Forrest Plaque

Parent Place or Precinct

18192 Milly Milly Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site of the Forrest Plaque has considerable historic significance as evidence of early exploration activity through the region. The location is very picturesque, being a wide river crossing with trees and other vegetation providing a visual distinction to the surrounding environment.

Physical Description

Located approximately 5 meters to the south of the Beringarra-Byro Road in a river crossing, and to the west of the Milly Milly Homestead, is a metal plaque recognising the rough location of a camping area utliised by the Forest Expedition in 1874. The plaque is mounted on a large River Gum, which as been partly carved away to accommodate the square silver coloured plaque. The plaque bears the following inscription "Forest 1874 Camp 18 Was in this vicinity society 1974" Basic in style and lettering, the plaque is in a deteriorated condition, however remains legible. Based on photographic evidence from "Road to Murchison", it would appear that the oval impression around the wording of theplaque was caused by timber trunk overlay evident in the photo on p.17.

History

in 1874, the Forrest Expedition, including john and Alexander Forrest, left Geraldton for south Australia, entering the Murchison District and Yuin Station on 9th April. The expeditionary party travelled north, north-east and left the district on the 2nd may at a poin near what was to become Berringarra Station. One of the party's camping sites was Camp 18, believed to have been quite close to the site where ET hooley had camped eight years before in 1866, when droving the first sheep from Greenough to Ashburton. (see place No. 28) The Forrests were so impressed with the country in that vicinity hat they later took up two 20,000 acre leases along the river. (Source Nixon & Lefroy; "Road to Murchison".)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Fair

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Hooley Plaque

Parent Place or Precinct

18192 Milly Milly Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site of the Hooley plaque has considerable historic significance as evidence of very early exploration activity through the district which subsequently led to the opening up of the area for pastoral concerns. The location is very picturesque, being a wide river crossing with trees and other vegetation providing a visual distinction to the surrounding environment.

Physical Description

Located to the south of the Beringarra-Byro Road in a river crossing, and to the west of the Milly Milly Homestead, is a metal plaque recognising the rough location of a camping area utilised by E.T.Hooley in 1866. The small rectangular plaque is mounted on a large River Gun, approximately 70 metres to the west of the Forrest Plaque (P18200). The plaque bears the following inscription: "E.T.Hooley Camp 28 1866" The inscription appears to have been punched into the piece of metal. Immediately to the south of the tree are the remnants of an old well which is partly surrounded by a timber and wire fence.

History

As a reward for exploring and opening up new country in the Ashburton district, Edward Timothy Hooley was granted 100,000 acres of land in the area, rent-free for four years provided that it was stocked within twelve months. To avoid the costs of shipping sheep, Hooley sought to find an overland route to the Ashburton. His first attempt in 1865 via a coastal route was unsuccessful, however Hooley replanned his route to follow the Murchison River. Subsequently in May 1866 Hooley left the Geraldton Mine with his flock of 1,945 sheep Enroute he travelled through the entirely unsettled Murchison country before arriving in the Ashburton three months later. While researching material for her book, "ET Hooley, Pioneer Bushman", Eloise Sharp surmised that one of Hooley's camps was in the vicinity of an old well site near where Beringarra-Byro Road crosses the Murchison River. Although not precisely located, the plaque was erected by Eloise Sharp as an acknowledgement of Hooley's role in opening up the Murchison district. (Source Nixon M & Lefroy RFB; "Road to the Murchison". pp.15-16 & 36)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Fair

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Shire House

Condition

High

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The shire House has considerable local historic significance as the first purpose built shire office and residence int he district which was used as a such for over 20 years. It has further social significance for it's association with nearby present Shire Office (Place No. 16) and the operation of local government in the Shire of Murchison.

Physical Description

This building has pre-fabricated custom orb sheeting to the walls with a hipped corrugated iron roof which extends to cover the surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are supported on thin metal posts. Windows are timber framed and double hung. The house is surrounded by a fence. A large air-conditioning unit is attached to the roof. There is a swimming pool on the west side of the house and a car port on the east side.

