Dedari, Western Australia facts for kids

Dedari, Western Australia, was a really important place in the history of Australia's gold rush. It was home to Pumping Station Number 8, a vital part of the amazing Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. This huge project brought fresh water to the dry goldfields. Dedari was also located along the Eastern Goldfields Railway, which helped connect the goldfields to the rest of the state.

The Amazing Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme is one of the most incredible engineering projects in Australian history. It was built to bring fresh water over 560 kilometers (about 350 miles) from Mundaring Weir near Perth all the way to the goldfields around Kalgoorlie.

Why Water Was So Important

In the late 1800s, thousands of people rushed to Western Australia hoping to find gold. They found plenty of gold, but there was a huge problem: a serious lack of fresh water. The goldfields were very dry, and without water, people couldn't survive or properly process the gold. Water was often more valuable than gold itself!

Building a Giant Pipeline

To solve this problem, the government decided to build a massive pipeline. The person in charge of this huge task was an engineer named C.Y. O'Connor. Many people thought his idea was impossible, but O'Connor was determined. He designed a system that would pump water uphill across hundreds of kilometers of dry land.

How the Water Traveled

The water started its journey at Mundaring Weir, a large dam near Perth. From there, it flowed into a giant pipeline made of steel. To push the water all that way, eight powerful pumping stations were built along the route. Each station lifted the water higher, sending it on to the next station. This clever system ensured the water reached its final destination in Kalgoorlie.

Dedari: A Key Stop on the Pipeline

Dedari played a crucial role in this water supply system. It was the location of Pumping Station Number 8. This station was one of the last stops for the water before it reached the Mount Charlotte reservoir in Kalgoorlie.

Pumping Station Number 8

Pumping Station Number 8 at Dedari was essential for giving the water its final push. It worked hard to keep the water flowing towards the thirsty goldfields. Without this station, and all the others, the gold rush towns would not have been able to grow and thrive. Dedari was located between Pumping Station Number 7, which was at a place called Ghouli, and the final reservoir in Kalgoorlie.

The Eastern Goldfields Railway Connection

Besides the water pipeline, Dedari was also important because it was on the Eastern Goldfields Railway. This railway line connected the goldfields to the coast. It was used to transport people, supplies, and even parts for the pumping stations. The railway helped make it possible to build and maintain the huge water scheme, bringing life and development to the remote goldfields.