Dungog Shire Council

Though heavily associated with hobbits and Middle-earth, a shire historically refers to an administrative division in the UK and Commonwealth, and suggests a region or county governed by a sheriff (hence “shire”).

Today, Dungog Shire—located about 120 miles north of Sydney in New South Wales—is governed by its own council. This governing body makes decisions on all local matters, including green-lighting street names such as Bowling Alley Point Road and Wombat Lane, and serving its residents to enhance the quality of life in the shire.

Tolkien’s farmland and cozy hobbit holes are not too far off from the rolling hills of Dungog. And indeed, though there is an active urban center, farming is central to the local economy: sheep, crop, and—most of all—cattle farms are prominent arenas of everyday life. “Dungog cows” are considered a heritage breed, to which lengths are gone to promote their genetics to continue producing high-quality meat. Playful cow-related imagery is prevalent in the area and can likely even be found on the bulletin board of the light, dung-hued brick council office.

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