Fmr Nunnery - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Statement of Significance

The place has landmark value as a prominent building on its raised and open location. It is aesthetically linked to the neighbouring former convent through a consistent use of stonework and rendered quoins which create visual interest. The use of these materials provide a unifying theme to the mission. Each of the two buildings is distinguishable by its three-dimensional form and scale.

The place has historic value as a reminder of a period in Western Australia's development when religious organisations provided facilities for Aboriginal children who were considered to be living under unsatisfactory conditions.

Physical Description

The former convent forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque
valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland.
The building is orientated east-west and has a high-pitched gable roof with a simple cross at its apex at the front
wall.
The building is constructed of light coloured stone with rendered quoins and corbelled gable ends. The exterior
of the building features simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. An awning has been added to the
front elevation to protect the openings.
The entrance is approached by a curved staircase with a coursed rubble stone wall and balustrade in mild steel.
The staircase and balustrade are additions.
The building was extended out from the south wall. No consideration was given to match the design or materials
of the original building. The addition is in red brickwork with buttressed walls, possibly constructed during the
1960s. The addition is split level and features horizontally proportioned windows with angled brick window sills.
The external wall on the northern elevation is rendered, the remaining walls are face brickwork.
The interior of the building has rendered walls and timber floors throughout, now covered with carpet or linoleum.
An ablution block and rainwater tanks have been added in recent years.
The building now accommodates a conference room, classrooms and kitchen facilities.

DORMITORY:
The dormitory forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley
and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland.
The exterior of the building features sand coloured bricks built on a brick plinth, a brick chimney breast, a random
rubble stone verandah plinth, and geometric balustrade in mild steel. The roof extends to cover the verandah
which is supported by steel framing.
The building has a slight industrial feel with modular construction components and small picture windows with
awning sashes.
The dormitory comprises individual rooms, lounge rooms and catering facilities.

The former Nunnery forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland.

The raised and open location of the former nunnery ensures that it can be seen from all sides and, hence, its many facets of walls and roofs present rich, varied, aspects.

The building is a large scale, two-storey and rectangular with simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. The building is constructed of stone with rendered quoins. The facade has a breakfront. The breakfront and the building behind is covered by a gable roof with weatherboard clad gable walls and corbelled gabled ends.

The exterior of the building features timber louvred shutters to windows along the length of the building.

The interior of the building comprises 13 rooms with kitchen and toilet facilities. The interior is unadorned with the exception of jarrah joinery.

Fibro-cement, timber framed hospital building with a hipped roof clad in cgi was added to the building.

During the early 1990s, the building underwent conservation work, including upgrading of the toilets and kitchen facilities.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station.

In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital.

Twenty four Italian POWs arrived at the Mission on 2 February 1946, to help with clearing, building, construction and general work around the Mission. One of their main tasks was the preparation of granite from a nearby granite outcrop for the building of the convent.

At the same time, another stone building was constructed which was thought to have been originally used as an orphanage.1

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree
AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.