Ballidu, Western Australia


Ballidu is a town in the Central Midlands division of the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, about north of Perth. Ballidu is also north of the town of Wongan Hills which, along with a few other small towns such as Cadoux and Bindi Bindi make up the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu.

History

The name Ballidu is a hybrid name, coming from "balli", a Noongar word meaning "on this side" or "in this direction", and "Duli" after a nearby rockhole. The townsite was gazetted in 1914, with street names of the original settlers. A primary school opened in the town on 4 September 1922, moving into permanent premises in 1924. The streets in Ballidu are named after varieties of wheat.
The bulk wheat bins in town opened in 1940.

Population

Located in the Central Midlands division of the Wheatbelt, the town relies upon agriculture, mainly wheat production. Increasing automation in agriculture has seen the size of surrounding holdings increase and the population of the town steadily decrease. At the 2016 census, Ballidu had a population of 66 in decline from 82 in 2006. The town retains a primary school, an art gallery, a hall and a general store. 2016 saw a school enrolment of four.

Community events

Each year, the Ballidu School Parents and Citizens Association hosts the annual "Bike-it to Ballidu", which consists of teams from the primary school along with adults cycling from Wongan Hills in turn to Ballidu. The whole ride is approximately 34 km and starts from the Wongan Hills visitor centre ending in Alpha Street, Ballidu. After the ride there is a celebration in Alpha Park in which awards are presented. The last competition was held on 14 March 2008. The Contemporary Arts Society regularly hold exhibitions of local artists and other well known Australian artists.