North Sandy Island Lighthouse

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Minderoo Homestead

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Statement of Significance

Mineroo Homestead has aesthetic, historic, social, scientific and representative cultural heriatge significance. The homestead is a fine representative of the station way of life in the North West. The Forrest family's long association with the community in Onslow and their influence on development in the area is shown in the history of Minderoo Station. This built environment of the homestead has the potential to reveal importnat evidence of technological and historical change i station and grazing practises since the end of the 19th century.

Physical Description

Minderoo Homestead is located in the centre of the property on the east side of the Ashburton River. It is protected from flooding by a ring of low sand hills. Thae main house of the homestead is a simple interpretation of a Federation Bungalow with corrugated iron cladding and wide verandahs all the way around the building. The half gabled hipped roof is corrugated iron. The verandah under the main body of the roof, is supported by unadorned square posts and has a concrete floor. The house is surrounded by manicured lawns. Easy eccess to the verandah from the house is possible by numerous doors, many windows provide light. Close to the homestead, on a sandhill, is an early consecrated graveyard. The oldest building on the property is was faithfully maintained with gardens laid out by the Forrest family.

History

The area that is now part of Minderoo Stattion was used as sheep grazing for a number of years before Minderoo was proprerly established. During the 1860's a well known sheep grazier, E Hooley, constructed a shearing shed on the Ashburton River near the site of today's Minderoo Homestead. However, Hooley left thi area for other pastures and not much development in the vicinity of Minderoo occurred until after 1878. After a survey of the Ashburton region in 1878, John and Alexander Forrest and Septimus Burt leased a large property in the area the Aboriginal people call Minderoo. The first stock taken to Minderoo, after the lease was granted to the Forrest family, was driven overland from York. Sheep with their herders arrived in 1881. Accommodation was a prefabricated house designed and made in Perth. David Forrest and his wife went on to be quite influential in the district particularly in encouraging development at Onslow. Minderoo Station also became a centre for social occasions such as dances and for the races starting on 1892. People attended the meets by travelling great distances for the occassion. Technological developments in shearing were displayed at Minderoo in the new shearing shed built in 1909. The shed housed machine driven shears and was itself a different design and construction type from the standard shearing shed. However, despite a good capital base Minderoo still suffered heavily in times of flood, cyclone or drought. In the Great Drought of 1911, which lasted between 4 and 6 years int he district, much stock was lost even though attempts were made to import chaff for stock feed. Continuing the lead in technological development, Minderoo had the first telephone (outside the town area) and one of the first cars. The telephone was installed in August 1992 and RM Forrest, who had taken over Minderoo station in 1917 from his father, received delivery of a brand new Buick in 1923. Improved communication for those at Minderoo also occurred with the construction of the bridge over the Ashburton River in 1931. The Ashburton River Road Bridge is commonly known as Minderoo Bridge. In 1998 after four generations and 120 years on the property, the Forrests sold Minderoo Station. Don Forrest and his family had managed the Station since 1951. When they left, the 225,000 hectare staion was sold with stock of 30,000 shepp and 1,200 cattle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree

Condition

Good

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Ashburton River Road Bridge

Values

the place demonstrates rarity and technical achievement as an early attempt at a concrete bridge and demonstrates a number of technical innovations new to the state at the time of construction;

the place has historical associations with the development of Main Roads as a state department, particularly the transition between Main Roads Board and Main Roads Department 1926-1930;

the place is associated with the public works instituted by the Western Australian government during the Depression to provide relief to the unemployed;

the place is associated with the development of the Ashburton area in the early 20th Century; and,

The place was designed by E Godfrey, a pioneering bridge designer who worked for Main Roads 1928-1957.

Physical Description

The place is a composite steel and concrete traffic bridge over the Ashburton River with steel footings and joists. The bridge encompasses four spans for a total length of 74 m in length and 4 m in width, with a maximum height of 14 m. The bridge rests atop a number of hollow steel tube piers, set into reinforced concrete, sprayed with bronze as a form of waterproofing. The steel joists supporting the decking were attached directly to the tops of the hollow piers, without the need for capping. The original deck was composed of jarrah, although the current surface is bitumen. The bridge is still in use, the condition of the bridge is described as good.

