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Wannamal, Western Australia facts for kids

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Wannamal
Western Australia
Wannamal is located in Western Australia
Wannamal
Wannamal
Location in Western Australia
Established 1908
Postcode(s) 6505
Elevation 173 m (568 ft)
Area [convert: needs a number]
Location
  • 115 km (71 mi) north north east of Perth
  • 26 km (16 mi) north east of Gingin
  • 70 km (43 mi) east of Lancelin
LGA(s) Shire of Chittering
State electorate(s) Moore
Federal Division(s) Durack

Wannamal is a small town located in the Wheatbelt area of Western Australia. It's a quiet place with a history tied to farming and the railway.

What's in a Name?

The name 'Wannamal' comes from a nearby lake, Wannamal Lake. This name has its roots in the language of Australia's First Peoples, the Indigenous Australians. It was first written down in 1853 and is believed to mean "lake".

How Wannamal Grew

Early Days

People first started using the land around Wannamal for grazing animals, like sheep and cattle, in the 1850s. By the 1870s, enough people had settled there to form a small, lasting community.

The Railway Arrives

A big step for Wannamal was when the Midland railway line reached the area in 1892. This railway helped connect the town to other places. A special stopping point for trains, called a siding, was opened in Wannamal in 1895. The town itself was officially recognized and named in 1908.

Building the Community

In 1912, people asked for bids to build a public hall in Wannamal. This means they wanted different companies to offer their prices to construct the building. The hall was finished and opened in December of the same year. It became an important place for the community to gather.

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