Lady Campion Hostel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Lady Campion Hostel, a single storey brick and iron building in the Inter-War California Bungalow style, has cultural heritage significance for its close associations with the Group Settlement Scheme and the influx of settlers in the area that necessitated the construction of a hostel for expectant mothers. The place has strong links with the Bush Nursing Society who through the Bush Nursing Trust provided the funds and infrastructure to construct the building. Also the place has historical significance as it represents a changing attitude to childbirth whereby it was recognised that hospitals provided a safer environment of both mother and babies and was one of only five such hostels built in Western Australia. The place also represents recognition of the needs of Group Settlers and attempts to alleviate some of the hardships they experience and contributes to the community’s sense of place for its role in health and welfare. Finally the place has historical importance for its links with the British Red Cross who provided the initial funding to establish the Bush Nursing Society in Western Australia.

Physical Description

A gable roofed Inter-War California Bungalow style building with a broken pitch verandah on two sides. Verandah has decorative timberwork. A single storey brick, stucco and pebble dash render building with an iron roof in the Inter- War California Bungalow style in an open garden setting. The front façade has a deep verandah with a dominating pebble dashed and half timbered gable with a central ventilator. It has side verandahs and timber joinery.

History

Lady Campion Hostel was built for the Bush Nursing Society which was developed to serve the needs of World War I veterans and in particular their wives in country areas. The Society and the bush Nursing Trust provided the funds to build and operate the place. The hostel took in pregnant women when a hospital could not be reached in time for birth and gave women access to proper medical facilities where previous none had existed. The place was opened in 1926 and named after the Governor’s wife, Lady Campion. Closure was first canvassed in 1937, but the place continued in use, though at diminished rates of occupancy as transport improved. The trust amalgamated with the Silver Chain and ceased to operate in 1947 and the place became and infant health centre in that year.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a high degree of integrity. The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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