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Shire of Dowerin

Population 690

Dowerin 156km north-east of Perth $

Mile posts mark the distance from the south coast. The fence originally went from Point Ann to north of Cue, where it turned east to join Rabbit Proof Fence No.1 at Gum Creek. It is one of three long fences in the state designed to control the rabbit plague, which could wreak enormous havoc in agricultural areas. The fences failed in their purpose, although much time and money was expended to make them work. They stand as a monument to human intention to control a pest, which was and is a national problem. Wednesday and Thursday of August. It provides manufacturers an opportunity to exhibit and demonstrate farm machinery, equipment and allied industries to primary producers, city and overseas visitors. Over 20,000 visitors flock to Dowerin over these two days and it gets bigger every year. 2014 was the 50th Anniversary of the Field Days, a fitting tribute to the endeavour and commitment of the Dowerin Events Management and the community of Dowerin. Wildflowers Dowerin has several reserves within the Shire which are home to an array of wildflowers including the Dowerin Rose, native bush and abundant wildlife. Most wildflowers can be observed between July and October, but as wildflowers are heavily dependent on rainfall during winter, the more rain, the more wildflowers there are to enjoy. Hotspots include Tin Dog Creek Reserve, Namelcatchem Reserve, Minnivale Reserve and Cullimbin Well. Some orchid species spotted include Donkey, Bunny, Leek and Spider. Many species of flowering wattles, grevillea and hakea can be seen on road verges and throughout the reserves, while pink, white and yellow everlastings can sometimes form a carpet of colour from late August through to October. Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days This annual event is held on the last

Gimlet and York Gum Wonderland, Melaleuca Maze and the Hobbits Forest. Dowerin Museum Located on Cottrell Street, opposite Anderson Street. This original 1915 residence is bursting with artefacts and memorabilia. Built in 1915 by Mr Eugene O’Shaughnessy, the old O’Shaughnessy family home has been restored and filled with furnishings from yesteryear. Further to the ambience of the cottage, a wander in the backyard reveals a reconstructed saddlery and shed complete with blacksmiths and saddlery tools. Can be viewed by appointment only. Please call the Shire Office on (08) 9631 1202 or 0427 631 101 (after hours) to arrange a viewing. Minnivale Once a bustling town, Minnivale is now home to a spectacular array of wildflowers from July to October. Driving through Minnivale today you will see the brick store built in 1921 still displaying advertisements from long ago, the church built in 1925 and the old baker’s oven still standing in the main street. A new history is emerging in Minnivale with the development of the Wheatbelt Heritage Rail Project based out of the former CBH Wheat Bin. Although in its early stages, work has commenced to transform the former Wheat Bin into a Heritage Rail Interpretative Centre celebrating the past using today’s technology featuring interactive displays. Namelcatchem Well Namelcatchem Well is located within a 600 acre DPaW Class A1 Reserve, 17km east of Dowerin, at the intersection of the Cunderdin- Minnivale and Goomalling-Merredin Roads. Built sometime before 1865, making it the earliest European built structure in the area, this well was initially used to provide water for miners and travellers. Later horse teams carting wheat to Minnivale found it essential as it held

Dowerin is 156km east of Perth, or an easy two hour drive via Northam or Toodyay. Nestled amongst open paddocks of golden wheat and grazing sheep, Dowerin is located on the popular Wheatbelt Way or Pioneers’ Pathway self drive trails. It is a well serviced country town with a district high school, community club, bakery, two banks, various other retail stores and a variety of community groups and sporting clubs. First settlement took place in 1897 to establish the farming culture which remains the mainstay of business today. Dowerin is located on the Goldfields Track and has a series of wells marking the way to Yilgarn and the Goldfields. Some of these wells were constructed prior to 1865. Dowerin has many natural attractions including rocky outcrops, reserves with a multitude of flora and fauna and is also a place rich in history. Enjoy the historical walk trail around town, visit ‘Rusty’ the Tin Dog or just sit in Centenary Park with a cuppa and watch the world go by. Places of interest ‘Rusty’ the Tin Dog ‘Rusty’ the Tin Dog stands guard at the west entrance to town. This was an innovative project designed by students from Dowerin District High School in 2004 who were inspired after discovering the legend of Tin Dog Creek. Parking and picnic facilities are available at the adjacent information bay on Goldfields Road. Visitors’ can take ‘Rusty’s Ramble’ within the town, visiting historical buildings. Tin Dog Creek Walk Trail and Bird Hide The walk trail is just off Redding Road, approximately 100m from the information bay on Goldfields Road. Walk through some of the last strands of untouched natural bush in the Wheatbelt by choosing one of 2 trails (long or short). Several interpretive panels are located along the trail providing interesting information about the surroundings. Some features along the way include the Kangaroo Freeway, the

Dowerin Community Resource Centre 13 Stewart Street Dowerin WA 6461 Tel: (08) 9631 1662

sufficient water for 70 horses. The Rabbit Proof Fence No.2

Email: dowerin@crc.net.au www.dowerin.crc.net.au

This fence runs north/south through the eastern third of the Shire. It was built in 1907/1908 and much of the fence remains in good condition.

Dowerin Short Stay Accommodation & Caravan Park A hidden gem in the Wheatbelt with quality, comfortable accommodation for business and leisure travellers, located a short stroll to local amenities and attractions. • One bedroom self contained units with full kitchen • Studio rooms with kitchenette, 1 with disabled access • Powered caravan/camper sites with hardstand • Sites for caravans/campers who are self-sufficient • Grassed tent sites with power • Modern ablutions & laundry facilities • Camp kitchen & alfresco dining area Located on Fraser Street, Dowerin T: (08) 9631 1202 (M-F 8.30-4pm) 0429 311 202 A/H E: dowshire@dowerin.wa.gov.au W: www.dowerinaccommodation.com.au

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1 Meet ‘Rusty’ the Tin Dog

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