Electoral district of Merredin

Merredin
Western Australia—Legislative Assembly
State or territory: Western Australia
Dates current: 1950–20081
Namesake: Merredin
Demographic: Agricultural
1 known as Merredin-Yilgarn 1950–1977

Merredin was an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of Western Australia from 1950 to 2008.

Originally known as Merredin-Yilgarn, the name was shortened in 1977. The district was located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and was named for the town of Merredin.

Merredin was abolished in 2008 as a result of the reduction in rural seats made necessary by the one vote one value reforms. Its former territory was largely incorporated into the new seat of Central Wheatbelt, with parts also added to the districts of Moore and Wagin.

At various times, Merredin was held by all three of the major parties. The district was held by the Labor Party for all but three of its first 24 years. In its final decades however, the seat had become very safe for the National Party.

Geography

At its aboltion, Merredin covered several inland rural shires. Its towns included Merredin, Dalwallinu, Wongan Hills, Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Quairading, Bruce Rock and Corrigin.

Members for Merredin

Merredin-Yilgarn (1950–1977)
Member Party Term
  Lionel Kelly Labor 1950–1968
  Jack Stewart Liberal 1968–1971
  James Brown Labor 1971–1974
  Hendy Cowan Country 1974–1977
Merredin (1977–2008)
Member Party Term
  Hendy Cowan National 1977–2001
  Brendon Grylls National 2001–2008

External links