Tunney, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids TunneyWestern Australia |
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Tunney Roadhouse
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 Tunney
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1912 |
| Postcode(s) | 6320 6321 |
| Elevation | 257 m (843 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup Shire of Cranbrook |
| State electorate(s) | Roe |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Tunney is a small place located in Western Australia. It sits along the main Albany Highway, which connects Kojonup and Cranbrook. Tunney is special because it's split between two local government areas: the Shire of Cranbrook and the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup.
Because the highway acts as a border, Tunney actually has two different postcodes! The eastern part, in Broomehill-Tambellup, uses 6320. The western part, in Cranbrook, uses 6321.
Contents
Tunney's Early History
The area around Tunney was first settled by people in the 1850s. It was a quiet place where new settlers started to build their lives.
How Tunney Got Its Name
Around 1909, a settler named J. A. Atcheson asked the government for help. He wanted a school and other important facilities for the growing community. He also asked for an official townsite to be created.
The government looked at some land near a place called Slab Hut Gully. This is why Tunney was sometimes known as Slab Hut. This area was also locally called Paul Valley.
In 1910, the land was measured out for town lots. The name "Tulungup" (from Teulungup), an Aboriginal name, was suggested. However, the Minister of Lands did not approve it.
The local people then all agreed they wanted the name Tunney. The Minister of Lands tried to choose a different name, "Nymbupp," but the locals strongly disagreed. Finally, the name Tunney was chosen, and the townsite became official in 1912.
Who Was James Tunney?
The town was named after James Tunney, who was the oldest local resident in the area at that time. He owned land there in the 1880s. James was the son of John Tunney, who was a Pensioner Guard. Pensioner Guards were former soldiers who came to Australia and helped guard convicts or settled in new areas. John Tunney had settled in the Tunney area in the 1860s.
Community Life in Tunney
In 1913, an important building called an agricultural hall was opened in Tunney. This hall was a place for community events and meetings. A large crowd gathered for the opening, including James Tunney himself.
A. E. Piesse, a local official, presented James Tunney with a set of pipes. His wife received a tea service. These gifts were given to thank them for all their help in the community. They had even let people use their house for town meetings!
The Tunney Roadhouse Fire
The Tunney Roadhouse, a well-known building in the town, was unfortunately destroyed by a fire on 28 May 2017.
