Wilga, Western Australia
| Wilga Western Australia | |
|---|---|
  Wilga | |
| Coordinates | 33°42′S 116°14′E / 33.700°S 116.233°ECoordinates: 33°42′S 116°14′E / 33.700°S 116.233°E |
| Established | 1915 |
| Postcode(s) | 6243 |
| Elevation | 286 m (938 ft) |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Shire of Boyup Brook |
| State electorate(s) | Blackwood-Stirling |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Wilga is a small town located between Donnybrook and Boyup Brook in the South West region of Western Australia.
A railway between Donnybrook and Boyup Brook was opened in 1908 with Wilga originating as a railway siding. Built to serve the Adelaide Timber company the forested area around the town was felled and sent to nearby mills. Land was set aside for a town in 1912 and later surveyed. The town was gazetted in 1915.[1]
The name of the town is thought to have come from the nearby Wilgee Springs which first appeared on maps of the area in 1894. The name Wilgee is Aboriginal in origin and means ochre or pigment that is worn in ceremonies. The nearest saw mill was established in 1925 about 10km from town and was named Woop Woop.
The Wilga Mill and its surrounds was considered to contain relics of the mill, locomotives and logging were scattered around it. It was removed and sold for scrap in 1984 [2]
References
- ↑ Western Australian Land Information Authority. "History of country town names – W". Retrieved 2011-03-21.
- ↑ Gunzburg, Adrian and Austin, Jeff (2008) Rails through the Bush: Timber and Firewood Tramways and Railway Contractors of Western Australia Perth, W.A. Rail Heritage WA. ISBN 978-0-9803922-2-7 - see pages 132-134 re Wilga Mill
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