Benger, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BengerWestern Australia |
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 Benger
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1885 |
| Postcode(s) | 6223 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Harvey |
| State electorate(s) | Murray-Wellington |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Benger is a small community located in the South West region of Western Australia. It's found just north of a town called Brunswick Junction.
The main road, called the South Western Highway, passes right through Benger. It is also a special section of the railway line, known as a crossing loop. This loop allows trains to pass each other on the track between Armadale and Bunbury.
Contents
A Look Back: Benger's History
Early Days and First People
Long before European settlers arrived, the land around Benger was home to the Pindjarup people. They are an Aboriginal Australian group with a rich history in this area.
Some people believe that the name "Benger" might have come from a Pindjarup word meaning "swamp." This makes sense, as there are swampy areas nearby.
In 1835, two early explorers, Thomas Peel and Stephen Henty, traveled through this district. They called the area the "flats of Mornington."
Growing the Community
Years later, a small settlement called Mornington Siding was created. It had important buildings like a hall, a school, and a shop that also served as a post office.
A special type of tree, called Sandalwood, grew in the area. Its wood was valuable and used in the early Swan River Colony.
In 1887, a person named John Partridge started a dairy farm in Benger. This dairy is still around today, but it's now known as the White Rocks Museum and Dairy. It's a great place to learn about the area's past.
A New Name and Recent Events
In 1902, the town's name was officially changed from Mornington to Benger. Even so, many places nearby, like the creek near the school, still use the original name "Mornington."
In January 2013, a large bushfire started in the Benger swamp. It burned about 300 hectares (which is about 740 acres) of farmland.
