Coal Seam Park

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Manarra Homestead Ruin

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Physical Description

Ruins of a once important stone homestead and out-buildings on the bank of the Lockier River.

History

Edward Broad came to the district as a shepherd, from the Avon Valley. He acquired land called Marmara, married in the 1880s, and carted to the goldfields in the 1890s. The family lost the property during the 1930s Depression. These structures were built by Edward Broad in 1902 for his wife Ellen Jane (Oliver of Lockier River). They reared a family of 9 children and the homestead was one of the social centres in the Mingenew district, particularly during World War II. Following the War, the War Service Land Settlement Board obtained the property for discharged servicemen. The homestead was once a grand old home and the pride of the district, with its tennis court on the banks of the Lockier.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Walls and chimneys remain, no roof or floors

Condition

Dilapidated

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Mingenew Hill Cemetery

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Physical Description

Situated beside the Lockier River, directly north from the western front of the Mingenew Hill. No identification except for one remaining corner post to original fenced area. No grave sites marked.

History

The Cemetery contains 4 grave sites although no records exist. 1895 - Initial request for a cemetery per S.J. Phillips M.L.A. 1897 - Cemetery containing 10 acreas approved pending suitable trustee. 1897 - J Goddard, ex convict, possibly buried on site. 1898 - The residents of Mingenew decided site unsuitable and requested a new site. Local tradition states that a number of Chinese people are buried on the site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Almost nil Modifications: Little

Condition

Poor

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Mingenew Hill Reserve

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Statement of Significance

The lookout site on the hill contains a stone cairn erected by the Mingenew Historical Society dedicated to the pioneers of the district.

Physical Description

A level site towards the summit of Mingenew Hill on the east side approached by a graded and sign-posted road to within 2/3 of the elevation. A walking path continues up to the site. Views of the town and countryside through 50°. At the highest point there is a stone cairn.

History

The Mingenew Hill was first recorded as "a remarkable ironstone hill" by the Gregory brothers in 1846. It was gazetted as a reserve when the Upper Irwin Road Board took office in 1901.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good integrity

Condition

Very Good

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Mt Scratch Copper Show

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

Only a shallow depression left of the original excavation. Remains of the site of a forge, remains of a campsite. 23-10-1859 Charles Evans - Surveyor - Field Book No 2, p 3 noted copper.

History

In 1859 Robert de Burgh leased land at Arrino which contained copper ore. He mined the ore successfully and considered selling his pastoral holdings to augment the mine. de Burgh's copper mine was one of a series of small but rich shows around Arrino, some of which were spasmodically mined until the 1950's.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Almost None.

Condition

Very Poor

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Stock Routes to and from Mingenew

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Physical Description

The original pathways made by and for people and stock. These became, in most instances, the roadways of the present. The original tracks went between water sources and watering and resting places were established every 10-15 miles, a recognised day's journey for travelling stock. These water sources, whether pool, soak, spring or man-made well, had an area of land around them set aside and reserved for public use. Some reserves, such as Depot Hill, were largely for the purpose of withholding sale stock until they were entrained. Extensive land was also set aside around the Mingenew townsite for mobs of sheep and cattle to rest and graze while waiting for train transport to market. The routes carried no man-made road structure in the form of earthworks, fords, bridges or sign-posts. They did have the marks of footprints, especially over stony divides, and every drover knew the way once he had travelled the route the first time. Gradually these pathways became tracks with wheelruts made by the vehicular traffic, which, during the goldrush period of the 1890's, was extensive. After the turn of the century when motorised traffic began, these pathways were gradually improved through the Road Boards. By the 1950s stock were transported by motorised trucks and the old stock routes and resting places as such, became obsolete.

