Gingin Post Office

Statement of Significance

An integral part of the Gingin Township since it was built in 1886. Postmasters have resided there until recently. The telegraph was brought to Gingin in 1886 and the Gingin Telegraph Office was opened on the 28th October 1886. Gingin Post Office, a single-storey rendered masonry and tile building, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a rare example of the Colonial Government's Post Office building program and is the oldest extant purpose-built Post Office in Western Australia; the place represents the vigorous lobbying by the Gingin community for its construction and the associated connection to the telegraph line from Perth to Geraldton; the place, in its relatively intact interior of public space, mail room and residence, is a fine demonstration of a rural postal establishment in the late nineteenth century for the receiving, sorting and distribution of mail and telegrams along the horseback routes of the district; the place is representative of a complementary association between Police and Postal service in the early development of public facilities; and the attached residence is a demonstration of the role and lifestyle of the Postmaster at the time.

Physical Description

Gingin Post Office is a single-storey rendered masonry and tile building. It is a rare example of the Colonial Government’s post office building program and is the oldest extant purpose built post office in Western Australia.
This Post Office has a unique style with twin gables and entrance to the office between. The public area is very small. A room for Post Office mail boxes was added to the west side in 1996.

History

In July 1886, tenders were called for the erection of a Post and Telegraph Office and living quarters at Gingin. Chas H. Smith won the contract with a bid of 684 pounds and 10 shillings. The Post Office was built on Police Reserve land next door to the Police Station. The Telegraph office was officially opened on the 28th October 1886. Early occupants are unknown, but Mr & Mrs Hackett lived there from 1893 to 1914, Mrs Hackett being Postmistress and Mr Hackett (P C.) the Policeman.
The Post Office was one of six (Pingelly, Narrogin, Wagin, Katanning, Broomehill, Mount Barker and Gingin) built to a standard design, varying only in the use of local materials (stone or brick) for approximately 600 pounds as recorded in the Annual Public Works Report for 1892 -1893. The only surviving Post Office still in operation is at Gingin.
The actual designer for the Post Office standard design is not stated but work in the Public Works Office was under the direction of Mr. George Temple - Poole and his influence is evident in the dramatic character of those six buildings which were designed as both Post Office and residence.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.