History

The Interwar period in the East Pilbara was characterised by a slow growth, with the regional economy based upon mining and pastoralism. Transport methods included rail, shipping, the introduction of aeroplanes in 1921 and the continued use of camels. Cars were introduced in 1913 but faced problems due to the lack of parts and harsh local environment. A source of frustration for locals was the Fortescue River crossing near Roy Hill station, which was impassable during flooding and unsuited to heavy vehicles. In particular, the mail was frequently delayed during the flood season. A bridge over the Ashburton River was first proposed in 1910 in relation to the proposed upgrades of the Onslow jetty, which settlers had hoped to upgrade into shipping facilities capable of servicing the lead mines. Unfortunately, the cost of both an upgraded shipping facility and a bridge over the Ashburton River was considered too costly, and the matter was still being debated in 1920. It was not until 1925 that a site for a bridge was selected. The Main Roads Board was established in 1926, taking over some of the responsibilities of the Public Works Department, including bridge construction. The board was re-established as the Main Roads Department in 1930. The economic policies of the Western Australian government during the 1920s can be described as broadly expansionist, in particular agricultural and pastoral expansion, which suffered severe contraction due to droughts and the effects of the Great Depression. At the end of the 1920s and the during the early 1930s, the government responded in a number of ways, including stimulating the building market and investing in the expansion of industrial development, in particular the mining industry and capital works projects such as dams, sewerage, clearing and roads. The development of roads in particular became important as families to the capital for work and created rapid urbanisation. Main Roads was an active part of this response, 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. The northwest received less attention, the unemployment focused on the worst roads and river crossings. The specific project details for the Ashburton River Bridge are not available, as the Main Roads file on the bridge (MR38-29) cannot be located. However, a notation on the cover of a related file at the Stat Records Office indicates that the road works were part of a larger unemployment relief project. As such, it is possible that Ashburton River Road Bridge was part of this unemployment project although more research will be needed to confirm this. Ernie Godfrey was responsible for final design of the Ashburton River Road Bridge. Godfrey arrived in Western Australia from Victoria in 1928, to take charge of the Bridge Section of the Main Roads Board. Active and well-respected, Godfrey was a key designer on a number of large bridge projects until his retirement in 1957 and later acted as a consultant for the design and construction of the Narrows Bridge from 1958-1959. Tenders were called for the construction of the bridge in 1927 at a cost of £6500. Despite this work on the bridge was not immediately carried out, in part due to the need for materials to be made in Perth and shipped to Onslow, as well as painstaking studies on the physical properties of the sand and stone. The Resident Engineer for the Northwest was at this time C Field, assisted by F Brennan, who carried out the boring operations at the proposed bridge site in June 1928. By January 1929 the bridge design was announced, this time at a cost of £10,000. Despite the announcement declaring that work would commence in April, the tender was not accepted until August that year, a tender of 15303 accepted by £Atkins and Gorham. At this time the bridge design was described as: The length of the Ashburton River bridge overall will be 243ft., consisting of five intermediate spans of 40ft. and two end spans of 20ft. The foundation to piers will consist of reinforced concrete piles driven in two groups of three and surrounded with concrete. Concrete piles will be driven at the abutments which will be of mass concrete. The piers will consist of two steel cylinders with steel girder cross bracing, electric-arc-welded to the sides of the cylinders. The whole of the piers will be fabricated in Perth at the wonks of the manufacturers, after which the piers will be metal sprayed as a rust preventive. The maximum weight of any one pier will be about seven tons. Each pier will carry two broad flanged beam girders, supporting intermediate steel girders carrying the jarrah deck floor. The apparent lack of progress on the bridge was cruised at the time as being deliberately impeded to have the completion coincide with upcoming government elections. Preliminary work on the bridge proceeded sluggishly, the head of construction, J Head, still preparing for construction in February 1930. By March Godfrey himself visited the site to inspect the progress which was described as “unfortunately being somewhat retarded by the lack of certain equipment which is not expected to arrive for some time.” Work did not recommence until August 1930, when the necessary material to complete the bridge arrived from Perth. Work was finally completed in May 1932, the bridge opened by R Forrest with Godfrey and the construction contractors present. It was noted at the opening that the bridge was the only one of its kind in Australia. The use of sprayed bronze in particular was a form of waterproofing was unique at this early stage, and was not a common practise until 25 years later. Godfrey himself remarked on the bridge in 1960: The bridge represents a pioneering endeavour in the area near Onslow on the North West Coast where facilities and materials for construction were limited. The steelwork on the bridge was recondition in 1963 and repairs were made to the deck in 1965. The jarrah deck was replaced in 1992 with a concrete overlay, and the timber handrails were replaced with steel.

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Statement of Significance

The Ashburton Road Bridge has aesthetic, historic and social cultural heritage significance. Strongly built to withstand harsh conditions of th North West, the bridge is an important link for road transport in the outback. Despit some changes to the handrail and decking the bridge remans virtually intact since it's original construction over 75 years ago. Historically the bridge has some significnace to the state, as it was one of the first example of steel and concrete construction, a move away from the more traditional timebr.

Physical Description

The bridge over Ashburton River is a composite made from a combination of steel and concrete. The span measure 1x 6.115m, 2x 12.230m and 1x 6.115m. The bridge is 4.350 metre between kerbs.

