Corrigin, Western Australia

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Corrigin
Western Australia

Statue of dog to commemorate world record 1,527 ute convoy 2003.
Population: 725[1]
Established: 1900s
Postcode: 6375
Elevation: 295 m
Location: 229 km from Perth
LGA: Shire of Corrigin
Region: Wheatbelt
State District: Merredin
Federal Division: O'Connor
Mean Max Temp Mean Min Temp Rainfall
23.5 °C
74 °F
9.9 °C
50 °F
375.5 mm
14.8 in

Corrigin (32°20′S 117°52′E; post code: 6375) is a town located in the central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, 229 kilometres (142 mi) east-southeast of the state capital, Perth, Western Australia, along State Route 40. It is mostly a farming community focused on crops and sheep, and holds the world record of 'the most dogs in a ute'.[2]

Contents

[edit] History

The name "Corrigin", of Noongar indigenous origin, was first recorded in 1877 relating to a well in the area. The meaning of the name is unknown.

In 1909, the Government planned to build a railway from Brookton on the Great Southern Railway to the town of Kunjin, 17 km west of Corrigin. Some time after, a line from Wickepin was also proposed, and the Government decided to locate the crossing point at Corrigin.

In 1913, a railway siding was built, and named "Dondakin" by railway authorities due to conflict with the name elsewhere. However, after much local protest, the siding was renamed Corrigin and gazetted on 15 May 1914.[3] The railway line from Wickepin, Western Australia opened a month later, and the main office of the local Road Board moved to the town. In 1915, a school was built.

[edit] Present day

Corrigin has a population of 725[1] and is a key agricultural centre for a district focussed mainly on wheat and sheep farming. It contains a district high school (originally opened 1915 as a primary school), National Australia bank, shopping facilities, accommodation (hotel, motel, caravan park), council offices and a telecentre. Each year, it hosts an agricultural show.

The town is a stop on the Transwa bus service to Esperance via Kulin/Hyden.[4]

A large rocky outcrop just to the east of town is Corrigin Rock.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (19 November 2002). Community Profile Series : Corrigin (L) (Urban Centre/Locality). 2001 Census of Population and Housing. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  2. ^ Shire of Corrigin (25 October 2005). Dog In A Ute 2002. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.
  3. ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. History of country town names - C. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  4. ^ GE2 timetable (1 November 2006). Retrieved on 25 March 2007.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: -32.327° 117.875°