History

Prior to 1965 meetings of the Murchison Roads Board and later Shire of Murchison were conducted at staion homesteads such as Murgoo, Woorlorong, Wooleen, Twin Peaks and Boolardy. By the early 1960's the administration of the shire was handled on a professional and full time basis by the Shire Clerk. At this time Mr George Sharpe, who was the Shire President, mad e a house available at Wooleen for the Shire Clerk to live and work. However, plans were underway to establish a more permanent office and dwelling with a number of sites around the district considered by a building committee. A site at Wooleen station, north of Meerberrie, was chosen and in early 1965 the tender of WH & GJ Cole of Geraldton was accepted for the erection of a timber framed residence/office at a cost of 8,512 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence. Work on the buildings commenced in March 1965 and was completed on the 1st July. The new Shire office was officially opened on 26th July 1965 and served as such until July 1986 when the new and present Shire Office opened. The Shire House remains in use as the residence for the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Murchison. (Lefroy RFB; "The Murchison Settlement". 1986 pp.5-6)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Good

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Bullardoo Station

Uses

Creation Date

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Mt Narryer

Values

Mount Narryer is an important research site not only because of the antiquity of its rocks and minerals but also because the features of the rocks are well preserved and easily observed. Its value to the scientific community is shown by the number of research papers written about the area. Mount Narryer contains the oldest rocks in Australia, which are some of the oldest anywhere on earth. It also contains the oldest known layered igneous rocks in the world. The complex is older than 3,300 million years and it contains relicts of even older rocks of volcanic origin (3,730 million years). The rocks of the complex contain detrital zircon grains, which are the oldest known terrestrial material, dated at 4200 million years ago –4300 million years ago. The place is aesthetically pleasing.

Physical Description

Mount Narryer Region is situated 600km north of Perth and 250km north-north-east of Mullewa, adjacent to the Murchison River. Mount Narryer itself, an isolated hill 514m high, forms the highest point at the southern end of a low strike ridge composed of steeply dipping metamorphosed sediments and gneiss.

History

The place is part of the western gneiss terrain of the Yilgarn Block. The gneiss complex is associated with three groups of rocks. One of which is the 3,750 million year old Manfred Complex which preserves the oldest known igneous layering in the world and is almost as old as the oldest known rocks on earth.The rocky ridge is 27km long and 3km wide, rising 200m above the flood plain of the Murchison River at the south end of the site. Traced by stands of mulga are small fault scarps most likely formed during the Geraldton-Northampton earthquake of 1885.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Tallering Station

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Tallering Station has high historic significance as one of the station established in the Murchison district and for it's association with Gilbert Elliot, who was a member of the Roads Board for a number of years. The Homestead is evidence of development over time and the changing fortunes of the pastoral industry while the variety of construction materials incorporated shows the progression of building techniques.

Physical Description

Tallering Station comprises the Homestead, shearing shed and several outbuildings. The original Homestead, constructed of locally made clay bricks and consisting of eight rooms, was built before 1915. This building was incorporated in substantial additions carried out c1927. These additions are of concrete block construction with a corrugated iron gabled roof with a broken back verandah roof. The surrounding verandahs are supported on timber posts. The main entrance is enhanced by a small roof gable. The main concrete block house is connected to another concrete block building immediately to the south by a wing of weatherboard and corrugated iron construction. The Homestead, which features a tall rendered and corbelled chimney, is surrounded by a timber and wire fence.

