Mercunda: Rise and fall of a
South Australian railway town

Mercunda, a small railway town in South Australia, has a rich history tied to the railway and agricultural development of the region. Originally known as “Mattala”, this railway town’s name was changed to Mercunda on December 13th, 1915, due to confusion with nearby Mallala that resulted in goods being misdirected.

In its heyday, Mercunda boasted impressive railway infrastructure including a goods platform, passenger platform, stock loading yards, wheat shed and stacking area. The railway played a crucial role in the town’s development, with cottages for railway workers and saw benches set up by wood merchants in the 1920s and 1930s.

The town grew to include various amenities such as a general store, blacksmith, post office, town hall, school, and sporting facilities. A highlight being the golf club, which operated from 1965 to 1974.

Mercunda thrived until the Great Depression of the 1930s and severe droughts of the 1940s. Like many small rural communities, it faced challenges as farms consolidated and railways closed, leading to a dwindling population.

The Mercunda Hall at 1619 Galga Road, built in 1921 at a cost of 1,000 pounds and still standing, was a focal point for the community. It hosted various events, including the school which operated there from 1921 to 1956. The hall’s last major function was a dance for the “Back to United Football Club” in 1976.

The town’s general store had an eventful history. Initially built as a timber and iron structure by Mr. Paul Zimmermann in 1915, it was destroyed by fire in 1926. Mr. Singh then built a new stone store, which operated until 1969 when it too was ironically destroyed by fire.

Mercunda’s school, which began with 28 students in 1921, closed in 1956 with only 6 children enrolled. The remaining students then attended Galga School.

Sports played a significant role in community life. Football matches were held on private property loaned to the community, while tennis was played since the early days of the town. The tennis facilities expanded over time, hosting tournaments and night games until the club folded in the late 1970s.

Today a single home remains occupied, the rest of the towns infrastructure is either a pile of rubble or gone completely. Mercunda’s history is preserved through plaques and memorials erected by the Mantung Centenary Committee. These historical markers offer a glimpse into the once-thriving township that played a vital role in the development of South Australia’s agricultural heartland.