Population 265 (2011 census) Postcode(s) 6405 Elevation 203 m Postal code 6405 Lga Shire of Cunderdin | Established 1895 State electorate(s) Central Wheatbelt Founded 1895 Local time Friday 1:59 PM Federal division Division of Durack | |
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Location 130 km (81 mi) east of Perth
32 km (20 mi) east of Northam
22 km (14 mi) west of Cunderdin Weather 31°C, Wind W at 21 km/h, 24% Humidity | ||
Meckering is a town 130 km east of Perth, Western Australia along the Great Eastern Highway. Meckering is located within the Shire of Cunderdin.
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Map of Meckering WA 6405, Australia
A railway line was completed in the area in 1895 and Meckering was selected as a station site. The first name chosen for the townsite was Beebering, the Aboriginal name for the hills just north of the town.
The townsite of Beebering was gazetted in 1895. The name of the town was changed to Meckering in 1897 to agree with the station name and the name for the town that was used locally. Meckering is an Aboriginal word thought to mean "moon on the water" or "good hunting".
In early 1898 the population of the town was 225, 150 males and 75 females.
In 1932 the Wheat Pool of Western Australia announced that the town would have two grain elevators, each fitted with an engine, installed at the railway siding.
The surrounding areas produce wheat and other cereal crops. The town is a receival site for Cooperative Bulk Handling.
Earthquake
At 10:59 am on 14 October 1968, a 40-second earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale destroyed the town, and had effect on a considerable area in the south western region of Western Australia. Surface faulting was up to 3 metres high, and almost 40 km long. As it was a public holiday, the risk of casualties was reduced. Buildings in the metropolitan area of Perth were damaged as a result of the earthquake, and tremors were felt as far away as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Albany. The building codes and various structural issues for Western Australia were modified as a result of the earthquake and further development of earthquake engineering. The memory and significance of the event is commemorated by the local and wider community in a number of ways.
A later earthquake at Cadoux in 1979 was on a par with the Meckering event in some people's memories, although less damage occurred in Perth.
Before it was adopted, the South West Seismic Zone, was being closely related to the physiographic boundary known as the Meckering Line.
Transport
Meckering is a main stopping point for freight trucks on the way to the eastern states.
Passenger rail service
The Transwa Avonlink service runs between East Perth and Merredin once a week, stopping at Meckering.
The Transwa Prospector service between East Perth and Kalgoorlie stops at Meckering most days.