History

The land which was to become known as Tallering Station was first grazed n the late 1860's. One of the first gazetted roads in the district (1876) went through Tallering country to what is now Gabyon and beyond to the Murchison Goldfields when they opened in the mid 1890's. In 1903 Messrs. Elliot and Cornish combined the previously separate leases and vacant land of Tallering country into one station, naming it after 'Tallering peak', a hill tot he north-west of the run. Thus, it was effectively the last property to be 'taken up' in the Murchison. While Sam Elliot looked for and took up extra leases, William Cornish managed and developed the Tallering property, which was merged into the original Murray Squatting Company until 1912 when the connection was dissolved. William Cornish selected a homestead block only 8 miles from the railway at Pindar and there he constructed a clay brick and timber house with wide surrounding verandahs. This original homestead was incorporated in c1927 in a new section, the whole of which comprises the current homestead. in 1928 Sam Elliot's son, Gilbert took over the management of the property. Serving on the Roads Board between 1929 and 1948, Gilbert Elliot died in 1962 after which Bill Cornish, William Cornish's son, manged the property. In 1972 Tallering Station was sold to Doug and Rilda Bogle following which it had two quick changes of ownership before NC Armstrong bought the property in 1975.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Modifications: Extensions to the rear of the Homestead.

Condition

Good

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Woolgorong Station

Condition

In 2013 the place was in poor condition with roofing iron lying missing and water damage to internal render. Some external walls had begun to collapse. Conservation works were being undertaken by Track Care.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Mt. Narryer Station

Child Places

• 18196 Road Gate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 18196 Road Gate

Statement of Significance

The Mt Narryer Station Homestead is significant as a substantial architect designed building. The Homestead and the large shearing shed illustrates the effective use of local stone. The place has historic significance for it's association with Charles Aitkins, a well known Perth businessman.

Physical Description

The Mt. Narryer Station comprises the homestead, a detached building containing the office/store, cook's quarter and laundry, meat house, new workshops, a magazine and shearing shed. Only the foundations remain of the original homestead built by the Tyson brothers. Designed by the architectural firm Eales and Cohen, the current homestead is large building of local stone construction which forms a incomplete 'U' with a central courtyard. It features cement quoins with black tuck-pointing, a rear breezeway and an arched entry centrally positioned to the south facade. The place has a steeply pitched corrugated iron dutch gable roof with surrounding verandahs supported on wide pillars of stone and brick construction. The verandah is partly enclosed to the east elevation with brick, glass and shade cloth. Timber framed french doors open out onto the verandah while the windows are timber framed with 8 panes. The main entrance is enhanced by a gable roof with decorative timber barge boarding in an old English style and a decorative tower complete with weather vein. A brick render was added to the lower walls in 1960 in an attempt to alleviate damp and salt problems. The adjacent meat house and laundry is combination of stone and timber with a dutch gable corrugated iron roof. To the north of the Homestead is the substantial shearing shed built c1918 of local stone with buttresses and large timber doors. Internal walls are rendered and white washed. The engine room is attached to the south elevation. The original shearer's quarters, also of stone construction, have been removed. The former magazine, a small stone structure with a skillion cement roof surrounded by a timber and wire fence, is situated to the east of the shearing shed.

History

Mt Narryer Station was named after the hill on a nearby range, 'Mt Narryer', which was named by Robert Austin in 1854. Land int he area was taken up by J & W Tyson in the late 1870's. They built a stone dwelling which was demolished in 1945.The Tysons remained at Mt Narryer until 1908 when they sold it to the Aitkin Brothers, who also owned Murgoo. In 1923 the Aitkin Brothers had a much larger homestead buuilt approximately a quarter of a mile from the Tyson's homestead. An earthquake damaged several buildings in 1941 while a cyclone necessitated the shearer's quarters to be demolished in 1967. The Aitkins Brothers, owned the property, which has had aseries of different managers until 1974.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good

Condition

Good

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Billabalong Station

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Billabalong Station has high historic significance as one of the oldest stations in the Murchison district and for it's associations with Angus Campbell, a leading citizen of the district. Although the homestead has been altered over the years, revealing the changing fortunes if the pastoral industry as well as the requirements of the owners, it's large scale, surrounding verandahs and semi-circular roof lines are characteristic of a number of Murchison stations. Furthermore, the groupings of buildings is evident of the way stations operated int he past, with a small community of people living and working on the station.