History

The bridge over the Ashburton River (AKA Minderoo Bridge) was first suggested to the government by the Department of the North West in May 1925. A Mr Forrest suggested the highest and narrowest point along the river. Though no funds were immediately avaliable an estimate of the building cost was put at 5,000 pounds. The was considered to be far too expensive. At the same time the Commissioner for the North West deemed to proposal as unimportant compared to other projects in the North West at that time. In 1927, a more detailed inspection was made at a site between Minderoo Station and Camel Pool Well. The bridge was to have a load limit of 15 tonnes. The cost was to be approximately 4,500 pounds, but again no action was taken. In 1926 the newly formed Main Roads Department added the Ashburton River to their five year programme. By July 1927 a steel and concrete bridge was designated for the project. This represented one of the first moves away from traditional timber bridges. In May 1928 test bores for the piers were being sunk in the riverbed but inappropriate equipment and the density if the shingle hampered boring. Tenders were called in June/July 1929. The bridge was completed in early 1931 under the supervision of EW Godfrey. The materials for constructing hte bridge were not at hand locally so the piers were assembled and welded in Perth. From Perth they were transported by sea to Onslow and then hauled approximately 45 kms by camel train to t he bridge site. The original bridge deck was made of jarrah. The cost of the project was 15,360 pounds. The bridge was opened with an official ceremony on 8th May 1932. In 1963, the steel on the bridge was reconditioned and in 1965, the deck and handrailing were repaired. In 1992, owing to the deterioraton of the timber deck it was removed and replaced with a concrete overlay. At the same time the timber handrail was removed and replaced with a steel handrail. The replacement steel was carefully designed to look like the original timber handrail. According the the Main Roads there is no apparent damage from cyclones or flooding.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Still High Degree despite changes to the hand rails and decking.

Condition

Good

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Police Residence (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

The former police residence has aestheitic, historic, social and representative cultural heritage significance. The house is a relic of Onslow's early settlement and forms an important part of the streetscape of the Second Avenue. It is a good representative of the type of housing for civil servants built when Onslow was formed at it's new site at Beadon Point.

Physical Description

The timber framed bungalow has survived many serious cyclones since being built in 1927. It's design has contributed to it's survival. The hipped corrugated iron roof is battened down and the shutters allow cool air to pass through the dwelling. The house is set back from the road behind a simple iron fence and is shaded by a large poinciana tree. The building appears to have a number of changes including the enclosure of it's surrounding verandah.

History

This dwelling was the former residence of the police constable in Onslow. The residence has been part of the streetscape of Onslow since it's erection in 1927 soon after the town was gazetted. Today the dwelling is rented by the Shire of Ashburton for accommodation for shire employees or visitors. The residence was built by the PWD and originally had an identical floorplan to a number of other public buildings in Onslow.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree

Condition

Good

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Peedamulla Homestead (ruin)

Condition

The place is a ruin.

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Statement of Significance

Peedamulla Homestead has aesthetic, historic, social and representative cultural heritage value. The homestead, despite it's condition, is a good example of North West architecture with stone walls, surrounding verandahs and separate kitchen. The surrounding outbuildings contribute to the aesthetic qualities of the place as a group of related structues. Historically the homestead had been associated with the development of the pastoral industry since the 1880's. The place was built by the Burt brothers who were prominent in local affairs and served many years on the Ashburton Roads Board. Peedamulla has close associations with many Aboriginal peple who worked and lived on the property. It was also a regular stopping place for many visitors of the district.

Physical Description

Peedamulla Homestead is a group of single storey stone and iron buildings comprising a house, adjacent kitchen and outbuildings including a stone water tank. The homestead is set in a landscape of few trees and bare claypan. The main residence was built in c1915 using local stone with rendered quoins around the door and windows. The square plan of the house is not typical of the North West vernacular houses, which are usually rectangular. However, it does have surrounding verandahs, thick stone walls, a corrugated iron roof and a separate kitchen typical of a station residence. The house and kitchen buildings are being occupied at times by itinerant workers whilst working on the station. The c1915 residence is situated to the south of two old stone buildings and water tank thought to have been built in 1885 and 1900. The c1885 building has bush timber lintels and frames in the windows and doors. The existing gable roof does not appear to be the oiginal roof. This building is derelict and empty. The c1900 building with a low pitched hipped corrugated iron roof was, in 1997, being used as a mechanical workshop. Top hinge corrugated iron shutters cover the window openings. The water tank is a circular stone construction. The internal stone is rendered on the interior. The external all is faces stonework laid in a regular boding pattern with no apparent motar.

