Meckering, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MeckeringWestern Australia |
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Meckering Hall
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 Meckering
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1895 |
| Postcode(s) | 6405 |
| Elevation | 203 m (666 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Cunderdin |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Meckering is a small town in Western Australia. It's about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Perth, right along the Great Eastern Highway. It's part of the Shire of Cunderdin.
The town started because a railway line was built here in 1895. Meckering was chosen as a train station stop. The first name for the town was Beebering. This was an Aboriginal name for some hills nearby.
The town of Beebering officially began in 1895. But the name was changed to Meckering in 1897. This was to match the train station name, which people already used. The word Meckering is Aboriginal. It is believed to mean "moon on the water" or "good hunting."
In early 1898, about 225 people lived in Meckering. There were 150 males and 75 females. In 1932, the Wheat Pool of Western Australia decided to build two grain elevators in the town. These elevators help store grain near the railway.
Farmers in the areas around Meckering grow wheat and other cereal crops. The town is an important place where farmers bring their crops. This is for a company called Cooperative Bulk Handling.
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The Meckering Earthquake
Meckering is famous for a big earthquake that happened there. It struck on Monday, October 14, 1968.
The earthquake happened at 10:58:52 AM local time. It was a strong earthquake, measuring 6.5 on the moment magnitude scale. The shaking was very intense. The earthquake caused about $2.2 million in damage. Around 20 to 28 people were injured.
Getting Around Meckering
Road Transport
Meckering is a key stop for large freight trucks. These trucks travel on the Great Eastern Highway. They often stop in Meckering when going to other states in eastern Australia.
Train Services
You can also travel to Meckering by train. The MerredinLink train runs three times a week. It travels between East Perth and Merredin. This train stops in Meckering.
The Prospector train also stops in Meckering most days. This train travels between East Perth and Kalgoorlie.
The Big Camera Museum
Meckering is home to a special place called "The Big Camera." It's called this because the building looks like a giant camera! This museum is all about photography.
Inside, you can see a huge collection of over 4,000 cameras. The cameras range from very old ones, from the late 1800s, to more modern cameras. The museum also has other items related to photography. These include projectors and light meters.
