Berala, New South Wales

Berala is a western suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, located 20 kilometres west of the central business district, in the local government area of Auburn.

History
Berala is derived from Bareela, an Aboriginal word for a musk duck. The area was originally swampy and attracted wild birds. When the railway line was being extended from Lidcombe to Regents Park, the names Torrington, Sidmouth and Bareela were considered. The station opened in 1912, the public school in 1924 and the post office in 1927.

Transport
Berala railway station is on the Inner West line and the loop portion of the Bankstown Line of the CityRail network. Bus services run between Auburn and Bankstown.

Commercial area
A small group of shops is located beside the railway station. A shopping centre under construction beside the railway station was ceased due to issues, but has resumed again.

Demographics
According to the 2006 Census, there were 7886 residents, with a majority stating that both their parents were born overseas (5655 people, or 71.7%). The countries of origin were China (more than one third) and Lebanon, Vietnam, Croatia, UK, the Philippines, and Australia. The response for both parents born in Australia was 13.9%, which is well below the national average of 50.7%.

Schools
Berala Public School is the local public primary school. St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School caters for primary aged children mainly of Roman Catholic denomination. There is also Trinity Junior Catholic College (formerly known as St Peter Chanel Girls High School).

Sport and recreation
Coleman Park comprises two full-size soccer fields, two mini soccer fields, a baseball field, a children's recreation area and basketball facilities. The Lidcombe Waratahs soccer club is based there.

The Berala Bears is a junior rugby league team that plays in the Canterbury Bulldogs Junior Rugby League competition. Their colours are gold and black, and their home ground is at Guilfoyle Park in the neighbouring suburb of Regents Park. Former Berala Bears players include Brisbane Broncos forward Terry Matterson, Canterbury Bulldogs winger Matt Utai, South Sydney Rabbitohs half Jeremy Smith, and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles forward Anthony Watmough.