History

These historical notes have been taken from the Heritage Council of WA Assessment 1997 Peedamulla Homestead was originally referred to as Peedamullah until 1928, when the Peedamulla Pastoral Company was formed and dropped the 'h' from the name. Peedamullah is a local Aboriginal word said to mean 'plenty water'. Peedamulla Homestead is situated approximately 50 kilometres south east of Onslow. In 1878, brothers Edmund and Archibald Burt (grandsons of Sir Francis Burt, Chief Justce from 1861-1870) arrived from the West Indies. They took over the Peedamulla leases in the early 1880's. Like other station owners in the Ashburton district the Burts relied on Aboriginal labour for domestic work as well as fencing, shearing, mustering and boundary riding. Many of the Aboriginal people were born on or near the station. In 1885, the original townsite of Onslow was gazetted as a member of the Ashburton Roads Board. Archibald Burt was closely associated with the development of the new town site. In 1895 Archibald left the property to go into Government service as the Mining Register. He retained his share of the station. He later had a successful career in law. Edmund continued to live at and manage the Peedamulla Station. Edmund Burt married in 1916 and it is probable that the c1915 homestead was constructed to improve living conditions on the station in anticipation of his marriage. On 20th March 1918 the Burt's took over additional leases which added 257,850 hectares to their property. From 1920 until his death in 1927 Edmund Burt was Chairman of the Ashburton Roads Board for six years. During this time the new Onslow at Beadon Point was proposed and developed. Peedamulla Station was located on the original North West coastal highway that detoured nto the town of Onslow. Travellers frequently stopped at the homestead as they passed through the area. In more recent years te highway was rerouted to an alignment which runs seven kilometres to the east of Peedamulla Homestead. Edmund Burt died following a fall from a window of the Weld Club in Perth in 1927. Peedamulla Station was incorporated in 1928 and 40,000 shares were issued at one pound each. In 1932 however, the ownership of the station was transferred to Cornelius McManu and W Montgomery. (The company was not officially defunct util 1974). In the 1934 cyclone substantial losses were inflicted on Peedamulla Station. 40 windmills were destroyed. This destruction plus a drought in the following years resulted in many stock losses. In 1937 Alexander Hardie and his family bought Peedamulla Station for 19,522 pounds. Management of the station was taken over by Byron Hardie (son of Alexander) and then subsequently by G Herbert in 1942. G Herbert eventually leased a part of Peedamulla Station and formed Cane River Station. Peedamulla continued in the Hardie family after the death of Alexander in 1954. The 1950's was a very profitable period owing to the wool boom. In 1961 the peedamulla leasehold was reduced to 156,000 hectares owing to the resumption of land for the Onslow Town water supply. In 1961 and then again in 1963, cyclones damaged the homestead, shearing sheds and resulted in a number of stock losses. These factors plus low wool prices in the early 1970's forced the Hardie's to sell Peedamulla to Neville and Moira MacDonald for the sum of $70,000. Three years later the MacDonalds sold the station to the Commonwealth Government for the use of the Aboriginal people of the Onslow region. The station at the time had a stock holding of 28,000 sheep. In 1981 managers were placed on the station and living in the homestead. However, in 1984 a cyclone unroofed the homestead and transportable accommodation was brought in for living quarters. By 1997 the homestead had fallen into a state is disrepair and was vacant much of the time. Today the homestead is still severely damaged. Though the walls are intact the roof has not been replaced. The Yundara Aboriginal Co-operative based in Onslow operates Peedamaulla.

Integrity/Authenticity

Uncomprised by many changes despite very poor condition.

Condition

Ruins

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Old Onslow Police Station

Parent Place or Precinct

03444 Old Onslow Townsite

Uses

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Soldiers' Memorial, WW1 & Memorial Plaque, WW2 & subsequent wars

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Ashburton District Roll of Honour, WW1 & WW2

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Onslow Fire Station (fmr)

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Onslow Police Station

Condition

Fair

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The Front Lead Light

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Onslow Post Office & Residence (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

The former Post Office and residence have aesthetic, historic and representative cultutral heritage significance. As two of the relics of early settlement, the Post Office and residence add to the streetscape of Second Avenue where there are other historic buildings including the significant Onslow Goods Shed. Built in 1927 the office and dwelling have survived a number of cyclones and remain a representative of early North Wet construction.

Physical Description

The former Post Office and Residence are bungalows. The old Post Office set on a corner block in the shadow of a large communication tower, the residence is next door. The buildings are raised on stumps and have metal cladding and hipped corrugated iron roofs. Across the front of the Post Office is a verandah with simple metal balustrading reminiscent of the original design as seen in historical photos of the two buildinga. External changes have been made including different building fabric an alterations to the original verandahs.

