Port Augusta: evolution of a city: suburbs

Port Augusta does not have declared suburbs but, as Port Augusta's prosperity and population grew, several areas were created and are now 'identified' as 'suburbs'. These include Port Augusta, Port Augusta West, Stirling North, Miranda, Conwaytown, Willsden and the Davenport Community. 

Port Augusta West also known as the West Side was surveyed in 1865. Port Augusta West was incorporated in 1887 with its own mayor. Until 1927 Port Augusta West remained largely a separate community, when it amalgamated with the town council for Port Augusta. This also coincided with the building of the Great Western Bridge across the Gulf.

Stirling North (previously known as Minchin's Wells) located approximately 8kms from Port Augusta was laid out by RB Smith in 1859.  It is named after a town in Scotland. Minchin did sink some wells in this locality which were an important source of water for bullock teams. A road was built linking Stirling North with Port Augusta West in 1862.

Miranda located approximately 50 kms from Port Augusta, was proclaimed in 1881, and named by Governor Jervois to commemorate the visit of the Queen's ship HMS Miranda.

Conwaytown is an 1881 subdivision by John Nixon Conway. This subdivision is comprised of 15 allotments bisected by Dunn Street.

The subdivision of Willsden was created in 1915 by Hubert Clive Daniel.

The Davenport Community was previously the Umeewarra Mission run by the Christian Brethren until 1964, when the government took control of the mission and named it Davenport Reserve. In 1968 control of the reserve was transferred to the Davenport Community Council.

Further Reading:

Books:

Cockburn, Rodney, What's in a name?: nomenclature of South Australia: authoritative derivations of some 4000 historically significant place names,  [Glen Osmond, S. Aust.]: Ferguson Publications, 1984 (Adelaide: Gillingham Printers)

Evans, E. L, The story of Port Augusta: historical booklet published in conjunction with Commonwealth Jubilee celebrations, 1951, Port Augusta: Commonwealth Jubilee Celebrations Port Augusta Executive Committee, 1951 

Manning, Geoffrey H, Manning's place names of South Australia from Aaron Creek to Zion Hill, Modbury, S. Aust.: Gould Books, 2006

Mayes, Reginald John Pictorial history of Port Augusta, Adelaide: Rigby, 1974

Historical souvenir of Port Augusta: sixty years of progress, 1876-1936: diamond jubilee and state centenary celebrations, June 27th-July 11th, 1936, [Port Augusta, S.A.: Port Augusta Diamond Jubilee and State Centenary Celebrations Committee, 1936] 

Websites:

Place names on line: South Australian state gazetteer