Irwin Local History
Located just 35 kilometers from Perth, Irwin is a small town in the Mid West region of Western Australia. With a population of around 500 people, the town has a rich history dating back to before European settlement. The traditional owners of the land are the Nanda people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
The first Europeans to explore the area were the French in 1801, led by Captain Nicolas Baudin. However, it wasn't until the arrival of the British in the 1850s that the town began to take shape. In 1851, the Governor of Western Australia, John Hutt, established a convict hiring station in the area which attracted a number of settlers to the region. One of these was the notorious bushranger, Moondyne Joe, who was jailed in Irwin for a short period.
By the 1860s, Irwin had become a thriving farming community with a number of local industries including potteries, sawmills, and tanneries. The town's port on the Irwin River made it an important center for the export of wool, wheat, and sandalwood.
The town continued to grow throughout the 20th century, despite the decline of some of its key industries such as sandalwood harvesting. In the 1960s, the nearby Dampier Saltworks was established which brought a new wave of employment to the area. Today, the town is known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions such as the Dongara-Port Denison coastline and the Leaning Trees.
One of the most significant events in Irwin's history occurred in 2001 when the town was officially renamed from "Irwin River" to "Irwin" in honor of local naturalist and conservationist, Harry Butler. Butler was renowned for his work in protecting the environment and wildlife in the area and was a well-known figure in the community.
Another interesting aspect of Irwin's history is the presence of a number of historic buildings in the town. The Dongara Medical Center, the Royal Steam Flour Mill, and the Dongara Police Station are just a few examples of the town's rich architectural heritage.
Today, Irwin is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway in Western Australia. With its stunning coastline, nature reserves, and historic landmarks, the town is a testament to the resilience of a community that has survived and thrived for over a century.