Wilga, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WilgaWestern Australia |
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The Wilga community hall in April 2022
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 Wilga
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1915 |
| Postcode(s) | 6243 |
| Elevation | 286 m (938 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Boyup Brook |
| State electorate(s) | Warren-Blackwood |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Wilga is a small, quiet town in the beautiful South West part of Western Australia. It sits right between two other towns, Donnybrook and Boyup Brook. This little place has a cool history tied to railways and the timber industry.
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Wilga: A Small Town's Story
Wilga is a charming small town. It is located in the South West region of Western Australia. This area is known for its forests and natural beauty.
Where is Wilga?
Wilga is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) south-southwest of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It is also quite close to Boyup Brook, only about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away.
How Wilga Began
Wilga started as a simple stop along a railway line. The area was full of trees, which were very important for the timber industry.
The Railway's Role
A railway line was built between Donnybrook and Boyup Brook. It opened in 1908. Wilga began as a "siding" on this railway. A siding is a short track next to the main one. It allows trains to load or unload goods. This siding was built to help the Adelaide Timber company. Trees from the nearby forests were cut down. Then, they were sent to timber mills using the railway.
What's in a Name?
Land for the town was first set aside in 1912. It was officially made a town in 1915. The name Wilga likely comes from the nearby Wilgee Springs. These springs appeared on maps as early as 1894. The word "Wilgee" comes from the Aboriginal language. It means ochre or pigment. These are special colored earths used in ceremonies.
The Timber Mill Story
A large saw mill was built about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Wilga in 1925. It was given a fun name: Woop Woop. This mill was a very busy place. It processed all the timber from the surrounding forests.
The area around the Wilga Mill used to have many old things. These included parts of the mill itself, old locomotives (train engines), and logging equipment. These items were like relics from the past. They showed how the timber industry worked. However, in 1984, the mill and these old parts were removed. They were sold for scrap metal.