History

The first route (2437) led from the Lockier River west of Mingenew and followed the Irwin River west to pick up the coast route at the 8 Mile. All stock and traffic from the Mingenew area used this pathway from 1850 to the end of the century. It was gazetted in 1892. Another route (10876) was found to be better leading directly south from Mingenew before turning west along a depression and following a creekline to the coast route at the 8 Mile. This was gazetted in 1905. Situated along this route lay The Tank, a natural rock depression in the creak, holding water for long periods. The 8 Mile (Reserve No 10877) became a barrier line for scab in the 1890s with facilities for dipping sheep before they passed on to the south. As pastoralists moved further north in the 1870s, they established a route (2138) from the Murchison down to Mingenew to access the way to the south. Depot Hill (Reserve No 2360) with its fresh springs in the Irwin River, became an extensive watering and resting place. The north route was gazetted in 1905. The main stock routes to the north and east from Mingenew were not gazetted as major pathways. However they carried all the early traffic as the settlers established "runs" in those directions during the 1860s and 1870s. When gold was discovered further north, these pathways carried all the extensive traffic of the day and from the 1890s all provisions and equipment was sent by train to Mingenew and carted from there. The route to Rothsay Goldmining Centre went past the outcamps of Ebano, Yongaloo Well then climbed up Jacobs Ladder out of the valley to Orango Spring and Pintharuka. To travel to the Murchison Goldfields one followed the Lockier River up past Manarra and on to Nungatoo Tank, Road Board Well and the wayside inn called Nanekine. Many lesser routes led from all areas of settlement to the centre or to the southern markets and Perth. As the precursor of the modem road systems, the old routes linked together to form a network of communication and movement wherever men and animals went.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Most routes are retained as part of the local road network

Condition

Fair

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Knezevich House

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Creation Date

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Physical Description

Mudbrick and render cottage with fibro and horse hair plaster board, corrugated iron roof, wooden floors. Originally two rooms of mudbrick with additional two rooms behind, including kitchen. Six pane double hung windows without counter-weights. Rear and side verandahs filled in with corrugated iron and fibro.

History

This building is situated across from the former hotel and near the railway station. For many years it was occupied by Irwin and Vera Looke. Its roof was lost in the 1979 cyclone. It was condemned, but the new owners are restoring it gradually.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The building maintains its original form but with verandah infill. Modifications: Verandah infill, one concrete floor in front bedroom, passage

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Coalseam Park

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Physical Description

Natural feature of bushland incorporating seams of coal in bed of Irwin River. Prolific wildflowers in season. Picnic and viewing areas for public recreation.

History

During an exploration traverse in 1846, the Gregory brothers and others discovered coal in the Irwin River. First coal discovery in the colony, causing expectation of mining reserves for fuel. Exploration of coal seams proved the reserves uneconomic. Now the main tourist attraction of both the Mingenew and Mullewa Shires. 1893 Vic Location 11144, 11275, 11276, 11323 = public plan 127/80, public utility - coalseam 1978 vested in the Shire of Mingenew - Gaz 3765 - 641.83 hectares preservation of natural features 1994 vested in CALM - visitor facilities and environmental protection works (erosion and weed control) 754 hectares - Renamed: Mingenew Coalseam Conservation Park

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair

Condition

Very Good

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Guranu Reserve

Uses

Creation Date

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Physical Description

Guranu Reserve comprises 65 ha of natural bushland containing E. loxophleba (York Gum), Acacia sp. (Jam, Wattle, Kurara), Atriplex sp. (Saltbush).

History

Originally grazed by Burges, Hamersley and Phillips. Water on stock route. M Morrissey later ran it and sold to the government for subdivision. A York Gum bears evidence of shearing with an incision cut through the trunk to allow movement of a wooden lever used to press wool. C.S. Oliver reputedly grew the first wheat in the district on the Guranu Estate.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good

Condition

Natural

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Depot Hill Reserve

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The district emblem the Hakea Orthorrhyncha (Bird Beak Hakea) grows there.

Physical Description

Located around a bend of the Irwin River on a C.A.L.M. Reserve of Tamar, Jam trees of 2043 hectares. The Irwin River meanders through the length of the reserve with a natural spring flowing the length of the Depot Hill for 4 kilometres. It is known for its abundant wild life and native flowers. The Depot Hill Road crosses the River at the base of Depot Hill.

History

Named by the Gregory Brothers in 1846 where they buried supplies. It was used by explorers, travellers and coal prospectors and became an important stock grazing common and holding area with year-round water on the stock route north. During World War 2 the area of Depot Hill became an important Army Firing Range. It is now a picnic and camping area known for its wildlife and native flora.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Integrity intact

Condition

Natural

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Narandagy Well

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Statement of Significance

The well was constructed as a watering point on the stock route in the 1890s. It also serviced the large holding of George Gooch who owned land all around it.

