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Dowerin, Western Australia facts for kids

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Dowerin
Western Australia
Dowerin from air.jpg
Photo of Dowerin from the air looking north-east, during the 2007 Dowerin GWN Field Days
Dowerin is located in Western Australia
Dowerin
Dowerin
Location in Western Australia
Established 1907
Postcode(s) 6461
Elevation 235 m (771 ft)
Area [convert: needs a number]
Location 156 km (97 mi) north-east of Perth
LGA(s) Shire of Dowerin
State electorate(s) Moore
Federal Division(s) Durack

Dowerin is a small town located about 156 kilometres (97 mi) north-east of Perth. It's in the central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. This area is known for its farming. Dowerin is also the main town for the Shire of Dowerin.

History of Dowerin

In 1906, the government decided to build a railway line. This line would go from Goomalling to the Dowerin farming area. They chose a spot for a new town at the end of this railway. The local Aboriginal name for this spot was "Wuguni." However, the name "Dowerin" was already used by people living nearby. So, the town was officially named Dowerin in 1907.

The name "Dowerin" comes from a nearby place called Lake Dowerin. This lake was first shown on maps around 1879. Some people say "dowerin" is an Aboriginal word for the twenty-eight parrot. Others believe it means "place of the throwing stick."

In 1932, a company called the Wheat Pool of Western Australia built two large grain storage buildings in Dowerin. These buildings helped farmers store their wheat.

Dowerin Field Day

Dowerin is famous for its annual Dowerin Machinery Field Day. This is a big two-day event held in the last week of August. It shows off farming machines and other useful equipment. It also provides information and services for people from country areas.

The Field Day attracts many people. On average, over 600 companies show their products. More than 15,000 visitors come each day from all over Australia.

The first Dowerin Machinery Field Day happened on September 3, 1965. Local groups wanted to find ways to keep the town strong. They hoped the event would stop Dowerin from becoming a "ghost town" (a town where most people have left). About twenty companies and two thousand visitors came to the first event. The money raised helped build a dam and a tennis court. Today, the local community still runs the event. About 400 volunteers help out each year.

For many years, a TV channel called GWN7 was the main sponsor of the event.

Theo's Run: Car Racing History

Between 1927 and 1939, Dowerin had one of the biggest racetracks in Western Australia. Car races were very popular here. The Second World War stopped the racing. After the war, racers moved to a new track near Perth. This track was on the old Caversham Airfield. Later, they moved again to Wanneroo. Today, that track is known as Wanneroo Raceway.

In May 2007, a special event called Theo's run took place. It was a vintage car drive to remember Dowerin's racing history. The event is named after a local person named Theo. He used to race on the Dowerin track in the 1930s. Old cars like Jaguar and Riley cars took part in the 2007 event.

Facilities in Dowerin

Dowerin has a school called Dowerin District High School. It teaches students up to Year 10. If students want to continue their education after Year 10, they can go to Northam Senior High School. This school is about a 40-minute drive away. Dowerin school has a performing arts center and a library.

The farms around Dowerin mainly grow wheat and other cereal crops. The town is also a place where farmers can deliver their crops to Cooperative Bulk Handling. This company helps store and transport grain.

Notable People from Dowerin

Many talented people have come from Dowerin, including:

  • Mal Brown – A famous Australian rules football player. He won the Sandover Medal in the WAFL.
  • Murray Couper – Another champion WAFL football player. He won the Bernie Naylor Medal for scoring the most goals.
  • Lance Franklin – A very successful football player. He won the Coleman Medal and was a premiership player for Hawthorn Football Club in 2008 and 2013.
  • Bianca Giteau (Franklin) – A skilled netball player for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
  • Tom Lee – A promising football player for the St Kilda Football Club.
  • Don Maisey (1915–2005) – A federal politician. He was one of the people who started the WA Farmer's Union.
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