As the name suggested, the main industry in The Gemfields was sapphiremining, supported by tourism.
History
Anakie Provisional School opened on 27 July 1885. It became Anakie State School on 1 January 1909. Due to low attendances it opened and closed at times, but continues to operate to the present day.[9]
Taraborah Provisional School (also written as Taroborah) opened in 1900. On 1 July 1909 it became Taraborah State School. It closed on 1911.[9]
In the 2011 census, The Gemfields had a population of 1,630.[10]
In the 2016 census, The Gemfields had a population of 1,449 people.[1]
Amenities
The Central Highlands Regional Council operated a public library at 7 Burridge Road, Rubyvale.[11]
Education
Anakie State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Cook Street (23°33′14″S147°44′45″E / 23.5540°S 147.7458°E / -23.5540; 147.7458 (Anakie State School)).[12][13] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 83 students with 7 teachers (6 full-time equivalent) and 7 non-teaching staff (4 full-time equivalent).[14] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 77 students with 7 teachers (6 full-time equivalent) and 9 non-teaching staff (5 full-time equivalent).[15]
There were no secondary schools in The Gemfields. The nearest government secondary school was Emerald State High School in Emerald to the east.[6]
Events
GemFest was an annual festival in the region, attracting large numbers of visitors.[16]