Poochera, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PoocheraSouth Australia |
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 Poochera
Location in South Australia
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| Established | 23 September 1920 (town) 12 April 2001 (locality) |
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| Postcode(s) | 5655 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 82 m (269 ft)(railway station) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | ACST (UTC+9:30) | ||||||||||||||
| • Summer (DST) | ACDT (UTC+10:30) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | District Council of Streaky Bay | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Eyre Western | ||||||||||||||
| County | Robinson | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Flinders | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Grey | ||||||||||||||
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| Footnotes | Locations Adjoining localities |
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Poochera is a small town located in the grain belt of South Australia. It is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north-west of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.
Contents
Discovering Poochera: A Glimpse into its History
Poochera was officially surveyed and established as a township on September 23, 1920. The town's name is believed to come from King Poojeri, a local Aboriginal person who passed away in 1917. There's also a nearby hill called Poochera, which might have the same origin.
Education in Poochera
A school opened in Poochera in 1920, the same year the town was established. It served the community for many years, helping local children learn and grow. However, the school eventually closed its doors in 1976.
Poochera's Role in Agriculture and Economy
Poochera is a very important center for a large agricultural area. Farmers in this region specialize in growing cereal crops like wheat and barley, and also raise sheep. The town acts as a key place for farmers to exchange their grain.
Poochera: A Stop for Travelers
The town is located about 53 kilometers (33 miles) from the Gawler Ranges. Many tourists use Poochera as a convenient stop on their journeys. Visitors can find a hotel and a caravan park in town, making it a good place to rest.
Rail Connections
Poochera is situated on the narrow gauge Eyre Peninsula Railway line. While the railway was once used for regular passenger trains, these services stopped in 1968. Today, the line is mainly used for transporting goods, especially grain.
The Amazing Dinosaur Ant of Poochera
Poochera is perhaps most famous for something very special: its nearby groups of dinosaur ants. These ants are a rare and very old species called Nothomyrmecia macrops. They are considered "primitive" because they have features similar to the earliest ants.
Why are Dinosaur Ants Important?
These unique ants have attracted entomologists (scientists who study insects) and evolutionary biologists (scientists who study how living things change over time) from all around the world. Studying the dinosaur ant helps scientists understand how ants have evolved over millions of years. It's like finding a living fossil!
Services and Local Government
Besides the Poochera Hotel and Caravan Park, the town has a roadhouse. This is where people can buy most of their everyday supplies and fuel.
Poochera is part of several government areas:
- For federal government matters, it's in the Division of Grey.
- For state government matters, it's in the electoral district of Flinders.
- For local services and community management, it's part of the District Council of Streaky Bay.
