Nungarin Police Station, Cells & Quarters (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Nungarin Police Station Cells and House represent significant development in Nungarin's history. The complex depicts the evolution of law-enforcement in the area, and illustrates the importance that held for the community. As government services are withdrawn in country areas, the buildings that remain are important reminders of our heritage.

Physical Description

Police Station:
The old Nungarin Police Station and cells occupy a 1052 square metre site fronting Mitchell Tee at the rear of the Police Staff Quarters. The office is a simple rectangular room (14' x 12'6") separated from two cells (6' x 8' each) by a rectangular passage (5'3" x 12'6").
The passage opened onto an enclosed exercise yard (27' x 10') with a gravel floor.
The Police precinct also included stables with stalls for two horses, (see attached plans) Police Quarters:
The Police Station House is situated on a 1048 square metre block facing Second Avenue. The dwelling was originally a simple timber framed dwelling with three bedrooms, living room, and full-length front verandah. A kitchen, bathroom and small storeroom opened off the rear verandah. The exterior of the building was clad in weatherboard, with a galvanised iron roof.
Later alterations have enclosed the front verandah with fibro sheeting.

History

One of the earliest recorded instances of law enforcement in the Nungarin district occurred on 23rd January 1913, when two outlaws were tried and convicted in the Nungarin Police Court. "Big Jack" Morgan and "Ginger" Hamilton were convicted of robbery, and sent to Fremantle. Their activities must have caused some anxiety in the area, because it had been reported that local farmers had threatened to shoot the pair "on sight".
As Nungarin was still part of the Merredin Road Board at the time, and it is doubtful that there were any official public buildings, it is possible that this court was held in one of the local stores or other establishments.
After the inception of the Nungarin Road Board in 1921, negotiations began for the commissioning of a resident police force in Nungarin, and the Public Works Department began the preparation of building plans soon after.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Redeemable
Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Fair

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.