In 1836, British explorer George Fletcher Moore recorded the Aboriginal name “Jinjin” on his charts which was later reflected in the name ‘Gingin station’ used by William Locke Brockman in 1841. Gingin is thought to mean “footprint” or “place of many streams”. The town was gazetted in 1871 and officially declared a town in 1883.
Construction on the Midland Railway project commenced in 1886 and was completed in 1895. The line, extending from York to Geraldton was intended to service the agricultural needs of the region and better enable settlement in the area. Gingin Railway Station was opened in 1891.
Construction on the Midland Railway project commenced in 1886 and was completed in 1895. The line, extending from York to Geraldton was intended to service the agricultural needs of the region and better enable settlement in the area. Gingin Railway Station was opened in 1891.
The masonry building is composed of the former station and station master’s quarters. A timber framed addition was built in 1910 and a deck and fences built later. Today the Railway Station building has had minor modifications to accommodate a café and as a visitor destination. It is currently leased by the Shire of Gingin.
This project comprised repair and conservation work to the deteriorating original fabric of the building including the front verandah, timber floors, platform, outhouse deck area and kitchen.
Safety and accessibility issues were addressed as a priority.
Safeway Building & Renovations undertook the works between April and June. The project was funded by State Government Asset Maintenance Funding.
The Railway Station and site are an important part of Gingin’s history and the development of the area. The recently completed work ensures its heritage values will be maintained and appreciated into the future.