Physical Description

The Billabalong Statation comprises the original homestead, a 1960s house, a swimming pool, a store, meat house, three worker's cottages, a blacksmith's shope which is now used as a workshop, a large shearing shed and shearer's quarters. The Homestead is a large building of hand -made concrete block construction with variated edges which has been redered in part. Surrounding verandahs, which are supported on timber stop chamfered posts, have been partly enclosed on the north-east and south-west corners for modern use. The corrugated iron dutch gable roof extends to cover the verandahs and features symmetrical gablets particularly evident to the south elevation. Timber framed french doors open out ont the verandahs while large, double hung, timber framed windows considting of 8 panes reflect the style of the doors. A breezeway separates the main building from two smaller buildings also of concrete block construction. Both buildings have distinctive semi-circular corrugated iron roofs with mono-pitched verandah roofs extending form the top of the walls. The veranday posts to this section are simple metal poles. A storeroom of similar construction stands adjacent. The fenced garden of the Homestead includes a stone swimming pool and a Meat House of brick and corrugated iron construction with timber posts and a steeply pitched roof. To the east of the Homestead is a house built c1960s which has asbestos walls and roof with surrounding verandahs. To the north of the Homestead stand several farm buildings including the former blacksmith's shop which also features a semi-circular corrugated iron roof and brocken back verandah roof. The large corrugated iron shearing shed is located to the south of the Homestead and includes an original internal stone wall.

History

Located approximately 144 km north of Mullewa, the Billabalong Station is one of the oldest Murchison stations. This property was originally settled in c1880 by LC Burges of Northampton. He sold his leases in c1888 following which the property was sold a further time. In 1913 Billabalong was divided into two properties, with the northern part becoming known as Meeberrie.The remaining southern portion continued to be known as Billabalong and was bought by the Darlot brothers. In 1916 Angus Campbell took over the property on behalf of Campbell, Duff & Co. By this time a large stone shearing shed and a substantial stone house had been established there. Campbell's hard work resulted in Billabalong becoming one of the best stations in the district. The present Billabalong Homestead was mainly constructed by Angus Campbell. The homestead originally incorporated two old mud brick rooms which were removed in c1940, due to badly fretting walls. Angus Campbell, who was a leading citizen of the district and a long time chairman of the Roads Board, was a skilled blacksmith and was responsible for the curving and semi-circular roofs of the homestead and outbuildings. When Campbell died in 1939 his sons, Mack and Robert managed the property at different times, until 1962 when the station was sold to AC & AG Robinson. The Robinsons owned it for a decade before selling tp the Billabalong pastoral Company. (Road to Murchison, pp 86-88)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Modifications: Verandahs partly enclosed

Condition

Good

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Byro Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Byro Station has considerable historic significance as one of the early stations established in the Murchison district. The older buildings illustrate the use of local materials such as mud bricks and local grasses. Additional buildings erected over the years are evidence of how the station has developed over time.

Physical Description

The Byro Homestead group includes the second homestead (1895), the ruins if hte kitchen-dining building, the present homestead as well as the store, stables and machinery shed. The second Byro Homestead (c1895) is of mud brick construction with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The roof extends to cover the surrounding verandahs which are supported on bush timber posts. The walls show evidence of considerable rising damp damage. Internally there are pressed metal ceilings still in place. To the rear is a weatherboard clad laundry and kitchen. The building is in poor condition. To the rear (east) of the Homestead are the ruins of the kitchen-dining building. All that remains of this building are the mud brick walls, part of which have collapsed. The building is three rooms in length with evidence it had a gable roof. It is in a ruinous condition. Located adjacent is the store which is a combination of stone and mud brick construction with a twin corrugated iron gable roof and a lean-to roof to the south side. Internally original counters and shelves remain tin place with a large collection of assortments on display. Further to the south is the current c1910 homestead located within a fenced garden area. The building is of rendered masonry construction with a hipped corrugated iron roof which extends to cover surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are supported on metal poles and are partly enclosed to the south and west. Over the years the homestead has ahd a number of extensions and substantial renovations to facilitate it's continued use as the main residence on the station. Several hundred metres to the east are the old stone stables and machinery shed.

