Woodanilling, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WoodanillingWestern Australia |
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Building in Woodanilling
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 Woodanilling
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1892 |
| Postcode(s) | 6316 |
| Elevation | 311 m (1,020 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Woodanilling |
| State electorate(s) | Roe |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Woodanilling is a small town in the state of Western Australia. It is located in the Great Southern region.
Contents
Where is Woodanilling?
Woodanilling is about 254 kilometers (158 miles) south of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. You can find it along the Great Southern Highway.
It's also close to other towns. It is about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Katanning. It is also 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Wagin.
The area around Woodanilling is known for farming. Farmers here mainly raise sheep and grow grain. The town got its name from a natural spring in Boyerine Creek. This spring is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) south of the town.
A Look at Woodanilling's Past
Early History and Exploration
The Wiilman people are the traditional owners of the land around Woodanilling. They have lived there for a very long time.
European explorers first visited this area in 1830 and 1831. These trips were led by Captain Thomas Bannister.
How the Town Grew
The building of the Albany Highway in the early 1850s helped bring more people to the area. Later, the Great Southern Railway was built in 1889. This railway also encouraged more settlers to move here.
The town of Woodanilling grew up around a railway stop. This stop was first called Round Pool. The town was officially recognized in 1892. In 1895, its name was changed to Yarabin. Finally, in 1896, it became Woodanilling.
The name Woodanilling comes from an Aboriginal language. It means either "lots of minnows" (small fish) or "place where the bronzewing pigeon nests".
Buildings and Community Life
Before 1903, an agricultural hall and a public school were built in the town. The school even closed for a short time when its teacher, Mr. Campbell, moved away.
By 1906, the Woodanilling Road Board was created. This group helped manage the local area. The population of the shire grew to 800 people. This was a very good time for the town, from 1905 to 1920.
During this period, Woodanilling had many businesses. There were five general stores, a blacksmith, and a post office. It also had a bakery, a hotel, a railway station, and even a trotting track for horse races.
Local Industries and Improvements
By 1907, a type of tree bark called "mallet" bark was being sent out from the area. This bark was exported in large amounts.
In 1908, the first stone for the local Baptist church was laid. Many people gathered for this event, including the local pastor, Rev. W. Kennedy.
More new buildings appeared in 1908. A branch of the Western Australian Bank and a new hotel were built. The school also received many improvements. Farmers in the area were hopeful for a very good harvest that year. This was because the weather conditions were favorable.
Later in 1908, the railway station yard was upgraded. They added a weighbridge, a new crossing, and tracking yards. They also made the existing yard bigger. The school had four different teachers in 1908. Finding suitable housing for them was the main challenge. The school was also made larger to fit more students.
New Residents and School Fire
Between 1920 and 1960, many people moved to Woodanilling. These migrants came from Ireland, Germany, England, and even China. They helped make the local community diverse and strong.
Sadly, the local school was destroyed by fire in June 1949. At that time, 64 students were enrolled there. By November, the education minister decided to build a new primary school. However, older students would travel to Katanning for their classes.
What Woodanilling Does Today
The town of Woodanilling provides services for the farms around it. The main activities in this area are raising sheep and growing wheat.
