The Wheatbelt region extends north from Perth to the Mid West region, east to the Goldfields-Esperance region, west to the South West region and is bordered by the Indian Ocean, the Perth metropolitan area, and the Great Southern and Peel regions. It covers an area of 154,862 square kilometres (including islands), with a population of about 72,000. The main centres are Northam, Narrogin, Merredin and Moora.
The Wheatbelt encompasses a range of environments and industries, from tourism driven coastal areas to mining of minerals including gold, nickel and iron ore along the arid eastern fringe. As its name suggests, large parts of the Wheatbelt are suited to agriculture with nearly two thirds of the state’s wheat produced in the area.
The region offers many nature reserves, parks and picnic areas. The Bibbulmun track passes through the Wheatbelt stretching nearly 1,000kms from Kalamunda to Albany and draws many bushwalkers each year. Major centres are equipped with facilities such as aquatic and recreation centres, gymnasiums, and a variety of sporting grounds. Community members are able to participate in a variety of activities and join a wide array of sporting, arts and volunteering groups.
Wyalkatchem is situated 194 kilometres from Perth on the Goomalling - Merredin Road, along the Pioneer Pathway—the historic route of prospectors headed for the Kalgoorlie Goldfields. An area of wheat and sheep farming, the town lies along major roads leading to the Goldfields and the Eastern states.
Wyalkatchem is a community-minded town. This has been shown through the surfacing of the airfield by shire and community labour, the local paper being staffed by volunteers, volunteers constructing and planting the garden in the local hospital and the Tidy Town wall.
Community groups include St John Ambulance, Hospital Auxiliary, Cadets, Cottage Craft—on and on it goes. There are clubs catering to most interests and sport is an important part of our country living. Seniors and youth are also essential to our community.
The Shire of Mukinbudin is located 296 kilometres north east of Perth in the North Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia. The Shire comprises an area of 3,414 km2 with agriculture the dominant industry, and has a population of around 800 people.
Mukinbudin is a vibrant town that provides people with many opportunities to be physically, mentally and socially healthy through the provision of the towns exceptional facilities (including sport and recreation facilities), that are second to none in the region. Mukinbudin prides itself on its strong community spirit and hospitality.
There are a large variety of clubs to join including football, netball, hockey, tennis, cricket, swimming and pony clubs to bridge, sewing and art, just to name a few! Mukinbudin also boasts many wonderful rocky outcrops, lakes and beautiful picnic areas, which attract tourists and provide recreational activities for local families and friends.
The Shire of Trayning is located 235 kilometres north east of Perth in the Central Wheatbelt, with the main industry cropping of wheat and cereals, and sheep farming for meat and wool. The Shire is made up of three towns, Kununoppin, Trayning and Yelbeni with a combined population of approximately 420 residents.
Each town is set in natural woodlands and offers a relaxed rural lifestyle. Various clubs and organisations are available within the Shire for residents and visitors to join. Sport and recreation activities include tennis, bowls, basketball, golf, horse riding and pony club, swimming club, and Auskick for junior footballers. Trayning also has a fully equipped gymnasium adjacent to the Aquatic Centre.
Bushwalkers can enjoy the Billyacatting Nature Reserve featuring a picnic area, carpark and a designated walk trail with informative signage on native flora and fauna found in the area. Volunteers can choose from several local organisations such as FESA (Fire & Emergency Services Authority), the hospital auxiliary, the seniors group, the community shop or the local tourism group.
The Shire of Koorda, 236km east of Perth, forms part of the north-eastern section of the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and is home to almost 600 people. The primary industry is wheat and sheep farming.
Koorda offers numerous scenic areas, most with public barbecue facilities. Mollerin Rock, Newcarlbeon and Badgerin Rock are popular spots to enjoy the surroundings and perhaps see some of the local inhabitants - kangaroo, echidna, and dozens of bird varieties.
Sport and recreation activities include golf, basketball, cricket, football, tennis, swimming, bowling, hockey, netball and more. People can also join arts and community groups such as the Music and Dramatic Club, ceramic club or the leisure group for senior citizens.
For more information on groups in Koorda visit http://www.koorda.wa.gov.au/people_community/service_cultural.html
Nungarin is located in the north eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, about 278km east of Perth and 39 km north of Merredin. The population of around 300 is mainly employed in agriculture.
Natural attractions such as Eaglestone Hill, Danberrin Rock, Lake Campion and Lake Brown provide opportunities for walking and sometimes water skiing. Local sporting clubs include bowling, cricket, golf, hockey, football, rifle shooting and tennis and the town has a swimming pool and recreation centre. Nungarin also has a variety of community and volunteer associations. Several community events are held each year including the Mangowine concert and Wheatbelt markets.
For more information about Nungarin visit http://www.nungarin.com
The Eastern Wheatbelt Region covers an approximate area of 67 763 km. It covers the towns of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Narembeen, Southern Cross, Westonia, Nungarin, Trayning, Kununoppin, Wyalkatchem, Koorda, Beacon, Bencubbin, Mukinbudin, Moorine Rock, Muntadgin and Doodlakine. The Act-Belong-Commit Project Officer is based in Merredin.
The town of Merredin is a thriving regional centre, centrally located between Perth and Kalgoorlie; 257kms from Perth (via the Great Eastern Highway) and 334kms from Kalgoorlie. Merredin offers many opportunities to maintain and improve mental, physical and social wellbeing. Merredin Recreation Centre provides numerous sports and leisure activities including Badminton, Indoor Cricket, Basketball, Belly dancing and Lawn Bowls.
Merredin has a range of sporting organisations such as the rifle club, golf, football, netball, cricket, hockey, tennis, squash and softball at both senior and junior levels. There are many opportunities to join social groups such as the Repertory Club, Choir and Lions as well as church groups which offer a range of recreational and leisure activities including craft classes.
Narrogin is a progressive thriving regional community found in the Southern Wheatbelt Region of Western Australia. It is a comfortable two hours (192kms) drive south-east of Perth and consists of a town and a shire. It is known for its attractive streetscape, gardens and tree-lined streets, as well as its thriving agricultural industry, which boasts strong production of grain, sheep, pigs and cattle.
Catering for a population of around 5400, Narrogin provides a wide selection of opportunities to Act-Belong-Commit; vast range of sports and recreation activities such as football, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, swim club and basketball as well as community events such as the Narrogin Show and Narrogin Spring Festival. Other popular activities include Lawn Bowls, Speedway and Repertory Club, golf and squash.
Narrogin also had access to a wide range of educational facilities, with 3 primary School, a Senior High School, an Agricultural College, a Residential college and TAFE. Narrogin also boasts a range specialty shops, cafe’s, pubs and restaurants.