History

The Onslow Post Office and residence were built in c1925 soon after the settlement on the new site of Onslow began. PWD builders who carried out a two year construction plan in the new town, completed the work. The two police residences and the Post Office residence were all built from the same plans. In 1994 the Post Office was moved to it's present location in Postie's General Store. For a while the original Post Office was occupied by Onslow Employement group but after their withdrawal the office remained empty. Today the former Post Offfice is used as an office for Onslow Salt Pty Ltd set up in 1997. The back room is used for printing the local paper, "Pipeline" and the current owners use the residence as a dwelling.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Degree

Condition

Good

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Beadon Hotel

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The Beadon Hotel has significant aesthetic, historic, social and rarity cultural heritage value. As one of the first building erected in Onslow, the hotel has a long association with the development of the town. It is a fine and rare example of North West architectural design influenced by the Federation Era. As the centre of most entertainment and social gatherings the hotel has an important function in the bonding of the town's residents and visitors.

Physical Description

Architect JH Eales designed the Beadon Hotel. The Cornish Family was impressed with his work as the architect of the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle. Similar design patterns, albeit on a smaller scale, are reflected in the design of the Beadon Hotel. The corner setting, the two storeys, the wrap around verandah with simple filigree finishes and the roofline are all features reminiscent of the Federation period of architecture c1890-c1915. Limitations set by the distance from building suppliers and the climatic conditions influenced the construction materials with the walls being distintive grey cement blocks. The hotel has a battened down corrugated iron half-hipped roof. The walls are painted.

History

Unlike a number of buildings set up in the new Onslow townsite, the hotel started with a makehsift bar from the old Rob Roy Hotel until the pub was built. The proprietors of the Beadon were the the Cornish Family. Brothers Dick and Harold Cornish employed the architect JH Eales to design the hotel for the new townsite. Eales well known for his involvement in the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle. The Beadon Hotel was built with accommodation including 20 singles and 7 double bedrooms. Interestingly the verandah was reserved for 50 additional beds to be brought in during race week when the town drew large crowds of people for the meet. An important component in the new hotel were the four rain water tanks with a capcity of 20,000 gallons as water supplies in Onslow at times became critical. A shortage of water challenged the Public Works Department for a number of years in Onslow, particularly with the introduction of septic tanks, as flush toilets used enormous amounts of water. The construction of the new hotel was quite unique in the new town. It was the only building not erected from wood and iron. Using imported cement the builder R Rennie with help from the Cornish Family, made grey concrete blocks on site. Cyril Cornish, son of Harold remembered helping his father make the cement blocks and as a momento stamped one with his initials and the date. This block became an unofficial foundatio stone and is located low on the front wall of the hotel. The two storey hotel was described as one of hte finest hotels in the north west. Patrons were impressed by the comfortable surroundings and fine furnishings but mostly by the ample supply of cold beer. Refridgerated beer, a rarity in the North West in this period, kept many customers happy. The refridgerator, a Kelvinator, was thought to be only the third of it's type in Australia. Harold Cornish and his family ran the hotel until 1932 when it was taken over by FJ Lapthorn. The cyclone that swept through Onslow on Wednesday 28th March 1934 devastated the town. The townspeople were left isolated and many buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. Even though the hotel was solidly built and many people sought refuge from the cyclone there, damage still occurred to the top storey of the Beadon Hotel. The Hotel was rebuilt in the same year. Changes to the hotel include some internal modifications and repairs from fire damage. Also motel units were built during the 1970's to modernise accommodation facilities. Today the acommodation in the main part of the building is used for staff lodging while visitor stay in the motel units tot he rear.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree

Condition

Fair

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Onslow Goods Shed Museum

Values

The place has rarity value for the Shire of Ashburton as many building pre 1925 were destroyed by harsh climatic conditions.

The place has aesthetic value as it adds to the streetscape and is an important component of the overall townscape.

The place has historical value as it was essential to the supply and export of goods for the local district.

Physical Description

It is a CGI clad building, with a jarrah frame. On the Western sides are three metre by four metre steel framed doors. All the CGI cladding on the Goods Shed and adjacent office is painted off white. The guttering, downpipes, exterior door frames and office verandah posts are painted pale blue. To the southeast of the building is a concrete platform used for loading and unloading of goods onto the tram from the jetty. The platform contains a 1928 petrol locomotive, once part of the Onslow Tramway system.

