Leeman, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LeemanWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
Town jetty and boat ramp, 2013
|
|
 Leeman
Location in Western Australia
|
|
| Established | 1961 |
| Postcode(s) | 6514 |
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Shire of Coorow |
| State electorate(s) | Moore |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Leeman is a small coastal town located in Western Australia. It's part of the Shire of Coorow and is known for its beautiful coastline. This quiet town is about 300 kilometers north of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia.
Contents
Discovering Leeman's History
Leeman has an interesting past, especially how it got its name.
Early Beginnings: Snag Island
The land where Leeman now stands was first measured and divided into smaller plots in 1961. That same year, the town area was officially recognized by the government. It was first called Snag Island. This name is still used by many locals today. Snag Island itself is a rocky island located just a short distance from the town's shore.
How Leeman Got Its Name
The town of Leeman was named after a brave Dutch sailor named Abraham Leeman van Santwits. He was an officer on a ship called the Vergulde Draeck, which means Gilt Dragon.
In April 1656, the Gilt Dragon was shipwrecked near Ledge Point, about 107 kilometers north of where Perth is now. Abraham Leeman was sent with a small group of seven people to get help. They sailed in an open boat all the way to Batavia (which is now Jakarta) and arrived there in June 1656.
Later, in 1658, Leeman returned to the area as an officer on another ship, the Waeckende Boei. They were searching for the wreckage of the Gilt Dragon. During this search, Leeman and his shore party were accidentally left behind when a storm hit. Instead of giving up, Leeman and his crew bravely sailed their open boat for six months to get back to Batavia, traveling via Java. His incredible journey led to the town being named in his honor.
Leeman Primary School and New Name
In 1971, the Western Australian Education Department opened the Leeman Primary School. Around this time, the town officially adopted the name Leeman, moving away from its original name of Snag Island.
Life in Leeman
Leeman is a small community with a few notable connections.
Famous Residents
The well-known Australian actress Mandy McElhinney spent some of her childhood living in a caravan park in Leeman.
Local Sports
Like many Australian towns, Leeman has its own local sports team. There is a Leeman Football Club, showing the community's love for the sport.
