Bridge 828 over Hackett Gully, Mundaring Weir Road, Kalamunda

Values

• The place is a demonstration of the widespread use of timber as a structural material in the early twentieth century.
• The place is associated with the growth of regional infrastructure in the early twentieth century, particularly with the development of the Perth Hills as a recreation area.

Physical Description

Bridge 828 over Hackett Gully, Mundaring Weir Road is a double lane timber, steel and concrete road bridge spanning Hackett Gully east of Kalamunda. The bridge is approximately 6.1 m long, 8.6 m wide and sits approximately 1 m above the gully bed. The trestle bridge consists of a single span constructed along a north-south axis. The bridge abutments consist of round timber logs laid on top of each other against the soil with cement and masonry wing walls, topped by modern concrete. The original bridge deck is not visible but is assumed to be timber planks, set onto a series of sawn timber stringers set between the abutments. The outer edges of the span are protected by galvanised steel plates.

History

The economic policies of the Western Australian government during the 1920s can be described as broadly expansionist, in particular agricultural and pastoral expansion. However, these policies suffered severe contraction due to droughts and the effects of the Great Depression. At the end of the 1920s and into the early 1930s, the government responded in a number of ways, including stimulating the building market and investing in the expansion of industrial development such as the mining industry or capital works projects such as dams, sewerage, clearing and roads. The development of roads became particularly important as families migrated to Perth seeking work, resulting in rapid urbanisation. The Main Roads Board was established in 1926, taking over some of the responsibilities of the Public Works Department. The board was re-established as the Main Roads Department in 1930. Main Roads became an active part of the state’s response to the economic crisis, providing short-term work for unemployed on a variety of infrastructure projects, even while struggling to cut costs and staff within their own structure. These works included road works and bridgeworks, with a focus on the southwest of the state. Timber trestle bridges were a common sight since the early days of the Swan River Colony as timber was easily obtainable and fire-resistant. As such the use of concrete for abutments and as a foundation structure was still relatively unknown in the inter-war period.

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Munday Swamp Bushland

Parent Place or Precinct

04560 Perth Airport Bushland

Uses

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Piesse Brook Winery

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The site has historic value for its association with the soldier settlement scheme and for its association with the establishment of the wine industry in the region

Physical Description

Original 1919 house now demolished. Winery is housed in a shed of simple form and construction, built from concrete blocks with weatherboard gables and corrugated metal gabled roof. There is an addition to the NE elevation built of similar construction. Further skillion roofed section on the north elevation (an enclosed former verandah) of timber framed and weatherboard construction on a stone base. Additional plant and machinery located around the building. To the south of the main shed/winery a more modern building of brick construction with a dominant glazed façade. The built form is constructed on the rise of the land with views over the vines on the lower scarps.

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - Low

Condition

Good At the end of the First World War, the discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1918 initiated a scheme to settle returned soldiers on the land. One of the areas chosen for settlement was along the Piesse Brook. In order to establish their orchards, settlers relied on loans and advanced payments from the Agricultural Bank. Since fruit trees took five years or more to bear enough fruit to sell, settlers often found it impossible to meet loan repayments and the scheme foundered. The Great Depression increased the burden and the Government was forced to foreclose on many of the properties. This landholding was one of the first soldier settlement properties. It was taken up by Harry Bateman in 1919. The house Bateman built was demolished and the materials used by subsequent owner Mick Boyanich, one of the first settlers in the district originally from central Europe. The property was the first commercial vineyard in the area starting in 1974.

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Soldier Settlers Home (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic value for its association with the establishment and development of the district ·         The place has social value as an example of the type of housing built in rural areas in the inter-war period for farming families

Physical Description

Timber framed and weatherboard /fibro construction. Hipped roof with short sheet corrugated metal roof and chimney located on the raised roof ridge. Symmetrical façade with French doors flanking the centrally placed main entrance. The verandah wraps around the building which has been partially enclosed with fibro panelling.

