Westonia, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WestoniaWestern Australia |
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Westonia shire offices
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 Westonia
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1910 |
| Postcode(s) | 6423 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Westonia |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Westonia is a small town in the eastern Wheatbelt area of Western Australia. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Great Eastern Highway. Westonia is the main town in the Shire of Westonia.
Contents
How Westonia Began
Westonia started because of a gold discovery in 1910. A sandalwood cutter named Alfred Weston found the gold. At first, the area was called Weston's Reward, then Westons.
Gold Mining and Town Growth
By 1915, there were two big gold mines here. More than 500 people lived in the area. By 1917, the population grew to over 2,000 people. The town was then known as Westonia.
Changes Over Time
In 1919, gold prices dropped, and the mines had to close. Many people left Westonia. The town was officially named Westonia in February 1926. One mine reopened in 1935 but closed again in 1948. It opened once more in 1985 but closed in 1991.
In 2009, it was announced that mining would start again at the Edna May Gold Mine. The first gold was expected in May 2010. This was also 100 years after gold was first found in the area.
Westonia's Awards
Westonia has won awards for being a great place to live. In October 2009, Westonia won the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities competition for its region. It won the same award again in October 2010. Westonia was also named the best town in the whole state of Western Australia in November 2010.
Places to Explore in Westonia
There are many interesting places to visit in and around Westonia:
- Westonia Historic Townsite
- Wolfram Street Facades
- Westonia Caravan Park
- Westonia Common
- Boodalin Soak
- Elachbutting Rock
- Yanneymooning Reserve
- Baladjie Rock
- Edna May Gold Mine
