The Shire of Kent encompasses two towns, Nyabing and Pingrup, in a broadacre farming area in the north-east of the Great Southern.
The name Nyabing is thought to be derived from an Aboriginal word for an everlasting flower, and Pingrup signifies a place for digging. Kent Shire takes its name from the commissariat officer of Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson’s expedition of 1829.
Nyabing is about 320km south-east of Perth and Pingrup is 40km east of Nyabing. Both communities are rich in local history and tourist attractions.
The Shire of Kent was established in 1923 as the Kent Road Board. In 1955 the name was changed to the Nyabing-Pingrup Road Board and retained this name in 1961 when it became a Shire. The name was further altered in 1973 to the Shire of Kent.
With a population of 491 and a land area of 5,624 sq km, Kent contributes $56.1 million of the Great Southern’s gross regional product. Agriculture is the main employer.
Kent
The Shire of Kent encompasses two towns, Nyabing and Pingrup, in a broadacre farming area in the north-east of the Great Southern. Nyabing is about 320km south-east of Perth and Pingrup is 40km east of Nyabing. Both communities are rich in local history and tourist attractions. Explore RegionsResident of Pingrup, Shire of Kent