Kulin, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KulinWestern Australia |
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Kulin Memorial Hall, 2014
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 Kulin
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1900s |
| Postcode(s) | 6365 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Kulin |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Kulin is a small town located in the eastern part of the Wheatbelt region in Western Australia. It's about 280 kilometers (174 miles) away from Perth, the capital city. Kulin is the main town in its local area, known as the Shire of Kulin.
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History of Kulin
The Kulin area was first visited by a European named Captain John Septimus Roe. He was the Surveyor General of the Swan River Colony. This happened during his trip in 1848-49 to explore the southern coast.
Captain Roe met a group of Aboriginal people during his journey. They helped guide his group to water sources, like the Kulin Rock soak. These guides called the area "Coolin."
Early settlers sometimes saw Aboriginal groups hunting possums. Old tools like grinding stones have been found in the area. This shows that Aboriginal people used to live and hunt here.
In 1905, a businessman named Michael Brown took over large areas of land in Kulin. These lands were later given to farmers by the government in 1909 and 1910.
The first farms in Kulin started in January 1909. Farmers chose areas with good soil or reliable water. Edward John Reardon and Michael Healy began farming near Kulin Rock in February 1909. The town was first called Jilakin in 1913. Then, in 1915, its name was changed to Kulin.
In 1932, the Wheat Pool of Western Australia built two large grain storage buildings. These were placed next to the railway line in Kulin.
Kulin Today
Kulin has about 350 people living there. It is an important farming center. The main activities are growing wheat and raising sheep. You can also see beautiful wildflowers in September and October.
The town has a high school and a Bendigo Bank. There are also shops, places to stay like a hotel, and council offices. Kulin hosts the Kulin Bush Races every October.
Kulin has its own police station with two police officers. They help keep the town and nearby areas safe. The town is also a stop for the Transwa bus service to Esperance.
The farms around Kulin grow wheat and other cereal crops. The town is a receival site for Cooperative Bulk Handling. This means farmers bring their harvested grain here.
The Tin Horses of Kulin
As you drive into and through Kulin, you will see a fun collection of over 100 tin horses. These horses are made mostly from old oil tins and drums. The biggest one is 10 meters (33 feet) long and 5 meters (16 feet) tall!
These unique horses are part of an annual competition. It happens during the local race day. Each horse is a creative artwork made by people in the community.
Kulin Bush Races
The Kulin Bush Races is a popular event held every year. It includes exciting horse races, betting, and fireworks. The event takes place on one day. However, people can camp overnight the day before and after. All the money raised from the races goes back into the Kulin community. This helps support local projects and services.
Kulin Water Slide
The Kulin Aquatic Centre has the biggest water slide in regional Western Australia. It is 18 meters (59 feet) high and 182 meters (597 feet) long! The slide first opened in 2001.
A local farmer helped pay for the slide. He wanted to improve sports and fun activities for the community. Volunteers from Kulin helped move the slide from Tanawha, Queensland. They took it apart, trucked it to Kulin, and then put it back together.
Blazing Swan Event
Blazing Swan is a special annual event held in Kulin. It is a 7-day gathering that creates a temporary community. People come together to express themselves through art. The event happens around Easter each year.
It takes place in a dry bushland area near Jilakin Lake. This spot is called Jilakin Rock City. Every year, a large wooden swan is built. It is then burned at the end of the event as a celebration.
