Shire of Cuballing

The name Cuballing is taken from 'Cooballing Pool' which was discovered by John Forrest in 1870.
The Great Southern Railway was completed in 1889 and with this precious link to civilisation came the rush of settlers to places like Cuballing. At this time it was hoped that Cuballing would be picked to become the rail centre, with hopes of expanding it into a large town. However in 1906 Narrogin was chosen mainly due to water being readily available. Once it became apparent that the railhead was to be established in Narrogin there was a steady decline in people coming to settle in the area. The Great Depression in the 1930's did not help in attracting people and many farming families found they had to leave their farms and seek a living elsewhere.
Popanyinning was originally named 'Popaning' which stands for waterhole in the Aboriginal language. The name came about from a large waterhole that was situated just outside of the town. The waterhole was used by aborigines and wild brumbies from around the district. Years later the name was changed to Popanyinning, but no-one is really quite sure of why.
Popanyinning is situated 19 kms north of Cuballing and has a population of approximately 150 people. The birth of the township of Popanyinning can be attributed to both the construction of the Great Southern Railway and the desire of pioneers to settle within the perimeter of the townsite, being approximately 3.4 miles north and south and 14 miles east and west. Records show that the first pioneers arrived in 1893, and in 1898 pioneer railway construction workers and their families arrived.
As the central area of the Shire, Yornaning was originally one of the most important railway sidings along the Great Southern Railway, as a major water taking stop for the steam engines. On average, 30 passenger and freight trains once passed through Yornaning per week and stations were built to cater for this. Maintenance crew were encouraged to take up land in the township and surveyors named streets in the town after those who did. Sadly due to faster and more efficient means of transport the decline of the railway was imminent. Many buildings were removed and all that remains now is the Wheat Silo. The Aboriginal meaning of Yornaning is 'land of many waters'.