Nookawarra Station
| Company type | Pastoral lease / Sheep station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | January 1, 1875 |
| Founder | Edward Wittenoom, Frank Wittenoom |
| Headquarters | Mid West region , Australia |
Area served | Approximately |
Key people | Frank Wittenoom (former owner), Leslie Arthur Schubert (owner from 1972), Mervyn Tomkins (manager) |
| Products | Sheep, cattle, horses |
Nookawarra Station operates as a pastoral lease and sheep station situated in the Mid West region of Western Australia, encompassing an area of approximately . Positioned roughly northeast of Geraldton, the property features extensive frontage along the Murchison River and shares boundaries with Boolardy, Milly Milly, and Mileura Station.
Early history
The station was founded circa 1875 by the Wittenoom brothers, Edward and Frank, with Frank maintaining ownership until he sold it in 1926. In addition to managing the property, Frank established the Murchison amateur racing club at Nookawarra in 1881, which organized races for a span of sixteen years.
By 1886, under the supervision of manager Mr. J. Judge, the station supported a livestock population consisting of 10,000 sheep, 250 cattle, and 170 horses. The terrain was described as being in good condition, featuring open grassy plains interspersed with light woodland and sustained by clay pans and shallow wells.
Significant events at the station included hosting the 1894 Murchison pastoral show and welcoming distinguished visitors such as Governor Frederick Broome in 1887.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, management roles were held by individuals including Charles Pretlove, John Hearn—who later acquired Gabyon Station—Edward Telfer, and John Judge, who remained at the helm until his passing in 1909.
In 1912, an Aboriginal man named Peter was fatally wounded on the premises in what was believed to be a retaliatory attack; however, those accused were released due to insufficient witness testimony.
By 1929, Nookawarra's flock had grown to approximately 13,000 sheep and lambs, including 3,800 lambs, with effective measures implemented to control blowfly infestations. The station also recorded satisfactory results from cattle sales during that year.
Notable events
In 1949, Jack Smith, an employee at Nookawarra, suffered a chest injury when accidentally shot with a .310 rifle during an incident involving shooting from a vehicle. The bullet penetrated his lung, necessitating hospitalization in Geraldton for treatment.
Leslie Arthur Schubert purchased Nookawarra Station from the Nookawarra Pastoral Company in 1972 for $75,000 while it supported a flock of 22,000 sheep amid depressed wool market conditions.
On 9 October 1985, station manager Mervyn Tomkins survived a crash involving his Cessna 150G VH-KPP aircraft while conducting sheep mustering alongside jackaroos on motorcycles. The damaged plane was subsequently replaced by a Cessna 150L VH-EKL in 1992.
In 1997, Mervyn Tomkins was acquitted of charges alleging that he abandoned two jackaroos in the desert.