Boyup Brook, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boyup BrookWestern Australia |
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The Boyup Brook Visitor Centre in April 2022
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 Boyup Brook
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1900 |
| Postcode(s) | 6244 |
| Elevation | 194 m (636 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Boyup Brook |
| State electorate(s) | Warren-Blackwood |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Boyup Brook is a small town in the south-west of Western Australia. It's about 269 kilometers (167 miles) south-east of Perth. You can also find it 31 kilometers (19 miles) north-east of Bridgetown. This town is located on Kaniyang land, which is part of the larger Noongar nation.
The name Boyup comes from an Aboriginal word, "Booyup". It means either "place of big stones" because of the large granite rocks nearby. Or it could mean "place of big smoke" from burning the many grass trees in the area. The main way people make a living here is through farming. Boyup Brook is also a place where grain is collected by a company called Cooperative Bulk Handling.
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History of Boyup Brook
The Boyup Brook area has a long history. Early settlers and explorers helped shape the town we know today.
Early Explorers and Settlers
Around 1839, a man named John Hassell brought sheep and cattle to this area. He leased land along Scotts Brook, south of where the town is now. Even though he grazed his animals here, he later moved to Kendenup.
In 1845, Augustus Gregory explored the Blackwood River. He carved his initials and the date into a jarrah tree. This tree is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) north-east of the town. The tree is now dead, but its stump and the carvings are still there. It's called the Gregory Tree and is covered to protect it.
First Permanent Homes
The first people to settle permanently arrived in 1854. William Scott and his wife Mary were granted a large piece of land. It was about 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) along Scotts Brook. They named their property Norlup. Around 1872, they built a new house. This house still stands today and is a listed heritage site.
In 1861, James George Lee Steere and Mr. J. H. Monger leased a very large area of land. It was about 100,000 acres (40,468 hectares) near the Blackwood River. Soon after, Lee Steere's wife and baby joined him.
By 1882, there were 19 families living in the area. In 1896, land was set aside for a future town. The Upper Blackwood Road Board district was also created. This board later became the Shire of Boyup Brook in 1961.
Becoming a Town
Boyup Brook officially became a town on February 9, 1900. The district covered a huge area of about 1,240 square miles (3,211 square kilometers). By December 1900, about 400 people lived there.
Here are some important early events for the town:
- 1900: The first building, a school, opened with 15 students.
- 1909: A railway line from Donnybrook reached Boyup Brook.
- 1910: The Agricultural Hall was opened.
- 1911: A permanent policeman was assigned to the town. The first hotel also opened. The railway line was extended to Kojonup and Katanning.
- 1912: An official post office was set up.
- 1914: Land in the town was opened for leasing.
- 1924: The Upper Blackwood Soldiers' Memorial Hospital opened.
- Around 1930: Electricity became available in the town.
- 1936: The town hall was opened.
How the Town Got Its Name
The town was first officially named "Boyup" in 1900. However, local people and the Upper Blackwood Road Board often used "Boyup Brook." In 1908, residents suggested changing the name. They wanted to avoid confusion with another town called Boyanup.
Lee Steere, who was a local politician, strongly supported "Boyup Brook." He didn't want the town to be named "Throssell." The name was finally changed to Boyup Brook on February 5, 1909. This matched the railway station built there. Even after the change, some government documents still used the old name.
Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
Boyup Brook is famous for its annual Country Music Festival. This fun event happens every February. The festival started in 1986 with only 500 people attending. Now, over 13,000 people come to enjoy the music!
It used to be held on the town's football oval. But in 2007, a special "Music Park" was built. It has a permanent stage and a sound shell. The festival has been held there ever since.
Sports in Boyup Brook
Boyup Brook has many sports teams for its community. People play different sports depending on the season.
- Summer Sports: You can find people playing cricket, tennis, swimming, basketball, and lawn bowls.
- Winter Sports: Popular winter sports include Australian rules football, field hockey, netball, and golf.
Cricket and Football
The Boyup Brook cricket team plays in the Warren Blackwood Association. They have won five championships: in 2001, 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2013.
The Boyup Roos football team plays in the Lower South West Football League. The Roos have won four championships: in 1981, 2012, 2022, and 2024.
Other Sports
The tennis and netball clubs have both junior and senior teams. The hockey club has its own junior team. They also have a ladies' team that plays in the Bunbury competition. Golf is played during the winter months.
