Menzies, Western Australia

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Menzies
Western Australia
File:Town Hall, Menzies.jpg
Town Hall, Menzies
Menzies is located in Western Australia
Menzies
Menzies
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Population 56 (2006 census)[1]
Established 1895
Postcode(s) 6436
Elevation 426 m (1,398 ft)
Location
LGA(s) Shire of Menzies
State electorate(s) Kalgoorlie
Federal Division(s) O'Connor
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
26.3 °C
79 °F
12.6 °C
55 °F
250.9 mm
9.9 in
File:Menzies Hotel, Menzies.jpg
Menzies Hotel, Menzies
File:Menzies bakers oven.jpg
Menzies bakers oven

Menzies is a town in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, 728 kilometres (452 mi) east-northeast of the state capital, Perth, and 133 kilometres (83 mi) north-northwest of the city of Kalgoorlie. At the 2006 census, Menzies had a population of 56.[1]

History

Gold was discovered in the area in 1894, and Leslie Robert Menzies, a Canadian-born prospector, and John McDonald were the first to take up a lease here in October 1894, naming their lease the "Lady Shenton". It was a rich gold find, and the Mining Warden for the area recommended a townsite be declared in 1895, named in Menzies' honour. The townsite was gazetted in August 1895.[2] Land around the town was sold in 1895 and by 1896 it had become a municipality. The town hall was constructed from 1896 to 1898; the hall remained clockless for over 100 years due to the original clock being lost in a shipwreck and the prosperity of the town declining shortly afterwards. A clock was finally installed to celebrate the new millennium in 2000.[3] The railway line was completed through to the town by 1900. Water had to be carted to the town from underground supplies and from lakes in the surrounding areas. The government started construction of a dam in 1897 that began to supply water to the town by 1901.[4] By 1900, Menzies had a population of approximately 10,000 with thirteen hotels and two breweries.[5] The gold rush lasted for about 10 years and by 1905 most of the miners had left town to try their luck elsewhere. By 1910 the population of the town had declined to less than 1,000. Gold mining continues in and around Menzies to the present day.

Present day

Menzies is a place that has seen many changes over the years. The population is generally low (less than 100); however this can change - and has changed rapidly as mines open and close in the local area. There is a pub with food and cold beer, and the old state battery, which is in mint condition, is worth a look. There had been a roadhouse which provided a post office and general food items but it is now closed. There is a currently a small general store which sells a wide variety of foods including baked meals, dairy produce, fruit and vegetables and other small goods

In 2004 a Senior Constable and his wife transferred from the nearby town of Leonora and gained community spirit along with the respect of the local community. Close and lasting friendships continue today. Local activities occupied the youth with after school basketball, tennis and sausage sizzles run each week. Movie nights at the Senior Constables house was supported by the parents who also gained a break. The effects of this community engagement resulted in no crime. This continued through until the Senior Constable was promoted and with sadness was transferred to the town of Bencubbin.

The town includes a hotel, shire office, a nursing post (still operating today) and a police station. The police station was closed in 2007 due to budget cuts. The two officers who patrolled over 145 thousand square kilometres were transferred, one to Kalgoorlie and the other to Perth. Crime was low in Menzies during their tenure, attributed to the close community ties and work of one of the senior constables.

Notable people

Menzies was the birthplace of the following:

References

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External links