Balga, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BalgaPerth, Western Australia |
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| Established | 1954 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 6061 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 5.2 km2 (2.0 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 13 km (8 mi) N of Perth | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Stirling | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Mirrabooka | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Cowan | ||||||||||||||
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Balga is a suburb located in Perth, the main city in Western Australia. It's about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Perth's city center. Balga is part of the City of Stirling area. The current mayor is Mark Irwin.
The name "Balga" was chosen in 1954. It comes from the Noongar language, spoken by Aboriginal people. "Balga" is the word for a special native plant called the grass tree. This suburb was planned in the 1960s as part of the "Mirrabooka Project." Homes and streets were built during this time.
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Where is Balga Located?
Balga is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Perth. It has clear boundaries around it. To the west, you'll find Wanneroo Road. Reid Highway is to the south. Mirrabooka Avenue is on the east side. Finally, Beach Road marks the northern edge.
Who Lives in Balga?
In 2011, about 10,701 people lived in Balga. The average age of residents was 31 years old. Many people in Balga come from different parts of the world. About half of the residents were born in Australia. Other groups came from places like Sudan, Italy, Macedonia, Vietnam, and Burma. Also, about 3.72% of residents identified as Indigenous Australians.
Schools and Learning in Balga
Balga has several schools for students of all ages.
High Schools
- Balga Senior High School opened in 1970. It helps students with their reading, writing, and math skills. It also focuses on health and future careers. The school has special programs for different students. These include an English center for new refugee students. There is also a program for teenage parents. Indigenous students can join a sports-based education program. Balga Senior High School does not offer the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) program. However, some students can take a special course to prepare for Edith Cowan University.
Primary Schools
Balga has three state primary schools:
- Balga Primary School (opened 1965)
- North Balga Primary School (opened 1968)
- Warriapendi Primary School (opened 1970)
Other Schools
- The Gladys Newton School is a special school.
- Majella Catholic Primary School is a private school (opened 1971).
- A campus of North Metropolitan TAFE is also in Balga. This college offers many different courses.
Getting Around Balga
Balga is served by many Transperth bus routes. These buses help people travel around the suburb and to other areas. Swan Transit and Path Transit operate these bus services. You can catch buses along major roads like Wanneroo Road, Mirrabooka Avenue, and Beach Road. Many routes also connect to the Mirrabooka bus station.