History

James and Sara Nairn were the first to settle on Byro, taking up a small lease on the Wooramel River in 8174. This area no longer within present day boundaries of the station. Surrounding leases were taken up shortly thereafter, however the Nairns continued to extend their leases until by the turn of the century they had almost a million acres including the Byro Plain. The first homestead built at Byro was constructed of hand made bricks which were reinforces with a fine type of grass called "Wandarrie". This homestead was built by James and Sara Nairn's sons, William, Frank, Walter and Charles. It is understood that there is no remaining evidence of this original homestead. When James and Sara Nairn died in 1893 their son William assumed control over the property and lived there with his wife, also named Sara. The second homestead, the 'Old House', was built as a dwelling for the Nairn family in c1895 and included a large dining room, kitchen and a number os smaller rooms. During the 1910's William and Sara built a second house- the "New House", to accommodate their expanding family. William and Sara ran into financial difficulties and sold out to the Darlot Brothers in 1913. The Darlot family owned Byro for nearly five decades during which time the "Old House" was used as a manager's residence. The Darlots added a mud brick addition to the "New House", which included a kitchen, bathroom and spare room. In 1945 a flood washed away the kitchen which was rebuilt in concrete and asbestos. Byro Station was sold to Simon Keogh in 1961. Major alterations were carried out to the "New House" in 1962-63. In 1983 another house, known as the Ballythanna Homestead, was built consisting of a transportable with a large shed over the top to help cool the house. Byro Station contains the remains of three shearing sheds as well as the present large shed built approximately 8 miles east of Byro.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Original buildings poor- fair, Current Homestead- Good Modifications: The current has undergone substantial alterations.

Condition

original buildings- Poor. Current Homestead-Good

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De Grey - Mullewa Stock Route No. 9701

Child Places

• 18199 Stock Route Well No. 9
• 18198 Stock Route Well No. 19

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 18199 Stock Route Well No. 9
• 18198 Stock Route Well No. 19

Statement of Significance

Wells and other water sources were critical in the opening up and development of the district and were crucial in the droving of stock. Each individual watering point has its own value, however as a whole they indicate the historic routes taken by drovers and travellers.

Physical Description

The closest well to Mullewa that remains is 4.9km north, on the west side of the Camarvon Rd and north of Sutherland Road, along a dirt track. This is the Perkins No.2 Government Well, which was sunk in January 1934 by Frank Field. 34 feet deep, the stone lined well has a timber lining to the top 1 metre and a metal grille cover. The well, which supplied an average of 16 gallons per hour of fresh water, is surrounded by a partly collapsed timber pole fence. Nearby is a Bicentennial plaque mounted on a large rock. The first Perkins Well was sunk and equipped by a Government well-sinker in 1897where the main road crosses the Wooderarrung River, but this went salty. There are further water sources at Woodenooka, 14.9km from Mullewa, west of the Carnarvon Road (built 1895), at Waterfall, 6.5km from Mullewa, east of the Camarvon Road (natural pool), at White Government Well, 10kmfrom Mullewa, west of the Camarvon Road (sunk 1920), at Woodenooka, 14.9kmfrom Mullewa, west of Carnarvon Road (built 1895) and at Hughies Rocks, 32.6km from Mullewa, east of Carnarvon Road (natural pool, reserved 1880).

