Road Board to Shire
In 1961 the WA Government made changes to state legislation that
resulted in the Carnamah District Road Board becoming the Carnamah
Shire Council. There were then councillors rather than board
members, and a president instead of a chairman. The secretary became
known as the shire clerk and later still as the chief executive
officer.
In 1962 the shire was split in two with the southern half breaking
away to become the Shire of Coorow. Both shires extend to the coast
of the Indian Ocean.
The Shire of Carnamah opened the new Carnamah Hall, which continues
to be used today, on 16 August 1963. The opening day was combined
with belated centenary celebrations to mark 100 years since the
Macpherson family had taken up the
first pastoral lease in Carnamah in 1861.
The opening was scheduled to occur outside, however, after rain set
in everything was moved inside. The opening then occurred indoors
while the sun shone brightly outside!
During the evening the Western Command Band provided the music. This
was such a special occurrence that it received a live radio
broadcast and the recording was published on vinyl record. You can
listen to both sides of the well-used record using the players to
your right.
Below: Collecting the Keys for the Shire's three new
Ford Trucks in 1966