Village Settlement: Moorook

The origin of the name Moorook is obscure. It is possibly derived from an Aboriginal word meaning 'bend in the river' or perhaps from 'Maru' the name of a group of Aboriginal tribes in the area. The Moorook village settlement was established in May 1894 and from the start the settlers were quite individualistic in their outlook, opting for a co-operative system rather than a communal one. Unlike those of other settlements, the Moorook villagers seemed happy with their pump and irrigation system in 1899. But still, the number of members declined gradually and Moorook village settlement ceased in July 1903. It was incorporated in Moorook Irrigation Area 1911.