Duranillin, Western Australia

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Duranillin
Western Australia
Population: 27
Established: 1916
Postcode: 6393
Location:
LGA: Shire of West Arthur
State District: Wagin
Federal Division: O'Connor

Duranillin is a small town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, 24 kilometres (15 mi) south of Darkan near the junction of the Arthur and Beaufort rivers.

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[edit] History

The town's name is of Aboriginal origin and was first recorded by a surveyor in 1877, as with Moodiarrup further south, but the meaning of the name is not known. The town was established in 1916 when the Collie-Wagin railway was built, and gazetted in 1918.[1]

The first building was a store built by Lewis Hibble, and was followed in the 1920s by a few settlers. Until 1968, the railway was the main employer in the town, and a major timber mill operated by the Hughes family operated here which employed three or four families.[2]

[edit] Present day

Duranillin today is a small town with a post office and store. It serves as a trading post and meeting place for the farming families and agricultural community in the broader area, and periodically stages local events which attract visitors.

Lake Towerrinning, located south of the town, is the main attraction of the area - a semi-freshwater lake covering 256 hectares (633 acres), and a popular swimming spot with picnic areas and clean sandy beaches, offering water skiing and swimming as well as serving as a sanctuary for aquatic bird life - over 57 varieties of bird have been observed in the area. The State Government announced plans to upgrade facilities at the lake in May 2006.[3] A small winery is also nearby.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. History of country town names - D. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
  2. ^ Albany Gateway - Duranillin. Retrieved on 2006-10-14.
  3. ^ Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Wheatbelt boating facilities to be upgraded (press release).

[edit] External links