History

In the 1860s and 1870s the demand for grazing land increased, as did the need to find permanent water supplies for stock and droving purposes. This expansion caused resentment among the local Aboriginal tribes as water and food supplies were depleted by stock, occasionally leading to violent altercations with settlers and shepherds. By the 1870s 'runs' or pastoral stations had been taken up in the Mullewa and Murchison area and a main route became established to provide access for travellers on foot, cart or horseback. Sheep and cattle were walked out from established runs around Geraldton and the Irwin River by shepherds. The sheep were taken back to their parent runs for shearing, and the pathways used became recognised stock routes with stopping and resting places 10 to 15 miles apart at watering points. Some of these were springs or rockholes, and others were wells dug for shepherds. In the 1890s Government well-sinkers established further wells and equipped them with block and tackle pulleys for whipping (drawing) water and a Government issue canvas bucket which held 44 gallons. In 1905 the entire network of northern and eastern stock routes were gazetted as A Class Reserves, 80 chains wide, from the Kimberley in the far north to Perth. The stock route between the De Grey River and Mullewa was number 9701. In the 1950s the transportation of stock in motor trucks on prepared road systems became common place. Many of the roads were developed along the old stock routes, following the most suitable terrain. Since then some of the wells have deteriorated, others have been restored and are included in heritage trails.

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Prohibition Mine

Uses

Creation Date

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Roderick Shearing Shed Group, on Meka Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Roderick Shearing Shed Group has been associated with the pastoral industry of the Murchison for over 80 years. The pace is of considerable regional significance as a characteristic example of the work of prolific builder Alf Couch, responsible for many distinctive domed roofed buildings int he Murchison district. The significance of the place is further enhanced by it's good condition and high integrity.

Physical Description

The Roderick Shearing Shed is a large 10 stand shed of timber framed construction completely clad with corrugated iron sheeting. The shed features a distinctive domed roof over the main central section with skillion style roofs to either side (north and south). The structure is supported on bush timber stumps. A large yard with bush timber fence extends out on the southern side of the shed. Located approximately 100 metres to the west of the shearing shed is a small group of buildings which accommodates the kitchen/dining, shearer's quarters and laundry as well as a concrete block bread oven and two large rainwater tanks on stands. All the buildings are of timber framed construction and clad with corrugated iron sheeting. The kitchen and quarters feature the distinctive domed roof of the shearing shed. While most of the windows are replacements, he east facade of te kitchen building still retains four of the original timber framed 12 pane windows. The small laundry building has a gable roof and awning style corrugated iron window openings. Some distance to the south of the shearing shed is a further building, which appears to be quarters, of corrugated iron construction with the domed roof.

History

The Roderick Shearing Shed ws built int he late 1920's by Alf Couch who was responsible for the construction odf many domed-roofed sheds in the Murchison district. This shed was actually the second shearing shed to be built at Noondie, which became part of the Meka pastoral lease in 1922.Marie Wendland, formerly the Curator of the Murchison Museum, worked as a cook for a shearing team at Roderick in c1979. (Road to Murchison).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Good

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Milly Milly Station

Child Places

• 18200 Forrest Plaque
• 18201 Hooley Plaque

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 18200 Forrest Plaque
• 18201 Hooley Plaque

Statement of Significance

Milly Milly has considerable historic significance as an early pastoral station established in the Murchison district and for it's association with the O'Grady Brothers and later the Mulcahey family, under whose possession the amalgamation of smaller leases into a large lease holding was carried out. The group of buildings that comprise the Milly Milly Homestead group reflects both the impact of flooding and the development of the station, from the remnants of the c1881 homestead and wagon shed to the 1908 homestead, trough tot he more recent out buildings. Furthermore, the place is evidence of the use of local building materials, including ant bed floors, and is characteristic of pastoral station homesteads of this era.

