Pithara, Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pithara Western Australia
Leahy Street, Pithara, 2018
Pithara Location in Western Australia
Established	1914
Postcode(s)	6608
Area	[convert: needs a number]
Location	240 km (149 mi) N of Perth
LGA(s)	Shire of Dalwallinu
State electorate(s)	Moore
Federal Division(s)	Durack

Pithara is a small town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is about 240 kilometers (150 miles) north of Perth. The town is part of the Shire of Dalwallinu. In 2011, Pithara had a population of 257 people.

What's in a Name? The Story of Pithara

The name Pithara originally came from an Aboriginal name. It was used for a well located nearby. This name first appeared on maps of the area in 1907.

In April 1913, Pithara was approved as the name for a railway siding. This siding was part of the Wongan Hills to Mullewa railway line, which was being built then. Soon after, there was a plan to rename the siding Hettie. This new name was after the person who owned the land where the siding was built.

In 1914, the government officially named the townsite Hettie as well. However, local people did not agree with this change. Because of their objections, the name Pithara was brought back and used again.

Life and Activities in Pithara

Pithara mainly serves as a home base for the local farming community. The surrounding areas produce crops like wheat and other cereals.

The town also welcomes many visitors, especially during spring. This is when beautiful wildflowers bloom all over the region. People come to see the colorful displays.

Pithara also has an active speedway club. Drivers from all over Western Australia visit the town. They compete in several racing events throughout the year.

Farming and Grain Handling

The farms around Pithara grow a lot of wheat and other cereal crops. The town is a receival site for Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH). CBH is a company that helps farmers store and move their grain.

In 1932, the Wheat Pool of Western Australia installed special equipment at the Pithara railway siding. They put in two engine-driven grain elevators. This was a big change because it allowed grain to be handled in bulk. Before this, farmers had to handle grain in bags by hand.

Famous People from Pithara

Shirley Strickland de la Hunty grew up on a farm in Pithara. She was a famous Olympic gold medalist. Shirley won gold medals in the 80 metres hurdles event. She won at the 1948 Games in London and the 1952 Games in Helsinki.