Local Government
Dandaragan
Region
Wheatbelt
Location
Brand Hwy Dandaragan
Location Details
Over Moore River, 200 metres down from Brand Hwy Bridge
Other Name(s)
Reagan's Ford
Construction Date
Constructed from 1876
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 30 Aug 2019 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Sep 1996 | Category 4 |
Category 4 |
|
Child Places
Statement of Significance
Regan’s Ford has high historic significance as the original river crossing of the Moore River which greatly assisted with the transportation of goods to and from the Dandaragan district. It has further significance for its association with Walter Padbury and Edward Regan.
Physical Description
Situated about 200 metres downstream from the present Brand Highway Bridge, Regan’s Ford is a small river crossing constructed of stone. It has been bitumenised at a later date. The river crossing is now part of a picnic area where travellers can rest.
History
In 1876 Walter Padbury arranged for an all-weather crossing to be constructed over the Moore River, specifically to provide a more direct route to Guildford for his produce from Yathroo. The work was undertaken by Edward Regan, an overseer for James Clinch who lived immediately south of Moore River. Regan employed Aboriginal labour to assist with his building contracts, including the ford. Prior to the construction of the ford the river could not be traversed by teams laden with goods.
In the early 1950s the Regans Ford Progress Association was responsible for the construction of the tennis courts which were very popular with local residents. The courts were in use until the late 1960s and featured a small CGI shed to the south side.