Physical Description

The Milly Milly station comprises a group of buildings within a fenced garden area including the main house, the store and office building, and the kitchen all forming a U around the grassed courtyard, as well as a bough shed, a former meat house and laundry. Nearby are various outbuildings, while several hundred metres to the west along the access road are the ruins of the wagon shed and the original homestead. Further west and adjacent to the river crossing are several graves. The main house is of stone and mud brick construction with a twin hipped corrugated roof. The building features separate surrounding verandahs which are supported on chamfered timber posts. The verandahs are partly enclosed with lattice while the roof is punctuated by three corbelled chimneys. The house has pounded ant bed floors, timber framed sash windows, French doors which open onto the verandahs and features decorative fireplace surrounds and high pressed metal ceilings. A foundation stone located southern facade of the house states, "This stone was laid by FH Ceasar Esq 1.2.1906." Interestingly the foundation stone was not laid at the time of the original construction, but rather many years later in the 1970's by Peter Klopek. The store and office building and kitchen are of similar construction with hipped corrugated iron roofs and surrounding verandahs. The buildings have cement block quoining to corners and openings. The main house and kitchen are linked by a raised walkway across the lawn. Adjacent to the kitchen is the former Meathouse, a simple timber framed structure with a pyramid shaped corrugated iron roof extending over surrounding verandahs. This building has been renovated to accommodate the school room. A stone out house is located immediately to the east of the fenced homestead complex. Several hundred metres to the west of the Milly Milly Homestead along the Beringarra-Byro Road are the stone ruins if the second c1881 Milly Milly Homestead (on the north side) and the Wagon Shed (on the south side). Some sections of the remnant stone walls are up to approximately two to three metres in height. Further tot he west on the other side of the creek are four graves, each with metal surrounds. One grave has a headstone that bears the following inscription: "In loving memory of our dear husband and father Joseph Frederick Waldeck died 10th April 1938 aged 69 years."

History

There appears to be conflicting accounts of the early history of the Milly Milly Station. One version purports that the leases on which Milly Milly is located were first taken up by brothers, Thomas and Robert O'Grady, in 1876-7. The men has built a small hut and make shift shearing shed approximately 10 miles down river from the current homestead, on the small lease of Dalla Camp. of which there are no remains, to a site on the Murchison River, known locally as the east branch. It was here that they built the second homestead in c1881, a stone building with a thatched roof and surrounding verandahs. Near the homestead was a kitchen, men's quarters and further away a store, blacksmith's workshop, cart shed, harness room and bachelor's quarters. Unfortunately the location of this complex of buildings adjacent to the river resulted in considerable flood damage and eventual relocation. Theother version claims that the original lease was taken up by Mr Creswick in January 1879 before being transferred in November to J Forrest, Charles Crowther, H Darlot and Aitkin & Birrell. The role of the latter two in the development of Milly Milly appears to have begun after 1887, prior to which they were involved with a nearby lease, now known as Innouendy. Following the death of Mr Birrell, Mr James Aitkin took complete possession of the lease and gradually set about making Milly Milly one of the best stations in the Murchison district. When James Aitkin died, the lease passed onto his brother-in-law, Mr McKellar, who in turn sold it to Daniel and Michael Mulcahey in 1906-07. It was at this time that the smaller leases were amalgamated into one large pastoral lease- Milly Milly.The third, and present homestead, was built a mile away on higher ground and was completed in 1908. In addition to manger George Halleen (1931-1952), various members of the Mulcahey family have been involved with Milly Milly over the years until 1981, when CC Broad Family Trust bought the property. (Road to Murchison, pp. 139-145 and a "Varied and Versatile Life", p.31)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Good

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Ngatta Pool Buildings, Boolardy Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Ngatta Pool buildings have high historic significance for their association with the Pool, the discovery of the area and with John Perks and the Wittenoom family. The usage of one of the buildings for early Roads Board meetings over a period of 30 years enhances the historic significance of the place considerable. The buildings are a good example of an early shearing shed and are evidence of the use of local materials.

