Kellerberrin Local History
Kellerberrin is a town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Balardong Noongar people, who have lived here for thousands of years and had a deep connection with the land.
The town was named after a nearby lake, which was in turn named after an Aboriginal word meaning "place of many waters". The first European to explore the area was John Septimus Roe, who passed through in 1836 during a survey of the Avon River. At the time, the land was used for grazing sheep and cattle, although it was not until the 1890s that the town was officially established.
The arrival of the Perth-Quairading railway in 1907 brought a new wave of settlers to Kellerberrin, and the town rapidly grew in size and importance. Agriculture became the main industry, with wheat, barley, and oats being the primary crops grown in the area. By the early 1920s, Kellerberrin boasted a population of almost 1000 people and had all the amenities of a modern town, including a hospital, police station, and two hotels.
During World War II, Kellerberrin played an important role as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force. The town's airstrip was used for training pilots, and many local men and women enlisted in the armed forces. After the war, the town began to decline as younger generations moved away in search of better opportunities.
Today, Kellerberrin is still primarily an agricultural town, with the surrounding area known for its wheat, cattle and sheep farming. The town has several heritage sites, including the Old Albany Highway, which was once the main road between Perth and Albany, and the Kellerberrin Railway Station, which is now a museum. The town also hosts an annual agricultural show, which is a major event in the local calendar.
In recent years, Kellerberrin has undergone a revival thanks to a growing interest in regional tourism. The town's rural setting and historic buildings have attracted visitors from all over the world, and there are now several accommodation options available, such as the popular Kellerberrin Bed and Breakfast. There are also several cafes and restaurants which serve locally produced food and wine.
In conclusion, Kellerberrin has a rich history that is deeply connected with the land and the people who have lived here for thousands of years. Despite its ups and downs, the town has managed to survive and thrive over the years, and is now a popular destination for those seeking a taste of rural life in Western Australia.