Physical Description

This well is situated in a reserve mostly of Yorkgum and Jam about 25 km north of Mingenew. This area was well recognised as a good watering point for stock and stockmen who rested there on their journeys.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Some integrity

Condition

Poor

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Lee House

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Physical Description

Originally a two-roomed cottage with central passage, kitchen behind, hipped roof, construction of concrete block, rendered at the front, patterned elsewhere including half height of verandahs and porch (glazed). There is a concrete block/corrugated iron store in the backyard. Near Mingenew Spring.

History

Was known as a site of a blacksmith with ample water from the Mingenew Spring. Old style house with concrete block walls. Re-roofed after 1979 cyclone. Owners have renovated.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The original form of the house is recognisable Modifications: Verandahs filled in with asbestos/cement rear additions, one wall of central passage removed.

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Lockier River Farm Homestead

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Statement of Significance

The main house was built in 1879, a date carved in stone at the front. It has served as a farm house without many changes. Shows a high standard of workmanship. The present owners are preserving and restoring to its former glory. A good example of an early homestead.

Physical Description

Situated within sight of the road 600 metres from Lockier River. Railway line runs between river and house. The house is set low into side of rise and comprises two buildings - the older a two room gable-roofed structure facing west with front and rear (filled in) verandahs, the newer a hipped roof building facing south, with verandahs on four sides, those on east and west filled in with stone of matching construction. Sash windows with timber lintels. There is a stone store with a tin roof further up the rise. The owners are currently restoring and repairing.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The original fabric and character of the place remain intact. Modifications: Modernised internally

Condition

Very Good

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Mingenew Railway Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The Railway precinct runs east west along the main Perth Highway (Midlands Road). Part of a stone and brick railway station, iron goods shed and a small signals shed remain. Westrail only uses the signal shed. The remaining older part of the station building, being on the eastern end, is of stone with brick quoins and shallow arched window openings, supported by hooped iron lintels. The later brick addition, following the same roof-line on the south face but with a northern projection, is of brick with similar window surrounds but flat concrete lintels. The demolished station buildings were located immediately to the west.

History

In 1887 the Midland Railway line was surveyed and on 24/11/1894 was opened to rail traffic. The stone railway station and residence was built by F W G Liebe at the same time (a portion being demolished in 1974). By then Mingenew was the trading centre for all stock sent to Perth markets from the entire northern areas of the State and extensive timber yards were built on 1/2 acre north of the line. About 1930s trucking yards were built on that site. Mingenew was a main depot for the Midland Railway with barracks, length runner's house (demolished after he died) large bitumen coal stage, 40000 litre water tank of wood and steel gravity fed from the Erregulla Spring Reserve which had to be cleared every month of reeds. It also supplied the Station master's house and station. The goods shed was opposite T & D Stores with a roof over the line so the engine could be parked for maintenance by the team from Walkaway. It was demolished in 1960. (Many people remember stealing apples from this shed). A new small shed was then built opposite the station after diesel engines arrived and the water tank and coal bin were removed. Midland Railway provided housing and there were three houses on Donald Road and two on the approach road at the back of the Station. All are now demolished. A twelve hut weatherboard barracks with a separate peaked roof was built in the 1950s with a walkway to the kitchen and toilet/shower blocks. They had large water tanks for rain water. Gum trees and lawn surrounded the barracks. The walkway continued to the station between the signal bunker. The old shed was to the east. Two main lines ran for N/S lines, a third for the goods shed and a fourth for water and coal. The Railway Station and residence were built of stone with an iron roof. A breeze-way divided both buildings. A tearooms and residence were on the east side. West Australian Government Railways took over in 1959 and Westrail in 1975. The last passenger train went on 27 July 1975. Westrail leased the station to the Shire and the Arts Council leased the Station from the Shire at Shire rent. A fence along the platform and around the back have been erected for safety.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Part of the original stone building remains, with a later brick addition. Modifications: The station has been added to and parts demolished over the years

Condition

Good

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National Bank

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Statement of Significance

Although much altered, the National Bank is an imposing building in the main street of Mingenew.

Physical Description

A solid brick building with rendered portico and tile roof in the main street of Mingenew.

