Peace Tree

Parent Place or Precinct

14171 Old Denmark District Hospital

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

There is a commemorative plaque and a seat erected by the Historical Society. The tree is an important symbol of a desire for peace, planted after WWI and growing tall and strong. The plaque reads: "This pine tree was planted in 1918 by the citizens of Denmark to commemorate peace at the end of WWI".

Physical Description

The Norfolk Pine stands on the corner of Horsley and Sctsdale Rd in the hospital grounds. The mature tree has a plaque and seat placed at the base, inviting people to sit and reflect.

History

The Norfolk Pine Tree has historic heritage significance. It was planted in 1918 by the Denmark Peace Committee to commemorate the end of WWI.

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Old Denmark District Hospital

Child Places

• 14309 Peace Tree

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 14309 Peace Tree

Statement of Significance

The Denmark District Hospital has social and historical heritage significance. Located in a spacious setting, the original hospital consisted of three wards, kitchen, operating theatre, office, back and front verandahs, separate Matron’s quarters, shed and morgue. The Matron’s quarters and the morgue have been recognised as having State heritage significance and are on the Register of Heritage Places. The next addition was a permanent care ward which became a Hospice. In 1974 new offices, outpatients and operating theatre were added to the Hospital. It became a 17 bed hospital (though only funded for eight). Services provided include general medicine, obstetrics, home birthing program, health promotion (eg, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, parenting conferences), palliative care, aged care, emergency care, radiology/ ultrasound and a visiting pathology service. Only minor surgery was done as no theatre operated. An increasing aged population has resulted in the need for frail aged care and accommodation. The hospital was staffed by seven people over a 24 hour period. In 2008/9 a new hospital was erected on the Old Denmark Agricultural Research Centre site.

Physical Description

The hospital buildings nestle in a parkland and garden setting.

History

It was built by Joe Thornton to incorrect plans as the Public Works Department supplied a Group house plan in error. All additions have been made keeping a unity of material and design. Architectural drawings are available. The trees in the grounds were planted during the Depression by unemployed men. In the far corner of the hospital block is a Norfolk Pine tree planted at the end of WWI, commemorating the end of hostilities and the return of peace. It is locally known as The Peace Tree. A new district hospital opened in 2009 and use of the old hospital is likely to change. The Shire of Denmark granted planning approval in 2013 for the refurbishment of the Denmark District Hospital (Fmr) and Denmark Frail and Aged Lodge (Fmr) to the Morgan Richards Community Centre. In mid-2014 the building permit and associated tenders were let for the refurbishment works required.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: All

Condition

Good

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Red Cross Centre and Shop

Parent Place or Precinct

19895 Mitchell Street Precinct

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building has aesthetic, historic and social significance. From 1925 to 1982 the hall was used as the Methodist Church until a new church was built on South Coast Highway. The new place of worship is now called the Uniting Church which was opened in 1982. The old church was bought by the Red Cross Society in the mid 1980's. Shelving and other fittings were installed so the local Red Cross could use the building as a Thrift Shop. The Shire of Denmark granted planning approval and a building permit in 2012 for renovation works consistent with the Conservation Plan for the Old Methodist Church building.

Physical Description

The Red Cross Centre and Shop is set in a high popsition overlooking the town centre. Originally the Old Methodist Church, it comprises a large hall and a small room that was previously a vestry. A back room was part of the original church.

History

The construction materials are fibro and weathrboard with a corrugated iron gabled roof. The entrance is protected by a small gabled porch which eliminates the steep pitch of the roof. It has features of the Gothic style of architecture. Standing like sentinels on one side of the Church are some old pencil pines. On the other side is a brush and timber fence.

Integrity/Authenticity

All

Condition

Very Good

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