Mingenew Local History
Mingenew is a town located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. It is situated approximately 385 kilometers north of Perth. The name 'Mingenew' is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning 'waterhole', which is reflective of the town's close proximity to the Irwin River.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Mingenew area was home to the Naaguja and Amangu Aboriginal people. These groups lived a largely nomadic lifestyle, moving around the area in search of food and water. The Amangu people belonged to the Yuat language group, while the Naaguja people spoke a dialect of the Wajarri language.
The first European exploration of the area occurred in 1836, when explorer George Grey passed through the region and named the nearby Irwin River after a friend of his. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that the first European settlers began to arrive in the Mingenew area. These settlers were mostly farmers and pastoralists, who were attracted to the region's fertile land and reliable water sources.
In 1894, the Mingenew Road Board was established, which was responsible for local governance and infrastructure in the area. The townsite of Mingenew was surveyed in 1895, and the first hotel in the town (the Mingenew Hotel) opened in 1897. The construction of the town's first railway line in 1897 helped to boost the local economy, as it enabled farmers to transport their produce more easily to markets in nearby towns.
Over the years, Mingenew has seen its fair share of highs and lows. During the early 1900s, the town experienced a population boom, as new settlers continued to arrive and businesses thrived. However, this prosperity was short-lived. The arrival of the Great Depression in the 1930s hit Mingenew hard, with many businesses closing and farmers struggling to make ends meet.
Despite these challenges, the people of Mingenew remained resilient. Throughout the 20th century, the town continued to grow and develop. New businesses opened and the local farming industry expanded, while various community facilities (including a hospital, swimming pool, and golf course) were established to serve the needs of local residents.
Today, Mingenew is a vibrant and thriving community, home to a population of around 500 people. The town is still predominantly agricultural, with wheat, sheep, and cattle farming being the main industries. However, there are also a range of other businesses and services in the town, including tourism, retail, and healthcare.