Ongerup, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids OngerupWestern Australia |
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Eldridge Street, Ongerup, 2018
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 Ongerup
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1912 | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 6336 | ||||||||
| Area | [convert: needs a number] | ||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Gnowangerup | ||||||||
| Region | Great Southern | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Roe | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor | ||||||||
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Ongerup is a small town and area in the Shire of Gnowangerup, located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. It is about 410 kilometers (255 miles) southeast of Perth, the state capital. The town is also 54 kilometers (34 miles) east of Gnowangerup. In 2021, the population of Ongerup was 114 people.
Contents
Ongerup: A Look at Its History
The name Ongerup comes from the local Noongar language. It means "place of the male kangaroo." This shows the strong connection to the native animals of the area.
Early Days and Town Growth
In 1848, Surveyor General John Septimus Roe explored the land around Ongerup. Later, in the 1870s, the Moir family moved here. They started raising sheep along the Warperup Creek.
The land was officially measured and divided in 1910. The town of Ongerup was then officially created in 1912. This marked the beginning of its development as a community.
Community Life and Events
Ongerup has always had a strong community spirit. The first public hall was built in 1927. It was later replaced by the current building in 1953. These halls are important places for town gatherings.
A local newspaper, The Gnowangerup Star and Tambellup-Ongerup Gazette, started in 1915. It shared news with the community for many years. The last edition was printed in 2003.
In 1936, the town started its own football club. This club played in different leagues over the years. It even helped form the Ongerup Football Association in 1962. The club stopped playing in 2010.
Ongerup has faced challenges, too. In 1955, the town experienced a big flood. Almost a third of the year's average rain fell in just one day. The Ongerup Cemetery had its first burial in 1983.
Shearing and Celebrations
From 1983 to 2003, Ongerup hosted the "Ongerup Shears" event. This was a big shearing competition. Shearers from all over Australia and the world came to compete.
In 2009, a documentary called The Life of the Town was made. It showed life in Ongerup and focused on the local football team. In 2012, the town celebrated its 100th birthday with many special events.
Climate in Ongerup
The climate in Ongerup is typical for its region. It has warm summers and mild winters. Knowing the climate helps us understand the local environment.
| Climate data for Ongerup (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1966–present) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 44.5 (112.1) |
45.0 (113.0) |
39.7 (103.5) |
36.7 (98.1) |
32.7 (90.9) |
25.0 (77.0) |
23.2 (73.8) |
27.5 (81.5) |
32.7 (90.9) |
38.1 (100.6) |
40.8 (105.4) |
42.6 (108.7) |
45.0 (113.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28.7 (83.7) |
28.2 (82.8) |
26.2 (79.2) |
23.1 (73.6) |
19.3 (66.7) |
16.4 (61.5) |
15.3 (59.5) |
16.2 (61.2) |
18.0 (64.4) |
21.6 (70.9) |
24.9 (76.8) |
26.7 (80.1) |
22.1 (71.8) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 21.4 (70.5) |
21.3 (70.3) |
19.9 (67.8) |
17.2 (63.0) |
13.9 (57.0) |
11.5 (52.7) |
10.6 (51.1) |
11.0 (51.8) |
12.3 (54.1) |
15.0 (59.0) |
17.8 (64.0) |
19.6 (67.3) |
16.0 (60.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 14.1 (57.4) |
14.5 (58.1) |
13.5 (56.3) |
11.3 (52.3) |
8.6 (47.5) |
6.7 (44.1) |
5.8 (42.4) |
5.9 (42.6) |
6.6 (43.9) |
8.4 (47.1) |
10.6 (51.1) |
12.4 (54.3) |
9.9 (49.8) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 6.2 (43.2) |
5.6 (42.1) |
3.3 (37.9) |
1.9 (35.4) |
−0.9 (30.4) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
−2.0 (28.4) |
−1.2 (29.8) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
−0.8 (30.6) |
0.3 (32.5) |
4.0 (39.2) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 20.4 (0.80) |
20.6 (0.81) |
26.0 (1.02) |
25.5 (1.00) |
36.8 (1.45) |
41.9 (1.65) |
44.5 (1.75) |
48.9 (1.93) |
40.4 (1.59) |
30.4 (1.20) |
30.3 (1.19) |
25.5 (1.00) |
391.0 (15.39) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) | 2.9 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 6.4 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.8 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 71.7 |
| Average dew point °C (°F) | 10.8 (51.4) |
11.6 (52.9) |
11.1 (52.0) |
10.3 (50.5) |
8.7 (47.7) |
7.4 (45.3) |
6.9 (44.4) |
7.3 (45.1) |
7.2 (45.0) |
7.5 (45.5) |
8.5 (47.3) |
9.0 (48.2) |
8.9 (48.0) |
| Source 1: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Bureau of Meteorology | |||||||||||||
Railway History in Ongerup
A railway line was built to Ongerup from Tambellup in 1913. This 94-kilometer (58-mile) line helped the growing farming industry. It allowed farmers to transport their goods more easily.
The railway closed in 1957. In 1918, a building was built for railway workers. This building is still standing today. It now houses the Ongerup & Needilup District Museum, which opened in 1978.
Economy and Community Life
Ongerup's main purpose is to support the local farming community. The farms around the town grow many different crops. These include wheat, barley, and canola. Farmers also raise animals like beef cattle and lambs.
Farming and Grain Storage
During harvest time, grain silos in Ongerup store grain from local farms. These silos belong to Cooperative Bulk Handling. The grain is then transported by road to Albany for export. This process is very important for the region's economy.
Population Changes
In 2021, Ongerup had a population of 93 people. This was a decrease from the 2006 census. However, by July 2023, the population had grown slightly to 114 people.
Attractions and Facilities in Ongerup
Ongerup offers several attractions and facilities for its residents and visitors. These places help make the town a great place to live and visit.
Memorials and Community Hubs
The Ongerup War Memorial honors the 63 local lives lost in various wars. These include World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It is a place for remembrance and respect.
The town has a pub, a general store, and a tyre service. There is also a primary school, kindergarten, and a telecentre. These places are important for daily life in Ongerup.
Local Services and Sports
Ongerup also has a caravan park and an ambulance service. For sports lovers, there is an 18-hole golf course and a sports oval with a pavilion. A roadhouse provides services for travelers.
The community has worked together to keep important services open. They bought the pub, supermarket, cafe, and petrol station when they were at risk of closing. They have also invested in new housing for rent.
Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre
The Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre opened in 2007. It is an educational center focused on the Malleefowl, a unique Australian bird. The center has aviaries where you can see malleefowl.
It also features a gallery with local art and a multimedia display. Here, you can learn about malleefowl conservation and the history of the area. It's a great place to learn about local wildlife.
Outdoor Activities and Shows
At the sports pavilion, people play tennis and lawn bowls in summer. In winter, golf is popular at the Ongerup Golf Club. The club has an 18-hole course.
The Ongerup Wildflower Show is held every September and October at the Ongerup Museum. The Ongerup area is famous for its amazing wildflowers. Over 1,300 different species can be found here.
Ongerup is also a stop for the Transwa bus service. This bus connects Perth to Esperance.
Notable People from Ongerup
Mark Williams, a former AFL player, played for the Ongerup Football Club when he was younger. He later played for Hawthorn and Essendon.