History

‘In 1904 the Good Shed in Old Onslow was burnt down. The replacement structure was built in the main part of the old town site and was connected to the sea jetty by tramway. The new shed was described as a Jarrah framed concrete structure with concrete pipes, it also included a Bond Store. A separate office was added to the end of the building, along with a lookout tower, in 1910. In 1925 when the new town site was developed at Beaton Point, the Goods Shed was transported by camel to the new settlement.’ ‘When reconstructed at Beaton Point the Goods Shed was extended. It was serviced by a new tramway but no longer functioned as a Bond Store. Further extensions to the building occurred in 1953 when the office size was doubled. Cyclone damage during the 1960’s led to a number of changes. The roof of the Goods Shed was completely remodeled, and the west side rebuilt and reclad, albeit with old corrugated iron. New sliding doors built from zincalume were installed. The shed was used to store goods brought to the port by the State Ships. They were transported from the jetty along Second Avenue to the Goods Shed. Today (1999) the Goods Shed is vested in the Shire of Ashburton and operates as a Museum, Arts and Crafts shop and is the headquarters for the Onslow Tourist Bureau.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- Fair Authenticity- High

Condition

Good

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The structure was built and then relocated to ensure survival through cyclonic weather. It is one of the few buildings from its era still surviving. The tramway in both Old Onslow and the 'new' Onslow was essential to the survival and export of goods through the port which was the lifeline of the community. The Goods Shed and environs is the most important relic remaining which indicates this aspect of life and the importance of the transport system to the survival of the community. Adjacent platforms demonstrate handling techniques using manual labour. As one of the few structures transported from Onslow still existing, the Goods Shed is important as a relic of Old Onslow and the relocation of a whole town. The size and age of the building, together with the goods platform, constitute an important component of the townscape. The building is still held in high esteem by the community as it is one of the few structures transported from Onslow still existing. The Goods Shed is important as a relic of Old Onslow. Furthermore, such a building is a rare remaining example of the Goods Sheds which were often the only buildings constructed in association with the jetties of the North-West.

Physical Description

The Goods Shed, 96' by 40', is a jarrah frame, corrugated iron clad building with the roof slope forming a ridge over the line of the central posts. One the western side are three 9 foot by 12 foot steel framed doors covered in zinc anneal. All cladding on the Goods Shed and adjacent office is painted off white, whilst the guttering, downpipes, exterior door frames and office verandah posts are painted pale blue. In the interior the jarrah frame work is not painted, the aging of the old (not replaced in 1963) corrugated iron is obvious and the large timber doors which give the tramway access to the platform inside the shed exhibit the remains of old pale green paintwork. The original section of the office is tongue and grooved timber lined, whilst the 1953 section of the office is asbestos lined. The interior of both sections is painted a pale green colour. Around the office is a wooden deck verandah. To the south-east of the building is a concrete platform using for the loading of goods for the tramway of the unloading of goods which had been delivered by tram from the jetty. On this platform is a display of railway rolling stock, including the 1928 petrol locomotive, which were part of the Onslow tramway system. The former wool platform which is earth and concrete formed in part of which the concrete is deteriorating. The area to the north-east of the Goods Shed is the location of the rail yard. Other items of rolling stock, including 'H' wagons and a crane, in various states of disrepair, are located in the year to the east. Several of the 'Old Onslow' two foot gauge wagons have been recently found and have been placed in this area.

History

In 1904, the old Goods Shed at Onslow (formerly Ashburton) was burnt down. the replacement structure was 60' by 40' and built in the town itself connected by tramway to the jetty. This jarrah framed galvanised corrugated iron clad structure with concrete piles was also to include the Bond Store. Within a few years a separate office was added on one end. With the addition of a small lookout in 1910, this was the building which was transported to the new Onslow, or Beadon Point as it was known in the early days, to be the Goods Shed for the new settlement and its 3'6" tramway. This transportation was part of a complete relocation of population as the old townsite was considered to be prone to cyclone damage. The Goods Shed was one of many buildings shifted by camel in 1925. In its new location it no longer functioned as the Bond Store but still had a new 36 foot portion built as an extension to it when reconstructed in Beadon Point. The existing 10 foot by 14 foot office was doubled in size in 1953 but the Goods Shed was not altered. Unfortunately the New Onslow was to prove yet again that it was still to be the victim of cyclone damage and the Goods Shed, despite negligible damage in the earlier cyclones, suffered extensive damage in a cyclone in the early 1960s, probably the 1961 cyclone. Thus it underwent its greatest alterations. In 1963, the roof was completely remodelled and the west side effectively rebuilt (the other side was not damaged). It appears that the damaged side was reclad using old CGA. Much of the rebuilding was done reusing the timber framework but new cladding on the roof and new sliding doors on the west side were installed. The office was not damaged.

Integrity/Authenticity

While there have been a number of changes, these reflect the history and environment of the area and the development of the structure.

Condition

The interior of the shed is in very good condition, as is the adjacent office which is being used as a craft/tourist information shop.