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Low; Level of Authenticity - Low

Condition

Poor At the end of the First World War, the discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1918 initiated a scheme to settle returned soldiers on the land. One of the areas chosen for settlement was along the Piesse Brook. In order to establish their orchards, settlers relied on loans and advanced payments from the Agricultural Bank. Since fruit trees took five years or more to bear enough fruit to sell, settlers often found it impossible to meet loan repayments and the scheme foundered. The Great Depression increased the burden and the Government was forced to foreclose on many of the properties. This cottage is typical of the simple weatherboard cottages built for the returned soldiers under the scheme. Walter Palmer served in France in the AIF as a private and returned to Western Australian in 1919. Walter and Evelyn Palmer married in 1921 and this cottage was built in the same year. Walter Palmer (1896-1937) worked as an orchardist and market gardener but it was noted on his enlistment papers that he was also a vigneron. The couple had at least two sons whilst living at the property they named 'Drascombe'. The property was later owned by several other individuals, including; Burke, Cockles and Dell.

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Edenside Cottage

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic value for its association with the soldier settlement scheme on the inter-war period. ·         The place has social value as an example of the type of housing built in rural areas in the inter-war period for farming families

Physical Description

Single storey dwelling with storage area undercroft beneath the front verandah taking account of the change in level of the site. Timber framed construction with weatherboard cladding, corrugated metal hipped roof with elevated ridge line and a tall red brick chimney. Symmetrical façade with timber framed 2-over-2 sash windows flanking central door with fanlight. Skillion verandah across the façade supported on timber columns with simple balustrade.

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - High

Condition

Good condition At the end of the First World War, the discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1918 initiated a scheme to settle returned soldiers on the land. One of the areas chosen for settlement was along Piesse Brook, from Pickering Brook to where it is crossed by Mundaring Brook Road. In order to establish their orchards, settlers relied on loans and advanced payments from the Agricultural Bank. Since fruit trees took five years or more to bear enough fruit to sell, settlers often found it impossible to meet loan repayments and the scheme foundered. The Great Depression increased the burden and the Government was forced to foreclose on many of the properties. This cottage is typical of the simple weatherboard cottages built for the returned soldiers under the scheme.

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Wood St Mars

Uses

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Seventh Day Adventist Church

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

An example of modern church architecture and the continuing fellowship of the SDA Church in Bickley, which began in 1906. New church replaced weatherboard one on same site.

Physical Description

Oblong light brick building with cathedral roof & large porch. 2 yellow gothic type stained glass windows at one end, all other windows yellow similar design to SDA church in Maida Vale. Overhanging roof. Joined by covered ways to office, hall.

History

Technology, religion

Integrity/Authenticity

integrity: Good

Condition

Good

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Hunter's End

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic value for its association with the early settlement and development of the Bickley area ·         The place has social value for the association with 'Granny Simcock' who played an important role in the community as the unofficial district nurse.

Physical Description

Single storey structure positioned on a sloping site resulting in under house storage areas. The dwelling is of timber framed construction with weatherboard cladding and a corrugated metal roof. A bullnose verandah extends around the front and side of the dwelling, accessed via a timber staircase and enclosed by a timber balustrade. Small paned timber windows. Hipped roof with timber dormer.

History

Technology, community services

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - Low

Condition

Good Joseph and Isabella Simcock acquired this property, originally of 15 acres, in 1914. They built a simple timber cottage shortly afterwards and offered furnished rooms for rent in 1915. Joseph Simcock married Isabella Humphrey in 1878 in Hindmarsh SA and they had five children. In 1926, Joseph died in Southern Cross and Isabella lived on in the cottage for many years. Isabella Simcock (1853-1943) was the unofficial district nurse and was held in great affection by the community, known widely as 'Granny Simcock'.

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Heidelberg House

Uses

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Heidelberg Estate

Values

The place is a good example of a residence expanding according to the size and wealth of the family. The 1897 brick house was built over the original slab hut, giving the place significant rarity value.

The place is associated with George Henry Palmateer, the first settler in the district.

The 1907 extensions to the place were designed by Ross Long and built by Pastor Harry Martin, who also worked on Carmel College.

The district was originally named after the place, later changing to Bickley.

Physical Description

The place was originally situated on a 300-acre property, which has since been subdivided. The residence is a brick and iron homestead, built over an earlier constructed clay brick hut. There is also a weatherboard and corrugated iron roofed barn.

