Morawa Local History
The Local History of Morawa, Western Australia
Morawa is a town located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. Its name is derived from the local Aboriginal word “moree-wa”, which means “emu’s nest”. The town was established in 1895, when pastoralists moved into the area to take advantage of the rich, fertile land. The following is a brief history of Morawa’s local history.
Pre-colonization
The area around Morawa has been inhabited by the Amangu people for thousands of years. The Amangu people traditionally hunted and fished in the coastal and inland areas around Morawa. They were semi-nomadic, moving between different areas to take advantage of seasonal resources. The Amangu people were adversely affected by the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, as their traditional lands were taken over by settlers. Today, the Amangu people continue to live in the area and are actively involved in land management and conservation projects.
European Settlement
The first European to explore the area was George Grey, who passed through the region in 1842 during his expedition to the north-west coast of Western Australia. The town of Morawa was officially established in 1895, when pastoralists moved into the area to take advantage of the fertile land. Morawa quickly became an important centre for agriculture, with wheat, sheep and cattle being the main industries.
The Railway
The construction of the railway line from Mullewa to Perenjori in 1913 proved to be a major boost for Morawa. The railway opened up new markets for the town’s produce and provided a means of transporting goods to and from Perth. The railway also provided a means of transport for residents, many of whom used the train to travel to Perth or other towns along the line.
The First World War
The First World War had a major impact on the people of Morawa. Many local men volunteered to fight overseas, and a number of them were killed or wounded in action. The outbreak of the war also led to a downturn in the local economy, as exports of wheat and other produce were disrupted. Nevertheless, the people of Morawa rallied together to support the war effort, with fundraising events and other initiatives.
The Second World War
The Second World War had a significant impact on the people of Morawa. Many local men again volunteered to fight overseas, and a number of them were killed or wounded in action. The war also brought a large influx of new residents to the town, as workers moved to Morawa to take advantage of employment opportunities in the nearby munitions factory. The war also led to a focus on conservation efforts in the local area, as resources were redirected towards the war effort.
Post-war Development
After the end of the Second World War, Morawa continued to develop and grow. The town’s economy remained focused on agriculture, with wheat, livestock and wool being the main industries. The town continued to be an important centre for transportation, with the railway and the road network providing vital links to other parts of Western Australia.
History of in Morawa
The history of Morawa is closely tied to the history of the Mid West region of Western Australia. From its early days as a pastoral settlement to its development as a major centre for agriculture and transportation, the town of Morawa has played an important role in the history of the region. Today, Morawa remains an important part of Western Australia’s agricultural and transport industries, and continues to be a vibrant and welcoming community.