Mingenew, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MingenewWestern Australia |
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Mingenew's main street
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 Mingenew
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1906 |
| Postcode(s) | 6522 |
| Elevation | 156 m (512 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Mingenew |
| State electorate(s) | Moore |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Mingenew is a town in Western Australia. It is located about 383 kilometers (238 miles) north of Perth, the state capital. Mingenew is also the main town for the Shire of Mingenew, which is like its local government area.
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A Look Back: Mingenew's History
Mingenew got its name from Mingenew Spring. This name comes from an Aboriginal word. European settlers wrote it down in 1856. It might mean "the place of many ants and flies" or "the place of many waters."
In August 1847, two brothers, Augustus Charles and Francis Thomas Gregory, explored this area. They were looking for good land for grazing animals. Settlers started moving to the area in the 1850s because it was perfect for cattle.
The Midland railway line opened in August 1891. This helped the area grow. Land was divided up for people to buy. Then, in 1906, the town of Mingenew was officially created.
What Mingenew Makes: Farming and Grain
Today, Mingenew's economy is mostly about farming. Farmers in the area raise sheep and grow crops like wheat and lupins.
Mingenew is known as The Grain Centre. It has a very large grain storage facility. This facility, run by CBH (Co-operative Bulk Handling), is one of the biggest inland grain sites in the Southern Hemisphere. It can hold a huge amount of grain, about 403,000 tons!
To show how important wheat farming is, there's a giant wheat stalk sculpture in town. Locals call it "Big Ears." You can find it at Cecil Newton Park on the main street.
Fun Things to See: Mingenew's Attractions
Amazing Wildflowers
Mingenew is famous for its beautiful wildflower displays. You can see them from late July to early October. There are many different kinds, including everlastings, hakeas, banksias, and grevilleas.
The special flower for Mingenew is the bird beak hakea (Hakea orthorrhyncha).
Coalseam Conservation Park
About 33 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Mingenew is the Coalseam Conservation Park. It's a great place to see wildflowers. You'll find carpets of pink and white everlastings and yellow pom pom flowers.
The park got its name because the Gregory brothers found coal here in 1846. This was the first time coal was found in Western Australia! But the coal wasn't very good, so mining stopped.
Today, the park is a popular spot for picnics. You can still see signs of its mining past. You might also find old marine fossils in the riverbank. There are also amazing limestone cliffs from the Permian Ice Age. These cliffs are 250 million years old, making them very ancient!
Sports Clubs in Mingenew
Sports are a big part of life in Mingenew. The community has many different sports clubs:
- Mingenew Football Club
- Mingenew Hockey Club
- Mingenew Netball Club
- Mingenew Tennis Club
- Mingenew Cricket Club
- Mingenew Turf Club
- Mingenew Karate Club
- Mingenew Bowls Club
- Mingenew Golf Club
Images for kids
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Mingenew in the 1920s, seen from Mingenew Hill.
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Mingenew in 2010, also seen from Mingenew Hill.
