ORA BANDA

DESCRIPTION

 

Update: The historic inn was gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday, May 18th 2019. The fire was investigated but was determined to be not suspicious.

 

 

Ora Banda was gold mining town whose fortunes have fluctuated with the price of gold. The name is said to be Spanish in origin from 'bandas de oro' and means bands of gold.

The inn fell into ruin but was restored and has gone through several owners over recent years.

There is a Facebook page where you may be able to find updates on what is happening at the site.

 

HISTORY

 

T.J. Cahsman and George See are credited with being the first miners in the area and found gold at the Forty Mile Bank. Within the first few weeks they had collected over 1000 ounces.

 

The Ora Banda Mine was established by the Weston brothers and the mine operated for about 80 years with only a couple of short breaks for ‘minor’ things like wars and lack of water.

 

Pressure for the declaration of a town site began in 1909 but it was 1911 before a survey of lots was conducted and 1912 before the town site was gazetted.

 

As the gold ran out the town closed down, but in the 1980s mining started up again and the town came back to life. The local hotel has been restored and the State gold battery has been in operation.

 

The local tavern was originally built by Alfred E. Garnett in 1911. The hotel closed in the 1950s but in 1981 Albertus Klaassen began work of restoring the building which was then re-opened as a tavern.

 

The Ora Banda tavern was the scene of the fatal shooting of Gypsy Jokers biker, Billy, Grieson in October 2000. It was said that Grierson made an offensive remark about the publican's wife and the bikers were told to get out. They camped across the road and as they sat around a fire, Grierson was shot dead. This was blamed on the publican and owner ex-CID chief, Don Hancock. The pub was fire bombed and badly damaged as were other buildings and structures. In 2001, Hanock moved back to Perth and was later killed after a bomb planted under his car exploded in what was obviously a pay-back attack. The hotel changed ownership and was re-built again.

 

Barry and Anne Foote purchased the tavern and re-opened it in 2002.

 

TALL TALES AND TRUE

 

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MAP

 

 

VIDEO

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

Rowles Lagoon.

 

BUILDINGS OF NOTE

 

Tavern, State battery.

 

ELECTORAL ZONES

 

State : Kalgoorlie

Federal : O'Connor

 

OTHER INFO.

 

Postcode : 6431

Local Government : City of Kalgoorlie Boulder

 

PHOTOS

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