Brunswick Junction, Western Australia

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Brunswick Junction
Western Australia

Peters Creameries building.
Population: 1,334
Established: 1898
Postcode: 6224
Location:
LGA: Shire of Harvey
State District: Collie-Wellington
Federal Division: Forrest

Brunswick Junction is a town located in the South West of Western Australia along the South Western Highway, between Harvey and Bunbury. It has a population of 1,334 (ABS 2001), about 12% of whom are Italian Australians.

Contents

[edit] History

The Brunswick River which runs just north of the town was named by John Septimus Roe in 1830, and was most probably named after the Duke of Brunswick who Governor Stirling served under while in command of the HMS Brazen in 1813 off the coast of the Netherlands. Stirling named a number of Western Australian features after his former navy colleagues.[1]

The first farm in the area, "Alverstoke", started in 1842 by Marshall Clifton, was producing wheat, barley and potatoes within a few years. A bridge was built over the Brunswick River at Australind, Western Australia to give settlers in the area easier access to what was then the main community in the Harvey District.

In 1893, when the Perth-Bunbury railway was completed, no-one lived in the present-day townsite, but the Brunswick Farmers' Association was formed, with a post office and school operating nearby. In 1898, a junction was opened south of the river when the line to Collie opened, and a railway station was built.[2]

[edit] Present Day

Brunswick Junction is mainly known today for dairying, to which a large Friesian cow (nicknamed Daisy) stands testament in a park in the centre of town. Peters Creameries produces milk products, butter and cheese from nearby dairy farmers.

The town also hosts several historic buildings, including the shire hall, Catholic and Anglican churches and railway cottages, and the nearby Beela Valley has a scenic drive which takes in farming country east of the town as well as the Mornington forests.[3]

The Brunswick Agricultural Show is one of the largest in regional Australia with over 15,000 visitors in October of each year. A fashion parade, trade exhibits, arts and crafts and flowers are among the things on offer.[4]

[edit] Transport

Brunswick Junction is located on the South Western Highway 26km NE of Bunbury. It is linked by road to Australind via the Kemerton industrial park.

The town also serves as a stop on the Australind passenger train from Perth to Bunbury.

Preceding station   Transwa Trains network   Following station
towards Perth
 Australind
Terminus

[edit] References

  1. ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. History of country town names - B. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
  2. ^ Shire of Harvey. Local Towns - Brunswick. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
  3. ^ Harvey Tourism - Brunswick Junction. Accessed 2006-10-02.
  4. ^ Travel Down Under. Brunswick Agricultural Show. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.

[edit] External links


Towns in the Shire of Harvey

Australind | Benger | Binningup | Brunswick Jn. | Cookernup | Harvey | Kemerton | Leschenault | Myalup | Roelands | Wokalup | Yarloop
Towns in the Shire of Waroona

Hamel | Lake Clifton | Nanga Brook | Preston Beach | Wagerup | Waroona
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