Paddy’s Flat

Statement of Significance

The site of Paddy’s Flat is associated with one of the most important mines: Fenian Mine, and others, as well as association with Poleltti’s camp and shovel invention.

History

Paddy's Flat was the location of the Meekatharra mines, including one of the most important, the Fenian Mine, established in 1901 by Tom Ryan. Bob Rinaldi, who lived with his family at Sky Town on Paddy's Flat, was involved in the Lady Central Mine. One miner who had his camp at the Flat was Peter Poletti, famed for his strength with the long-handled shovel (called a 'banjo' in Aussie mining slang) that was used for shovelling ore. Poletti had his own specially made double-capacity shovel. Poletti's camp was made of 'myriad bits of corrugated iron on mulga frames held together with fencing wire' and surrounded by piles of tins and bottles. He later worked shovelling ore at the State Battery.

Condition

Site

Creation Date

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