People
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For thousands of years the Kaneang, Koreng, and Wilmen people of the Bibbulmun nation of Aboriginal people roamed this area. Although not setting down roots as European folk do they had, and still do, have intense relationship to the land.
All that changed with the arrival of European settlers. As the settlers moved in, the area that those Aboriginal folk lived their nomadic existence and culture was dramatically reduced.
Katanning and the surrounding districts have now been cleared for agriculture and towns have developed throughout the area, often along railway lines constructed to help open up the area to settlers. Katanning is now a thriving, vibrant community, leading the way in the Great Southern region. It is an all-inclusive community with our indigenous community and European roots, and with so many newcomers from all around the world over recent decades.
Today, the town is made up of many different people from many different nationalities and cultures making it a true cosmopolitan community.
And it all started with our pioneer families and the indigenous people before them. It was the indigenous people who showed our pioneers the water holes, the creeks and rivers, so vital for our future growth.
It is important, I feel, to include the histories of the local Aboriginal people in a website such as this. Although I have added a little of their history and some links, it is not my story to tell. Therefore I would love to see local Aboriginal folk provide their stories for inclusion.
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FIRST SETTLERS
Elijah Quartermaine
The first European to settle in the district was Elijah Quartermaine who had been droving sheep here for about twenty years prior. He took up land which he named “Yowangup” and established the first homestead in the district.
Frederick Henry Piesse
Charles Austin Piesse
Frederick Henry and Charles Austin Piesse were the first to set up business in what was to become the town of Katanning although Charles eventually moved to the neighbouring town of Wagin. Frederick Piesse is considered the founding father of the town.
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CAN YOU HELP?
There are many more pioneering people and families who helped develop the Katanning district. Is yours one of them? If so, I would lover to hear from you. If you have historical family information, documents or photographs that you would be prepared to share on this website please email me at admin@lostkatanning.com or go HERE