Yandanooka, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids YandanookaWestern Australia |
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Yandanooka Hall, 2018
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 Yandanooka
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1919 |
| Postcode(s) | 6522 |
| Elevation | 231 m (758 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Mingenew |
| State electorate(s) | Moore |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Yandanooka is a small town in the Mid West region of Western Australia. It is located between the towns of Mingenew and Three Springs on the Midlands Road.
The name Yandanooka comes from the Aboriginal language. It was the name of a local water source. People believe it means "plenty of hilly country in sight." The town was officially recognized in 1919.
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Early Days of Yandanooka
The first European settler in the Yandanooka area was Thomas Whitfield. He arrived in the 1850s. A railway stop, called a siding, was built here when the Midland Railway opened in 1895.
In 1902, the railway siding was moved about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south. Land around this new siding was then set aside for a town. The land was measured and planned in 1913. Six years later, in 1919, the town was officially created.
Life in Yandanooka
By 1927, Yandanooka was growing. More people were living there, and they needed places to stay. The local people asked for a hotel to be opened in the town.
The railway was very busy, especially with wheat. In 1922, about 13,000 bags of wheat were sent by train. By 1925, this number had jumped to 80,000 bags. People expected it to be over 100,000 bags in 1927. This shows how important the town was for farming.
Changes Over Time
Like many small towns, Yandanooka saw some changes over the years.
School Closure
In 1978, the primary school in Yandanooka closed down. After this, younger children had to travel by bus to Mingenew for school. Teenagers went to high school in Morawa. The school building was later taken down in the 2000s. The house where the principal used to live was sold in 1979. It is the only part of the old school that is still standing today.
Shops and Services
The general store in Yandanooka also closed in 1979. This meant that the closest shops were now about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away in Mingenew.
In the 1980s, the railway siding stopped being used for grain. Farmers then had to truck their grain directly to Mingenew.
What Remains Today
By 2010, not much was left of the original town. The old general store is now a private home. The town hall is still there, with a small park next to it. This park was created by the CWA. There is also a small shed that locals use to get their mail. The principal's old house is also still standing.
