Shire House

Statement of Significance

The shire House has considerable local historic significance as the first purpose built shire office and residence int he district which was used as a such for over 20 years. It has further social significance for it's association with nearby present Shire Office (Place No. 16) and the operation of local government in the Shire of Murchison.

Physical Description

This building has pre-fabricated custom orb sheeting to the walls with a hipped corrugated iron roof which extends to cover the surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are supported on thin metal posts. Windows are timber framed and double hung. The house is surrounded by a fence. A large air-conditioning unit is attached to the roof. There is a swimming pool on the west side of the house and a car port on the east side.

History

Prior to 1965 meetings of the Murchison Roads Board and later Shire of Murchison were conducted at staion homesteads such as Murgoo, Woorlorong, Wooleen, Twin Peaks and Boolardy. By the early 1960's the administration of the shire was handled on a professional and full time basis by the Shire Clerk. At this time Mr George Sharpe, who was the Shire President, mad e a house available at Wooleen for the Shire Clerk to live and work. However, plans were underway to establish a more permanent office and dwelling with a number of sites around the district considered by a building committee. A site at Wooleen station, north of Meerberrie, was chosen and in early 1965 the tender of WH & GJ Cole of Geraldton was accepted for the erection of a timber framed residence/office at a cost of 8,512 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence. Work on the buildings commenced in March 1965 and was completed on the 1st July. The new Shire office was officially opened on 26th July 1965 and served as such until July 1986 when the new and present Shire Office opened. The Shire House remains in use as the residence for the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Murchison. (Lefroy RFB; "The Murchison Settlement". 1986 pp.5-6)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

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.