Paynesville, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PaynesvilleWestern Australia |
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 Paynesville
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1900 |
| Postcode(s) | 6638 |
| Elevation | 446 m (1,463 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Mount Magnet |
| State electorate(s) | North West |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Paynesville is a quiet place in Western Australia, known as a ghost town. It is located in the Mid West region. You can find it between the towns of Mount Magnet and Sandstone. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, and it is often nearly empty.
Contents
The Story of Paynesville
Finding Gold and Naming the Town
In 1898, two prospectors named Thomas Payne and Waldeck found gold in this area. A "prospector" is someone who explores for valuable minerals like gold. Another place, Paynes Find, is also named after Thomas Payne.
When the town was first planned in 1898, it had a few different names. These included Paynton, East Mount Magnet, and Fords. The name Fords came from another prospector who worked in the area.
Official Recognition
By 1899, the town became known as Paynesville. It was officially "gazetted" in 1900. When a town is "gazetted," it means its existence and boundaries are formally recognized by the government.
In 1898, a local health board was also set up in the town. This group helped manage health and safety for the people living there.
The Railway and Mining
In 1910, the Sandstone Branch Railway opened. This railway line connected Mount Magnet to Black Range. Paynesville had its own station on this important railway line.
A large machine called an ore battery was built near the town. This machine was used to crush rocks and extract gold. However, it was later moved to Nunngarra in 1904.
Paynesville Today
At the 2016 Australian census, only ten people lived in Paynesville. This small number shows why it is considered a ghost town today.