History

George Henry Palmateeer was born in Victoria and travelled to WA in 1891. He was associated with the surveying of the Geraldton-Mullewa Railway, and spent 3 months at the goldfields before taking up land in the hills. Palmateer selected several hundred acres of uncleared forest in a valley of the Darling Ranges, the first settler in the region that was to become Bickley. He named the property Heidelberg, after its Victorian predecessor. The emerging township also took on this name, but it was later changed to Bickley, after Wallace Bickley, who was an MLC in the 1870’s. By 1893 Palmateer had built a hut of jarrah slats with a sapling framed bark roof and planted an extensive orchard. The house was later extended into a four-bedroom cottage. In 1897 Palmateer married Lucy Wallis of Walliston. By 1907 their expanding family meant the original homestead was inadequate, and Palmateer built a new 10-bedroom house around the existing cottage. The architect was Ross Long, and Pastor Harry Martin, who also worked on Carmel College, built the place. In 2001 the property was subdivided. The place is still a private residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic value as the first landholding in the district established as an orchard and the origin of the name 'Heidelberg' which was used for the district for many years. ·         The place has aesthetic value as a grand home within a landscaped setting.

Physical Description

Single storey rendered brick structure, with hipped roof incorporating projecting gable and dormers which have been added more recently. The projecting wing dominates the front of the property with the verandah extending across the remainder of the façade and wrapping around the side elevation. The verandah has a bullnose metal canopy, timber decking with stumped construction and simple timber balustrade. The canopy is supported on turned timber columns and carved brackets. The house has been restored and is in good condition. Although the roof form has been altered to incorporate two dormers to the street, the house still presents as originally designed and has retained much of its original detailing.

History

Land allocation, early settlers, orchards, technology, domestic activities, horticulture 1893 (slab hut), then white clay brick house before 1897. c. 1900 - barn; 1910 (10 room brick and iron homestead over clay brick hut)

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Good The original landholding of 300 acres was acquired by George Henry Palmateer (1840-1951) in 1893. He subdivided and sold several lots to new settlers then cleared 40 acres and established a 23 acre orchard. In 1897 he married Lucy Wallis (1877-1958) and together they had five children. The name given to his landholding 'Heidelberg' became synonymous with the surrounding district and was used for the name of the local railway station. A slab hut was originally the only accommodation on the property. The large residence of ten rooms with a verandah on all sides was built c1911. The architect or builder of this building have not been determined. George Palmateer was very active in the local community holding positions on the local road board and the local fruit growers association. Lucy Palmateer was also a significant business woman in the district. She established a very successful cut flower business in the 1920s which she managed until her death in 1958 and was continued by her daughter, Audrey. The residence has undergone alterations and additions since its original construction. An early timber barn is still believed to be in existence on the property.

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Lawnbrook

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has aesthetic value as a large farmhouse set within a landscaped setting. ·         The place has historic value for its association with the development of the district in the 1890s for fruit growing. ·         The place has historic value for its association with the Loaring family who made a significant contribution to the development of the district.

Physical Description

The current house dates from the 1950s. Single storey rendered brick dwelling with hipped roof clad with colorbond. An extensive skillion roofed verandah extends around the house positioned below the eaves. Timber framed casement windows with small panes and matching French doors. The property is situated within a vineyard in undulating topography.

History

Land allocation, early settlers, orchards, domestic, horticulture, technology, vineyards

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Good Charles Ernest Ashcroft (1872-1962) is believed to have purchased this property in 1895 and established a small orchard. He married Adelaide Edith Urch in 1899 and the couple had one son in 1900. Ashcroft advertised the property in 1901 as '100 acres of first class garden land,… 7 acres orchard, strawberries, 4 roomed house, permanent brook'. The property was purchased by Albert Charles Russell Loaring (1870-1950) who developed and extended the land under cultivation making it one of the showpiece properties in the district. Loaring named the property 'Lawnbrook'. Loaring made a major contribution to the community, serving on the local roads board and the Fruit Growers Association. The residence was extensively remodelled in the 1950s and in recent years the vineyard on the property has been promoted as a tourist destination. Tearooms have been provided to supplement this activity. In 2002, the house underwent further additions and alterations.