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Statement of Significance

The Goods Shed has aesthetic, historic, social, scientific and rarity cultural heritage significance. The size, age of the building and the goods platform all contribute to the streetscape and are an important component of the overall townscape. The tramway and Goods Shed were essential to the supply and export of goods for the Ashburton district and were a lifeline for the community. The Goods Shed therefore, is an important relic of this way of life and demonstrates a way of life no longer practised. The Goods Shed is also one of the few buildings brought from Old Onslow that has survived the harsh climatic conditions of the North West, as cycones and floods have destroyed many of the structures from the pre 1925 period. Still providing an important function as a base to the local museum and Tourist Bureau, the Goods Shed is held in high esteem by the community. The building is a rare surviving example of the Goods Sheds, which were often the only buildings constructed in association with jetties of the North west.

Physical Description

Description taken from the National Trust of Australia (WA) report prepared in 1994. The Goods Shed, approximately 32m by 13m in size is a jarrah frame, corrugated iron clad building with the roof slope forming a ridge over the line of the central posts. On the western side are 3m by 4m steel framed doors. All cladding on the Goods Shed and adjacent office is painted white, whilst the guttering, downpipes, exterior door frames and office verandah posts are painted pale blue. In the interior the jarrah framework is not painted, the ageing of the old original corrugated iron is obvious and the large timber doors which give the tramway access to the platform inside the shed exhibit remnants of old pale green paintwork. The shed is in very good condition and is used by the Tourist Bureau. The original section of the office is lined with tongue and groove timber, whilst the 1953 section of the office is lined with asbestos. A timber deck verandah is located on the eastern side. To the south of the building is a concrete platform used for the loading of good for the tramway or the unloading of goods which had been delivered by tram from the jetty. On this platform is a display of railway rolling stock including the 1928 petrol locomotive, which was part of the Onslow tramway system. The former wool platform, which is constructed from earth and formed concrete, is deteriorating. The area to the north east of the Goods Shed is the rail yard. Located here are other items of rolling stock, including 'H' wagons nd a crane. Several of the Old Onslow two foot gauge wagons are also found here. (The tramway in 'new' Onslow was three foot six inched wide).

History

In 1904 the Goods Shed in OLd Onslow burnt down. The replacement structure was built in the main part of the old town site and was connected to the sea jetty by tramway. The new shed was described as a jarrah framed concrete structure with concrete piles, it also included a Bond Store. A separate office was added to the end of the building, along with a look out tower, in 1910. In 1925 when the new town site was developed at Beadon Point, the Goods Shed was transported by camel the the new settlement. When reconstructed at Beadon Point the Goods Shed was extended. It was serviced by a new tramway but no longer functioned as a Bond Store. Further extensions to the building occurred in 1953 when the office size was doubled. Cyclone damage during hte 1960's led to a number of changes. The roof of the Good Shed was completely remodelled and the west side rebuilt and reclad, albeit with old corrugated iron. New sliding doors built from zinczlume were installed.The shed was used to store goods brought to the port by the State Ships. They were transported from the jetty along Second Avenue to the Goods Shed. Today the Goods Shed is vested in the Shire of Ashburton and operates as a museum, Arts and Crafts shop and is the headquarters for the Onslow Tourist Bureau.

Integrity/Authenticity

Fair Degree

Condition

Good

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Old Power Station (fmr), Onslow

Uses

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Residence - Turner

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The residence has been the home of Mrs Florence Turner for many years. It has historical cultural heritage significance. The cottage represents a building style that is no longer practised as modern scale and fabric have both changed markedly.

Physical Description

This dwelling has a timber frame with corrugated iron cladding and a gable roof. The original cottage was very small and has been subsequently enlarged by a number of lean-to additions. A small verandah shades the front of the cottage.

History

No historical information has been found regarding this dwelling. According to the Shire of Ashburton notes, the building was constructed in 1935.

Integrity/Authenticity

Compromised by additions.

Condition

Unknown

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Beadon Point Rear Navigational Leading Light, Onslow

Values

• The place may be a rare example of a navigational leading light tower from the inter-war period.
• The place is associated with the redevelopment of the Onslow jetty in 1934, a major government project.

Physical Description

Beadon Point Rear Navigational Lead Platform sits on the outskirts of the town of Onslow, on the flat coastal plain southeast of Onslow District Hospital in remnant bush land of low scrub. The main structure is a four-sided pyramid tower approximately 14m high, constructed of a combination of steel L beams, organised into boxed sections via horizontal beams, with diagonal cross bracing along each face. The structural members are held in place through bolts attached to flanges at the corner of each cross beam. A steel access ladder is located on the southeast face.

