Dairy Creek Station

Statement of Significance

Dairy Creek Station has high historic significance as evidence of the early pioneering and
settlement of the Gascoyne and for its connection with the development of the pastoral industry
in the area. The place has further significance cue to its association with the Fitzpatrick family,
well Known early pioneers of the area. The buildings are evidence of the changing fortunes of
the pastoralists and also of the use of local materials. The aesthetic significance of the place is
enhanced by its attractive location on the banks of the Duri Creek.

Physical Description

Located east of Gascoyne Junction, the buildings which comprise Dairy Creek Station are located on both the north and south banks of the Dairy (or Dun) Creek. The present homestead, built in 1904, is situated on the north bank of the creek and is constructed of local stone taken from a nearby quarry. The building has a hipped corrugated iron roof which extends to cover surrounding verandahs. Some modifications and additions have been undertaken to provide increased living space. What is believed to be the original homestead, built in the 1890, is located on the south side of the creek near the shearers' quarters and shearing shed. In poor condition, the roof of the stone building was blown off during a willy willy. There is evidence of some cement patching to the stone walls and timber lintels over window and door openings, while a chimney is still standing to one end of the building. The Shearers' Quarters is located nearby. This long building is of stone construction with a hipped corrugated iron roof. A verandah extends along the length of the front (north) facade and is supported on metal poles. The verandah has been concreted and shutters are used on the window openings. Internally the building comprises one long room which is divided by timber framed room separators. Approximately 100 metres to the north-east of the current homestead are a number of graves, some marked by headstones and other only indicated by raised mounds of earth. Three ornate headstones located next to each other mark the burial place of Rose Fitzpatrick, her husband John and their son James. Enhanced by decorative iron railings, two of the graves have matching headstones, while the headstone for James Fitzpatrick features an anchor and chain decoration. The Dairy Creek Station also contains a marble mine which has been in development since c1990.

History

In the early 1880s John Bernard Fitzpatrick inspected virgin land on the Duri Creek with a view to
establishing a sheep station. On 31 January 1383 he purchased the property and 2,000 sheep
from Gooch and Wheelock for 1,300 pounds. John Fitzpatrick moved to the station with his wife.
Rose, and their family. The station takes it's name from the creek on which it is situated. The
aboriginal name for the creek was 'Duri' or 'Durri', but it has since been anglicised to 'Dairy
Creek'. In 1890, after 8 years of makeshift accommodation, a small homestead was built by the
family. By 1904 a spacious homestead made of local stone was built overlooking the Duri
Creek. The new homestead was built by Ted Hams, a carpenter, and Billy Jackson, a
stonemason. Sections of the Dairy Creek Station were divided off to create Dalgety Downs for
Jonn and Rose's sons. James and Merton as well as Carey Downs for the Glass brothers.
Following the deaths of Rose in 1906. and then John Fitzpatrick in 1909, their son Jim Fitzpatrick
carried on the management of the station until 1921 when he died. All three were buried at Dairy
Creek Station. Subsequently the station was run by a succession of managers, during which time
the Homestead fell into disrepair, in addition, the 1935-43 drought took its toll on the station's
stock numbers, going from 32.799 sheep in 1936 to 3.735 in 1943. When the beneficiaries of
Dairy Creek finally decided to sell the station, the lease was held by Norman Armstrong for a
short time and then, on 23 March 1965. by Richard Kingsley Cornish. :In 1973 the Dairy Creek
leases were bought by the Steadman family who continue to run the property today.
The following information is taken from the headstones at Dairy Creek Station - Rose Fiizpatrick
died on 3 Juiy 1906, aged 59. John Fitzpatrick died on 3 October 1909 aged 57. James
Fiizpairick died on 3 August 1921 aged 47. Simon Anderson died on 9 July 1901 aged 38.
(McDonald, R.. 'Winning the Gascoyne', Hesperian Press. Perth, 1991, pp.44-51 & Battye.JS
(ed). The History of the North West of Australia'. V.K. Jones & Co, Penh. 1915. p.275';

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

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.