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Brookside

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has aesthetic value as a large farmhouse set within a well maintained landscaped setting. ·         The place has historic value for its association with the development of the district in the 1890s for fruit growing. ·         The place has historic value for its association with the Robinson family who made a significant contribution to the development of the district.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed dwelling with weatherboard cladding, corrugated roof and brick undercroft that takes into account the changing topography of the site. Timber framed double hung sash windows and timber framed French doors to the front elevation overlooking the adjacent winery and creek. Extensive verandah wrapping around the house accessed via centrally placed steps, with simple timber balustrade. Hipped roof with separate skillion verandah canopy supported on turned timber columns with carved timber brackets. The side elevation (east) is asymmetric in plan form with a projecting wing with a gabled roof above, topped with timber finial. The verandah continues to wrap around the elevation, following the plan form of the house. A former bed and breakfast addition has been constructed to the rear of the house which does not form part of this assessment. The house is set in well maintained gardens with a creak to the south of the house and vineyard to the east. The house is set below Aldersyde Road and apart from the roof, cannot be seen from the road. The gardens slope down from the upper road to the creak.

History

Technology, orchards, vineyards

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Good This property was originally part of the 'Lawnbrook' estate which was subdivided in the 1920s. The first owner was Arthur Everton Robinson (c1870-1948) who married Alice Maud Taylor in 1894 in Murrurundi, NSW. The couple relocated to Western Australia in the early 1900s and had seven children. The family moved to the property in 1926 and built the timber home which was known as 'The Retreat'. Arthur Robinson was an orchardist and family members continued to work the property until the 1940s. The second owner was Cecil Arthur Robert Wright (1911-1999) who lived at the property with his wife Grace in the 1940s. In 1984, vines were planted on the property by the Ohrt family. In the late 20th and early 21st century the residence has undergone alterations and additions and new facilities have been added on the property to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen for wine tasting and meals.

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Aldersyde

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Piesse Brook Youth Hostel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Hainault Winery

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The site has historic value for its association with the soldier settlement scheme in the period following World War II The place has historic value for its association with the development of the wine industry in this district in the 1970s

Physical Description

Single storey rectangular structure constructed from rammed earth with visible signs of the form work creating the impression of large blocks. Shallow pitched hipped roof clad in wide profile kliplok cladding. High level openings, timber framed oblong openings without glass. Sliding timber door access. Only the shed was assessed.

History

Orchards, immigration, vineyards Orchard c.1919 Dwelling 1975,

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Fair At the end of the First World War, the discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1918 initiated a scheme to settle returned soldiers on the land. One of the areas chosen for settlement was along Piesse Brook, from Pickering Brook to where it is crossed by Mundaring Brook Road. In order to establish their orchards, settlers relied on loans and advanced payments from the Agricultural Bank. Since fruit trees took five years or more to bear enough fruit to sell, settlers often found it impossible to meet loan repayments and the scheme foundered. The Great Depression increased the burden and the Government was forced to foreclose on many of the properties. This property was taken up by John Thomas Cunnold who lived at the property with his wife and six children. By 1933, the property was the responsibility of T. R. Taylor who was successful with his plantings of oranges. It was known as Gungin orchard or Mt Gungin orchard after the nearby Mount Gungin. It was later transferred to the Scaffidi family who continued and developed the property as an orchard. The property is important to the wine industry in the region as vines were planted in 1979 under the supervision of Peter Fimmel who was a leader in the industry in the 1970s. The name Hainault seems to originate from this period. This property was the first commercial vineyard in the area and the vines are unusual as they are planted very high above sea level. The original residence on the property was demolished and a rammed earth shed appears to date from 1950s onwards. The place continues to operate as a winery in 2013.

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Perth Observatory

Condition

Perth Observatory is in good condition and has been well maintained. Renovations and maintenance to the place have generally been sympathetic to the original design intent.