History

The National Bank was built in 1908. One other bank, the NSW, opened in 1929 and closed in 1950. The National was of weatherboard with a fancy trim on the verandah. A large residence extended out the back. The current front facade of brick was built in 1934 and extended as far back as the strongroom. The ledger desk was on a ledge 10" above floor level to observe the customers and assist in case of any hold-ups. Pistols were issued to most senior staff. The residence was demolished in 1965 when a manager's house was built.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The building has been much altered and has a low integrity. Modifications: The original weatherboard and iron building constructed in 1908. In the 1930s the present brick front was added in response to a Council by-law that required all buildings on Midlands Road to have a masonry front. Sometime after 1985 the Dutch gable C.G.I, roof was removed and replaced with tiles, window framing was simplified, exterior brickwork painted and interior extensively remodelled.

Condition

Very good, although much altered

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Mingenew Post Office & Quarters

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Physical Description

The single storey Post Office occupies a spacious site in a prominent position in the main street of Mingenew. Distinguishing features are a full length front verandah and a chimney with rendered top. The present building is to some degree cluttered by signs and a receiving dish.

History

Original official Mingenew Post Office and living quarters until May 19S7 then operated as a Post Office Agency. It is currently (1994) operating as a licensed Post Office. In the same building operate a cafe (opened in 1991, trading as the Old Postmaster's Tearooms, which changed its name in 1995 to the Mail Run), the A.P.B. Office (1987), the Lions Expo Office (1988), and the Telecentre (1994).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The original fabric appears to be intact although added to by several brick additions of similar scale to the original building, some under the main roof. Modifications: Brick Additions on three sides, ceilings replaced

Condition

Very Good

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K & M Store

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

It is now the only store to retain its verandahs and traditionally all cake stalls are held there.

Physical Description

A small country store on the main road through town with living quarters at the back, containing original large wood fired ovens. Built of asbestos cement and iron on a wooden frame, with infill concrete blocks. Full length verandah along frontage.

History

The shop was built as a temporary structure before the main stone store (where Cecil Newton Park is) was built. After the main store was constructed, it became "The Tearooms" for many years. It became a store again in the 1960s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The building maintains its original lines. Modifications: Wall claddings, linings replaced

Condition

Fair

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Commercial Hotel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Commercial Hotel has been the hostelry for more than a century with accommodation for 10 bedrooms and catering facilities and must have been a welcome stopover for many weary travellers. It is the only hotel remaining in Mingenew today.

Physical Description

The two-storey brick and iron building occupies a prominent corner position in the main street of Mingenew, opposite the railway station. Modifications: Verandas and balconies removed 1970s. Some second storey timber windows replaced with aluminium.

History

The present Commercial Hotel commenced operations as a single storey mud brick building owned by Samuel James Philips and operated by William Henry Linthome. The front portion of the original hotel was subsequently replaced by a double storeyed brick building after 1908.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The main structural elements of the building are intact, without significant additions and despite removal of balconies.

Condition

Good

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Mingenew Cemetery

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The Cemetery area covers 1.4126 ha. It is sited on red soil adjacent to the Midlands Road approximately 2 km West of Mingenew. The Cemetery contains marked headstones arranged in religious denomination order. A niche wall is located on the north side. A steel plate displaying the site plan of numbers and names of grave sites. Gravesites also pegged. Parking areas surround the site.

History

Mingenew Cemetery - Location of graves from 1903 to the present. Most graves marked with headstones. In the early 1930's the Council Burial Register started to contain details about the person buried, their place in the community, their cause of death etc. It makes for very interesting reading and tells of the people of Mingenew and how lifestyles have changed over the years. For example, of the first eleven burials, six were infants or children, whereas in 1995, the last eleven burials, none were children, showing the improvements in medicine.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Headstones. Modifications: Pipe and steel fence surrounding site.

Condition

Very Good

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Ebano Spring Homestead Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The site contained a single room dwelling with fireplace approx 10x5 m. Later additions were of fibre board lined with stamp metal. Ebano Spring homestead stood on the north side of a tributary of the Lockier River, in a depression on the East escarpment of the Glacial Valley running north from Mingenew.

History

Original stone outcamp used by stockmen working on the Whitfield's Estate - operating from 1856. A spring in the creek (headwaters of the Lockier River) provided fresh water - making a timber lined well. Situated on the stockroute eastwards, Ebano became a wayside resting place for travellers and their stock. Whitfield Estate purchased by Government 1911 for closer settlement. Cut up into soldier settlement blocks in 1920s. Cardell had block and extended the dwelling with salmon gum (E.Salmonophloia). It was demolished in the 1970s and a new dwelling erected on site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: No original buildings remain Modifications: Corrugated iron, stamp metal

Condition

Site Only

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