Gingin, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GinginWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
Water Wheel in Gingin park, from the original flour mill in Gingin
|
|
 Gingin
Location in Western Australia
|
|
| Established | 1883 (town declared) |
| Postcode(s) | 6503 |
| Elevation | 96 m (315 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Gingin |
| State electorate(s) | Moore |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Gingin is a town in Western Australia. It is located about 67 kilometers (42 miles) north of the Perth city center, along the Brand Highway. Gingin is the main town for the Shire of Gingin local government area. In 2016, the town had a population of 852 people.
Gingin's economy mostly relies on farming. However, it's also becoming a center for science. This is because of places like the Australian International Gravitational Observatory and the Gravity Discovery Centre. There is also a small military airfield nearby, called RAAF Gingin.
Contents
History of Gingin
Early European Visits
The first European to visit the Gingin area was an explorer named George Fletcher Moore. He arrived in 1836. On his maps, he wrote down the Aboriginal name "Jinjin."
The first farm in the area was called Gingin station. It was started by William Locke Brockman in 1841. The exact meaning of the word Gingin is not fully known. Some people think it means "footprint" or "place of many streams."
Town Development
A townsite called Granville was planned nearby in 1839. However, Gingin was officially recognized as a town in 1871. After that, Granville was never developed.
By 1853, an area along Gingin Brook was fenced. This was used for horses to rest when traveling between Perth and Geraldton. A police station was also built close by.
Important connections were made to Gingin over time. The telegraph line to Perth was finished in 1886. The railway line was completed in 1891. Gingin was officially declared a town in 1883.
Gingin's Economy
Farming and Agriculture
Gingin is a great place for agriculture (farming). It has a mild climate and plenty of water. Many types of farming happen here. This includes raising beef cattle and growing cereal crops. Farmers also grow olives, oranges, and mangoes.
Science and Discovery
In 2003, plans were made to build the Gravity Discovery Centre near Gingin. It is next to the Australian International Gravitational Observatory (A.I.G.O.). A.I.G.O. is part of a worldwide network of observatories. These observatories work together to measure gravitational waves in three dimensions.
The Gravity Discovery Centre is open to the public. It has a tall, 45-meter (148-foot) tower that leans at a 15-degree angle. Students can use this tower to do free fall experiments.
In 2006, the Zadko telescope was set up near the Gravitational Observatory. This is a robotic optical telescope. It helps scientists around the world scan the sky for dangerous asteroids. People can even access it remotely using the internet. It is a shared resource for the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.
Local Activities
Gingin hosts the annual British Car Day. This event takes place on the third Sunday of May.
The town also has an Australian rules football club. They play in the Mortlock Football League.
Transport
Gingin is served by Transwa coaches. These coaches provide public transport services.