History

The original town of Onslow, known as ‘Old Onslow’ was established in 1882-1883 near the mouth of the Wongalwarra Pool/Ashburton River by shipping merchants Clarke & McKenzie to take advantage of the growing mining, pearl and pastoral trade of the region. The town was officially gazetted in 1885 and functioned as a regional trade point. However, by the inter-war period a number of cyclones saw the need for the jetty servicing the small town to be rebuilt and relocated. Another negative factor was the downturn in the pearling industry and strict Federal navigation laws that saw businesses in the town close. By 1922 a new jetty was built further up the coast at Beadon Point, and in 1924 the ‘new’ town of Onslow was gazetted nearby, which saw ‘Old Onslow’ formally abandoned the following year. During this year a small reserve was created on the site of Beadon Point Rear Navigational Lead Platform for ‘Harbour Purposes’. During this period, the Public Works Department (PWD) was active building lighthouses and navigational aids across the state, which was also influenced by the federal changes to navigation laws. An important distinction in these works was the difference between ‘ocean’ lights such as substantial lighthouses, which guided the direction of journeys at sea and ‘port’ lights, which were navigational aids for ships to safely make their way to landing sites.

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Residence - Sweeting

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The residence on Lot 326 Third Avenue has historic cultural heritage significance. It is a remnant of the Old Onslow town site that has survived numerous storms. The dwelling represents the failures of Old Onslow anad the confidence people had in the New Onslow town site at Beadon Point.

Physical Description

The residence in 1999 was still a small cottage despite changes to it's original form. It is two rooms wide with a small verandah shading the front of the house. The building has a timber frame, iron cladding and a flat corrugated iron roof. Lattice work has been attached to the front of the verandah.

History

The residence is one of the few remianing buildings brought over from Old Onslow. It was re-established n the new town site c1926. It originally had only two rooms but has since had a number of changes.

Integrity/Authenticity

Scale unchanged but new building fabric/innovations have been made.

Condition

Good

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St Nicholas Church

Uses

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Statement of Significance

St Nicholas Church has significant aesthetic, historic, social and rarity heritage value. Valued by local residents and visitors alike, the pretty church has important streetscape value. The history of the church goes back to the founding of the original St Nicholas Parish in Old Onslow. Built soon after the relocation of the town to Beadon Point, the church has survived many cyclones and has maintained it's built heritage integrity. For over 70 years the church has been the home of Anglican worship for the Onslow residents and is a fine and rare example of a building of such calibre in the North West.

Physical Description

St Nicholas Church has been descibed as 'pretty', 'charming' and 'distinctive'. Settled amongst a group of gum trees the weatherboard church has a steeply pitched corrugated iron roof and is raised on concrete blocks. The most distinctive feature of the church is the verandah, which surrounds the building. The entry is through simple wooden doors located under a small gable, which emulates the pitch of the main gabled roof. A post and rail steel fence encloses the property with decorative gates across the path.

History

The first St Nicholas Church was in Old Onslow. This was a large church built in 1904. In 1909 it was destroyed by a cyclone. The Anglican worshippers from this year held their church services in private homes until the Mechanics Institute Hall opened in 1912. When Onslow was relocated to the new town site at Beadon Point, a building fund committee worked to raise funds for constructing a new Anglican Church. Comprising of 6 active women, the committee raised over 600 pounds in two years towards the building costs. After some correspondence over the siting of the church and many discussions about the land allocated, the new church was erected c1927 by Mr Collins. Also dedicated to St Nicholas. It was strong enough to survive a number of cyclones. Particularly notable, was the occasion when the church stayed intact during the 1934 cyclone when a number of other substantial buildings were destroyed. After the storm passed, St Nicholas was described as 'leaning slightly'. In 1999 the new church still stands shaded by verandahs that make the church look very distinctive, if not unique.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree

Condition

Very Good

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Residence

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The residence has aesthetic, historic and representative cultural heritage significance. Though the story of the past use of the house has some contradictions, the residence has obviously been part of the town of Onslow's history for many years. It is a good representation of North West housing adapted for both hot and cyclonic conditions. The house adds to the streetscape of Third Avenue.

Physical Description

The residence at 26 Third Avenue is a long rectangular, weatherboard, single storey building. The hipped corrugated iron roof has small ventilation gable at both ends of the house. Raised on cylindrical concrete blocks, the house has an open verandah across the front of the house with simple unadorned verandah posts. The verandah at the end of the house has been semi enclosed with ripple iron and wooden lattice. The building is set back from the road in a natural bush setting with little formal landscaping.

History

There is a local story that this was one of the residences of the Customs Officer of Onslow. However, according to long term resident Laura Shannon, the house was built for her father and no customes officer was ever appointed to Onslow. Joseph Kempton (Laura's father) finished the house in 1930 and the family resided there until 1941. During World War II, the house was taken over by the army and used as an officer's mess. After the war, the residence was occupied by Eric Bailey who was the train driver for the Onslow train that went from the jetty to the Goods Shed.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree

Condition

Good

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