Uses

Historic Themes

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Physical Description

Late 20th century international style building, constructed in the late 1960s. Brick construction with metal framed windows and metal screen structure to the roof shielding the plant and machinery. Concrete steps to the front entrance, with the entrance being shielded by a flat roofed cantilevered canopy. The observatory is set within landscaped grounds with the observation domes being set in dense planting to the east of the main building.

History

Science and technology

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - High

Condition

Good This complex of buildings and structures were constructed on the site from 1964 onwards. They continued and expanded the operation of the West Perth Observatory which had been operating at that site since 1897. The relocation of the observatory to one of the higher parts of the Darling Ranges enabled a larger site for expansion and diminished 'light pollution' from the Perth metropolitan area. The complex of buildings were designed by the Public Works Department of WA and construction began in 1964. The new Perth Observatory, built at a cost of $600,000 was opened by the Premier, David Brand, on Friday 30 September 1966, 70 years and one day after the original Observatory was opened by Sir John Forrest. Since 1964, the facilities have been added to and modified as technical requirements have changed and in order to provide greater access to the public.

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McCaskill Grave

Values

The place has associations with the development of the timber industry in the Darling Ranges in the late nineteenth century.

The baby’s death is representative of the hardship endured by the families of timber workers – and others – living and working in isolated conditions without such things as medical assistance.

The place is an example of an isolated grave site.

Physical Description

Timber headstone surrounded by a timber picket fence. A timber post and rail fence has been erected around the grave in an attempt to stop further disturbance of the site. The headstone reads: ‘Born 26-8-1903 Died 26/8/1903 SON of Roderick and Emma McCASKILL’

History

There are 50 lone gravesites on the database. Of these, two are on the Register: Sir Richard & Lady Spencer’s Grave, Mira Mar (1839); & John Morrell’s Grave, Northam (1929). There is very little information concerning the specific construction materials of grave markers, but it appears that timber markers of this nature are extremely rare given the material of their construction. There is no mention of any timber headstone in CP’s regarding Karrakatta, East Perth or Kenwick Cemeteries. The ‘Pioneer Cemeteries and Burial Grounds’ Conservation Guide for the National Trust mentions timber headboards as largely disappeared. ‘Cemeteries of South Australia ‘also mentions timber headstones as being rare. HCWA has information about only one other timber grave and that is Weston Grave, Carmel, for which an assessment will be commissioned as part of the backlog process. It should be noted however that the headstone at the McCaskill grave does not appear to be original.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High Authenticity- Moderate

Condition

Good, though materials may be replacements of originals.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic and social value for its association with the early settlement of the district and the difficulties encountered by settlers.

Physical Description

Located within dense bushland off Canning Mill Road. The headstone is encircled by a timber picket fence which is further enclosed by a bush timber fence. The headstone is timber.

History

Settlements, timber

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - High

Condition

Good The son of Emma (nee Austead) and Roderick McCaskill was born and died 26th August 1903. He was buried in this remote location in bush off Canning Mills Road, Karragullen. Information from the Pickering Brook Heritage Group stated that death occurred during labour, owing to the delay in gaining medical assistance. Roderick and Emma McCaskill had travelled to Western Australia from Queensland with their boy Roderick born in 1896. The couple had lost their one year old daughter Janette Emma in 1902. Roderick found work as labourer in the district, probably in the timber industry. The death of this boy during labour was not uncommon in remote settlements. The following year the McCaskill's had another daughter, Mary Jane and the family remained in the Pickering Brook community. Roderick McCaskill (junior) served in World War I and II.

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Forest Inn (fmr) site

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

"The place has historic value for its association with the settlement at Canning Mills which was a thriving community in the early 20th century. The place has research value as it holds the potential for archaeological deposits which may provide information on past practices and ways of life."

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Munday's Brook Diversion Channel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

·         The structure has historic value for its association with the provision of fresh water to the Perth metropolitan area and the political, economic and technical problems this ambition faced. ·         The remaining structures have historic value for the association with the control of typhoid one of the major public health issues of the period. ·         The structures have research value as an example of construction and design from the late 19th century.

Physical Description

Laterite stone construction with metal drainage channels leading through to drainage gullies.

History

Water storage schemes,technology, timber

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - Moderate; Level of Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Fair

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Saw Pit (fmr) - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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