set out on an expedition from Boree Station (west of Orange), with 25 men, 2 boats, a train of bullock carts and a herd of at least 100 cattle, which were to be used for food when wild animals were scarce.

[3] Early settlers lived along the banks of the river in crude dwellings made from Mallee boughs and branches covered with mud and bags.

Gradually facilities improved with the progress of communication and transport making necessary goods and materials more readily available.

The population increased steadily, especially after 1907 as a result of development of irrigation works in the area and the expansion of nearby Mildura in Victoria.

The major industry of the area is irrigated horticulture, with the primary crops being citrus, vegetables and grapes.