William Orr

William Orr (13 February 1843 – 6 February 1929) was an Australian politician and mining prospector. According to the Barrier Miner, Orr was "one of the pioneers of [the] mining industry".

Early life Orr was born 13 February 1843, in Bourtree Hill, and is credited with developing the first mines in Broken Hill.

In 1878 Orr married Mary Fraser. They were childless. He was one of the directors of the Mount Lyell Mining Company from 1892 to 1894, holding around 15,000 shares, partially financed and buried at Boroondara cemetery. and was reportedly not survived by anybody. His estate, consisting of over £60,000, was bequeathed to his friends and distant relatives.

William Orr lived at Wanganui Homestead, a prominent Queen Anne House in Shepparton. Wanganui is now a National Trust B Grade House. The homestead was designed by prominent local architect J A K Clarke and built c. 1900, using local bricks.

Orr was described as 'one of the most progressive members of the farming community' and Wanganui 'ranked among the finest and most up to date properties in Victoria'.

Wanganui House was built as a family home, it was located near an Indigenous settlement, and was the place of many family gatherings.

Wanganui is now part of a GOTAFE property. It is the site for Agriculture, Horticulture, Building, Plumbing and Dairy Farming.