Chandler, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ChandlerWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
 Chandler
Location in Western Australia
|
|
| Established | 1943 |
| Postcode(s) | 6490 |
| Elevation | 296 m (971 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Nungarin |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Chandler is a rural place in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is located between the towns of Merredin and Mukinbudin. In 2006, about 104 people lived there.
Chandler was once a busy mining town. Today, it is mostly known as a "ghost town". This means it was once a lively place but is now mostly deserted.
Contents
The Story of Chandler
Chandler was first created to support a nearby mine. This mine dug up a mineral called alunite. Alunite is important because it is a source of potash. Potash is a type of salt used in fertilizers.
How Chandler Started
In 1942, land was set aside for a new town. This was near Lake Campion, where the alunite mine was located. The town was officially named Chandler in 1943.
The mine was a special project run by the government. It became very important during World War II. This was because supplies of potash from other countries were cut off. A factory to process potash was built in Chandler in 1943.
Life After the War
After World War II ended, the government closed the potash plant. This happened when normal supplies of the mineral became available again.
However, a new company soon took over. In 1949, Australian Plaster Industries started mining gypsum in the area. Gypsum is a mineral used to make plaster of paris and plasterboard. These materials are used in building.
A Booming Town
During this time, Chandler became a busy and thriving town. It had two main streets. There were over 70 houses for the workers and their families. The town also had a telephone exchange, a school, and its own power station.
But the gypsum production stopped in 1952. The entire town of Chandler was sold off in 1953. This is why it became a ghost town.
Who Was Chandler?
The town was named to honor a farmer named Mr. J Chandler. He was the person who first discovered the valuable alunite deposits in the area.
