Grass Valley, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grass ValleyWestern Australia |
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 Grass Valley
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1898 |
| Postcode(s) | 6403 |
| Elevation | 215 m (705 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Northam |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | Pearce |
Grass Valley is a small town located about 13 kilometres (8 mi) east of Northam, Western Australia. It sits in the scenic Avon Valley area of Western Australia. This quiet town has a rich history tied to farming and railways.
Contents
Discovering Grass Valley
Where is Grass Valley?
Grass Valley is found in the Shire of Northam, a region known for its farming. It is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) northeast of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. The town is a peaceful spot in the countryside.
A Look Back in Time
The town's name comes from a local property. This property was first set up in 1833 by a person named William Nairn. The area became more important with the arrival of the railway.
The Eastern Goldfields Railway line passes right through Grass Valley. This railway connects Northam to Kalgoorlie. It was built through this area in 1894. A special section called a crossing loop allows trains to pass each other here. Land was officially set aside for a town in 1898. The town was formally recognized, or gazetted, in the same year.
Farming and Local Products
The land around Grass Valley is very fertile. Farmers in this area mainly grow wheat and other cereal crops. These crops are important for food production.
From the 1950s to the 1990s, Grass Valley was famous for something special. Its local farmers were the biggest producers of chaff in Western Australia. Chaff is chopped hay or straw. It is used as feed for animals, especially racehorses. This chaff was highly sought after. Buyers from all over Western Australia, Asia, and the Middle East wanted it.
Today, Grass Valley is still a key farming spot. It is a receival site for Cooperative Bulk Handling. This means farmers bring their grain here to be stored. In the 1970s, the town had a large Type B grain storage building. The town is also known for its very small post office. Some say it is the smallest in Australia! There is also an old tavern in town. It dates back to the days when the railway was very busy.
The Golden Pipeline
Grass Valley is located on the Golden Pipeline heritage trail. This trail follows the path of the historic Golden Pipeline. The pipeline itself passes directly through the town. This pipeline was a huge engineering project. It brought water from Perth to the goldfields.
Community Spirit: The Bush Fire Brigade
The people of Grass Valley are very active in their community. The Grass Valley Bush Fire Brigade protects the town and nearby areas. This brigade has over 50 local volunteer members. They work hard to keep everyone safe from fires.
The Brigade has one main fire truck, called a 4.4B appliance. This truck can carry 4,000 liters (about 1,050 gallons) of water. It is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, good for broadacre areas. The Grass Valley fire district is the largest in the Shire of Northam. The Brigade is also one of the busiest in the Shire. The Grass Valley Fire Shed is on the corner of Wilson Street and Keane Street. This is the same spot where the old Grass Valley school used to be. The school operated from 1899 to 1945.
