Tammin's History
Tammin was first settled in 1893 by John Packham with more settlers arriving during the 1900’s. The town of Tammin was gazetted on 26 May 1899.
The name “TAMMIN” means grandmother or grandfather according to the “Descriptive Vocabulary of Aborigines of WA” by G F Moore. Other theories are, that Tammin was named after the Tamma wallaby, a small marsupial that once inhabited the area, or the Tamma bush which grows throughout the district.
European settlement continued to grow and with the completion of the Goldfields Water Supply pipeline and the railway line to Kalgoorlie, the township grew along with necessary shops and facilities.
Yorkrakine, 30km north of Tammin, became a small township with a post office, store and hall.
In 1948 Tammin became a Road Board in its own right, having previously been part of the Meckering Road Board and later the Cunderdin-Meckering-Tammin Road Board.
With a change in the Local Government Act it became the Shire of Tammin in 1961.
In 1987 a Company known as Farmdale was formed with fifty shareholders from the Community purchasing the local hotel and a garage. This was done to retain both businesses in the town. The garage and hotel have since been sold.
There is a local history book, edited by Des Repton, entitled “Wheat, Wool & Wodjil” which is available for purchase from the Shire Office.
About Tammin
The Shire of Tammin is located 184kms east of Perth on the Great Eastern Highway and covers an area of 1087 km², it is bounded by the Shires of Kellerberrin, Quairading, Cunderdin and Wyalkatchem.
The Shire of Tammin, which includes the localities of Bungulla and Yorkrakine, has a total population of 450 people. The economy of the Shire is primarily agriculture based.
The community appreciates a Mediterranean type climate with weather ranging from 0°C during the winter to 40°C plus during the summer. The average yearly rainfall is 370mm, most of which falls during the winter months.
The night skies are often clear and a lack of ambient light makes for fantastic viewing of the heavens.
A constant flow of vehicles passes through the town along Great Eastern Highway which connects Perth to the Eastern States. A large Roadhouse provides for passing travellers. For those in caravans and RV's powered campsites are available at Donnan Park and can be booked online. For those just needing a break a fantastic Dog Rest Area boasts long vehicle parking and a wonderful fenced facility with lawn areas, water point and play equipment for dogs.
The town is serviced daily by the Prospector Train with the Railway Station is situated in the centre of Tammin townsite.
Sporting facilities are provided for Football, Netball, Hockey, Bowls, Golf, Tennis and Cricket and the town has seen several locals represent the State recently.
Industries are encouraged to establish in the area.
Senior Citizens are well catered for with ten, two bedroom units available in a village concept at Tamma Village.
In April 2005 the Shire of Tammin officially opened "Kadjininy Kep" a working Hydrology Model and Amphitheatre. Regular shows and events are held in the Amphitheatre and Community Hall. The grounds together with Memorial Park are a cool and relaxing place to break the journey along the Great Eastern Highway.
