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Nungarin
Western Australia
The Woolshed Hotel, Nungarin, 2014(3).JPG
Railway Avenue, Nungarin, 2014
Nungarin is located in Western Australia
Nungarin
Nungarin
Location in Western Australia
Established 1910s
Postcode(s) 6490
Elevation 296 m (971 ft)
Area [convert: needs a number]
Location
LGA(s) Shire of Nungarin
State electorate(s) Central Wheatbelt
Federal Division(s) Durack

Nungarin is a small town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It's located about 278 kilometers (173 miles) east of Perth. The town is also about 39 kilometers (24 miles) north of Merredin. Nungarin is the main town in the Shire of Nungarin. In 2006, about 142 people lived there.

The areas around Nungarin are mostly farms. Farmers here grow wheat and other cereal crops. The town has a special site where farmers can deliver their grain. This site is run by Cooperative Bulk Handling, a company that helps farmers store and move their crops.

A Look Back: Nungarin's History

Alice Williams Memorial Building, Nungarin, 2014
The Alice Williams Memorial Building in Nungarin

The land for Nungarin was first set aside in October 1910. This happened along the railway line that connected Dowerin to Merredin. The town itself was officially named in 1912.

A local hall was built in 1919 and opened the next year. It became a place for the community to gather.

In 1922, a big fire caused a lot of damage in Nungarin. It destroyed a store, a post office branch, and a manager's home. The cause of the fire was unknown. After the fire, the Farmers Cooperative reopened in the hall. The post office moved to the railway station building.

In 1932, the Wheat Pool of Western Australia decided to build two large grain elevators in Nungarin. These elevators help store wheat in bulk. Construction started in late 1933, with 30 workers helping to build them.

Nungarin's Role in World War II

During World War II, Nungarin became a very important army base. It was home to the 5 Base Ordnance Depot. This was a large workshop and storage area for army supplies. The army chose this spot because it was far from the coast. This meant it was safer from attacks by Japanese aircraft. It was also easy to reach by train.

After the war, the army held large sales at the camp. They sold off many items that were no longer needed. Today, the old army camp is a museum. It's called the Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum. It shows off old machines and army equipment. The original Nungarin railway station building was moved to Whiteman Park in Perth.

Local Newspapers Over Time

Over the years, Nungarin had its own local newspapers. These papers shared news and stories from the town and nearby areas. Some of them included:

  • Nungarin Trayning Mail and Kununoppin Advertiser (from 1917 to 1922)
  • Nungarin Standard (from 1934 to 1939)
  • Dampier Herald and Nungarin Standard (from 1943 to 1958)
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