December 14th 1910
Geraldton Express
A bush fire visited Tenindewa on Sunday. Mr. Meadowcroft lost some grass, but his crop was saved. The fire approached within 35 yards [30 metres] of Mr. Norman Fry’s crop, but damage was prevented by the activity of the brigade of volunteer fire-fighters which rapidly appeared on the scene. Beyond the burning of a small amount of fencing no great loss was sustained. Mr. Meadowcroft, who suffered verily last season from a fire is to be congratulated on his escape on this occasion.
Note: Norman Fry farmed on the west side of Menang Road and Arnold Meadowcroft on the east side of Menang Road
February 16th, 1928
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)
Harvest is finished and I don’t think there are many who were not short of their estimated yield.
The Bindu School has commenced operations again, but it is very much regretted some of the scholars have not returned from their holidays, which will probably mean the school will be closed down.
Messrs Helan Bros, of Mittagong farm, sustained a bad loss last Sunday week, owing to a bush fire burning their homestead, seed wheat, wheat bags etc. The place was not insured.
[This house was one of two properties formally owned by H.J. Stafford. Now owned by Critch Bros. The house was along the creek 2 Ks east of Tim Critch’s gate]
Bush fires are going in all directions, and more areas are being got ready for wheat. The cost of production is far too great and must come down if farmers are to make anything out of it.
The Vermin Board have bestirred themselves at last and have ordered cockies to clean up all of the rabbits within 7 days. It took bunny more than 7 days to spread. Some have laid poison and sheep, cats and numerous birds are being destroyed. A number of valuable birds such as plovers, magpies, butcher birds will be destroyed and this will mean other plagues like they have in the Eastern States at times, where birds have been killed off. Further if foxes cannot get rabbits they will play havoc among the lambs in winter.
A good number of residents journeyed by Sunday’s excursion [train] from Mullewa and most of them returned very much refreshed and pleased with the day at the seaside.
March 19th, 1932
Mullewa Mail
Fire at Tenindewa
The homestead on the farm of Mr. Robert and Gwen Oldham, Tenindewa was destroyed by fire on Sunday, March 6. The fire was first noticed by Alfred James, a neighboring farmer, who gave the alarm to Mr. Oldham’s manager, W. T. Rowland, who was visiting another farm.
It was found however that nothing could be done to save the house, which had practically been guttered when people arrived at the building. The only portions saved were the wash house and garage.
There was no one living at the house at that time, Mr. Oldham being away on holiday.
The house, a four roomed structure with verandah all round was, it is understood, insured.
Note: It is known that a lad from the Tenindewa Settlement had wandered to the place (about 2 kilometers WNW of Tenindewa) on the southern bank of the creek and deliberately started the fire.
The paddock in which the house stood is identified as “Old Homestead Paddock” to this day
Greenough Sun
28 September 1950
Correspondence
(To the Editor)
Sir, —The excellent season experienced resulting in a heavy covering of grass should remind us that very shortly the summer, and the danger of fire and no organized arrangements to control, I believe it could be arranged to organize an emergency tire lighting brigade. Insurance companies could help by collectively giving cover for any fire fighter hurt, and oil companies could lend drums that could be filled with water and left on the railway ramps where they could be readily rolled on to a truck and rushed to the outbreak. Half a dozen knapsack spray outfits could be stored at the tool shed at each bulk bin in the district and a fund controlled by trustees and contributed to by farmers to pay for all labour called out to fight a fire. Telephones could be installed at the bulk bin office so that all parts of the district could summon help if needed. Yours, etc.,
“FARMER,” Tenindewa.
When no news is Bad News
On Saturday the 16th of December 2023 the Northern Wheatbelt was subject to the most vicious and dangerous arson attack ever to be experienced in the southern areas of WA.
On the Geraldton Mt Magnet Road, from Wicherina, to Mullewa, and then on the Mingenew Road 30 fires were lit. (i.e. over 70 Ks in total distance)
The town of Mullewa was spared a catastrophe, due to the excellent preparedness and succinct communication by the Mullewa Brigade.
Further west in the Tenindewa district damage occurred to fences, stubbles and much rail and roadside vegetation.
In the Eradu district (55 Ks east of Geraldton) power lines were destroyed. Downed power lines led to rail being shut down on the Geraldton to Karrara line and the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road closed.
Hundreds of hectares of natural vegetation, hay and more than 2000 hectares of stubble were destroyed leaving fragile soils exposed. A grouping of farm infrastructure including a homestead was narrowly saved.
This fire was brought under control by about 100 regional volunteers and their extensive array of equipment. Backing that group were up to 50 DFES personnel and their equipment, several police personnel and three fire-bombers.
Thankfully there was no injury or loss of life, but it has to be said, when an operation like this is observed, and playing live, over several hours of daylight and into darkness, luck needs to be an ally.
Frustratingly the Mainstream ABC news, Regional ABC news or the West Australian Newspaper gave this event any exposure?
Volunteers and DFES personnel, some of whom remain onsite at the time of writing deserve better, and thus it is hoped that, this belated letter might give some recognition to their decency and bravery.
As a postscript, the slightly better news is, a man has been arrested and charged with lighting 3 fires and threatening to kill.
Tony Critch.
Mullewa