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 City.
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 Bankstown Line of the Sydney Trains network. Bus services run between Auburn and Bankstown.
Commercial area
A small group of shops is located beside the railway station. A Woolworths is located next to the train station.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, there were 8,799 residents in Berala. 39.3% of residents were born in Australia. The most common other countries of birth were China 12.8%, Vietnam 9.0% and Philippines 2.3%. 22.9% of residents spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Cantonese 16.7%, Mandarin 10.3% and Arabic 8.5%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 22.0%, Islam 16.7% and Buddhism 16.0%.
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-Bankstown District 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, Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Wests Tigers winger Matt Utai, South Sydney Rabbitohs half Jeremy Smith, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles forward Anthony Watmough, South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Apisai Koroisau and Sydney Roosters utility player Samisoni Langi.