Gleneagle, Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gleneagle Western Australia
Gleneagle Location in Western Australia
LGA(s)	Shire of Wandering

Gleneagle, also known as Glen Eagle, is a small place in Western Australia. It is located southeast of Perth, the state capital. You can find it close to Jarrahdale, right on the Albany Highway. Today, Gleneagle mostly serves as a rest stop for people driving through.

Gleneagle's Past: A Forest Settlement

Gleneagle was once a busy settlement for people working in the forests. Families of forest workers lived here. It was an important place for the timber industry in the area.

Life in the Settlement

The people living in Gleneagle were part of a close-knit community. Their lives revolved around the forest work. The settlement provided homes and services for these families.

A School for Local Kids

Gleneagle even had its own school. It opened in 1939 and taught local children until 1967. The school closed because fewer families lived there. The nearby town of Wandering grew larger and became the main service center. Today, a special plaque on the Albany Highway marks where the school once stood.

What Remains Today

Most of the old houses in Gleneagle are gone. The government agency removed them after the settlement closed. However, you can still see some parts of the old town. Remnants of roads and a central water tower are still there. They are like clues to what Gleneagle used to be.

The Impact of the 1961 Bushfires

Gleneagle was seriously affected by huge bushfires in the summer of 1960-1961. These fires are often called the Jarrahdale fires. They caused a lot of damage across the region.

How the Fires Spread

The fires burned through the town of Dwellingup. They also affected smaller settlements like Holyoak, Nanga Brook, and Karridale. The flames spread quickly, causing widespread destruction.

Aftermath and Recovery

Many people were injured during the fires, but thankfully, no lives were lost. However, there were big losses of farmland, animals, and fences. After these serious fires, a special investigation was held. This investigation was called a Royal Commission. It looked into what happened and how to prevent future disasters.

Gleneagle and Mining

The name Gleneagle is also used by a large mining company in Western Australia. However, this place, Gleneagle, has no direct connection to that company. They just happen to share the same name.