Ballidu, Western Australia

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Ballidu
Western Australia
Population: 82 (2006 census)[1]
Postcode: 6606
Elevation: 312 m (1,024 ft)
Location:
LGA: Shire of Wongan-Ballidu
State District: Merredin
Federal Division: O'Connor

Ballidu is a town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, about 217 kilometres (135 mi) north of Perth. Ballidu is also 34 kilometres (21 mi) north of the town of Wongan Hills which, along with a few other small towns such as Cadoux and Bindi Bindi make up the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu.

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[edit] History

The name Ballidu is a hybrid name, coming from "balli", a Noongar Aboriginal word meaning "on this side" or "in this direction", and "Duli" after a nearby rockhole. The townsite was gazetted in 1914, with street names reflecting different varieties of wheat.[2] A primary school opened in the town on 4 September 1922, moving into permanent premises in 1924.

[edit] Population

Ballidu has a population of less than 100 people and consists of Ballidu Primary School, the local Art Gallery, a hall, a few shops for groceries and essentials and several farming supply stores. As Ballidu is a farming region, over the years (as the size of the surrounding farms has increased), the town has become smaller and smaller. Currently there are approximately 23 students attending the local primary school, with others attending school at surrounding towns.

[edit] Community Events

Each year the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu along with the surrounding communities hosts the annual 'Bike-it to Ballidu' which consists of teams from the primary school along with adults cycling from Wongan Hills in turn to Ballidu. The whole ride is approximately 34km and starts from the Wongan Hills visitor centre ending in Alpha Street, Ballidu. After the ride there is a celebration in Alpha Park in which awards are presented. The next competition is to be held on 14 March 2008.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). Ballidu (State Suburb). 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved on 2007-03-12.
  2. ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. History of country town names - B. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.

Coordinates: 30°35′46″S 116°46′19″E / -30.596, 116.772