Physical Description

Located approximately 10 kms west-north-west of Boolardy Homestead and adjacent to the picturesque Ngatt Pool, the group of building includes the shearers' kitchen and adjoining dining room, quarters for the shearers, cook and overseer as well as a shearing shed and yards. The main group of buildings is positioned in a row running roughly north- south. Walls are a combination of local stone and corrugated iron with either hipped or gabled corrugated iron roofs. The kitchen building features a rear wing with a curved CGI roof, this being the work of Alf Couch. The southern most building features a verandah to two elevations supported on mulga posts. The buildings are still in fair condition. The corrugated iron shearing shed, with mulga timbers, was used until recent years. It was extended and partly reconstructed in 1910. The shearing shed, c1880's, is about a hundred and fifty feet long and varies in width from thirty five feet over the boards and pens to fifty feet over the wool room. The eastern, or pen, end is partly bush timber with mulga posts and rafters while the remainder is all sawn timber. The building suffered considerable damage from a recent willy willy and remains in a partly collapsed state.

History

Ngatta Pool on the Moucher Creek which feeds into the Roderick River was discovered by John Perks in 1873. The following year perks and E Wittenoom took up leases there which became known as Boolardy Stattion. (See place no. 3) The shearing shed, known as the Bottom Shed, was built on the banks of the pool in the 1880's however it was decided to build the Boolardy Homestead on the present site. The shed which had been rebuilt several times, once housed 20 stands, firstly blade shears and then later a conversion was made to machine. In 1926 a second shearing shed was built north of the homestead which is known as the Top Shed. Eight of the machine stands along with the steam engine were moved to the new shed. For approximately 30 years, from prior to WWI until the following of the end of WWII, one of the buildings at Ngatta Pool group was utilised as the meeting place for the Murchison Roads Board. The meetings were conducted around a large table with long benches on either side. (Source RFB Lefroy, Comments on the Shire of Murchison Municipal Inventory).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Shearing Shed- Poor. Others- Fair

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Yuin Station Homestead

Condition

Good

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Yuin Station has very high historic significance as one of the first pastoral properties in the state and as the first station to be established in the Murchison district. It has further significance for it's association with Thomas Burges, the Wittenoom and Foulkes-Taylor families as well as being a pivotal property in the settlement of the Murchison district. The psatoral lease also has links with the gold mining industry in the form of the Yuin Reef gold mine. The Homestead buildings and out buildings illustrate both the use of local materials and the stages of development of the property, from the early structures of stone and mud mortar to the c1930 cement block house.

Physical Description

The Yuin Homestead Complex is imade up of several buildings built at different stages-the original house the detached kitchen/dining building, the old store and separate cement block house. All these buildings are closely grouped together in an enclosed garden. The original house (c1875) is of stone construction with a steeply pitched corrugated iron roof. The verandah to the south elevation is enclosed with fly wire and has a curved roof similar to those of other Murchison stations. This building features french doors and pressed metal ceilings. The separate kitchen building (c1890s) is of stone construction with a corrugated iron roof and a verandah enclosed with asbestos sheeting and flywire to the north. The large dining room was added to the west end of the kitchen in 1917 and features large single doors with 12 glass panes and timber framed double hug windows with 8 glass panes. The west wall has distinctive black tuck pointing. A cement block extension to the north-west corner built in 1929 is used as an office. The old store is of stone construction with a corrugated iron roof and lean to verandah roofs enclosed with corrugated iron to the north and south elevations. Internally hewn timber framework for the shelves is still intact. The cement block building c1930, consisting of bedrooms, bathroom and toilet, has surrounding verandahs which are partly enclosed with asbestos sheeting to form a garage on the west. Flywire has also been used to create additional living areas on the southern verandah. Constructed from locally made hollow cement blocks the house features large french doors, jarrah floors, large rooms and high ceilings.

History

Yuin, the first staion taken up in the Murchison district, was first settled by Thomas Burges, and his master shepherd, John Perks, in 1867, although the lease did not take effect until January 1870. Previously struck by 'coast disease' on his Northampton property, the Bowes, Burges' flock of sheep thrived and news of the success soon spread and resulted in other squatters taking upland. Thomas Burges asn Edward Wittenoom, who he was related to through his marriage to Augusta Wittenoom, explored the district further and took up more land. By 1874 perks was shepherding about 3,000 sheep over the country, however he was still using the Bowes as a base. Deciding that Yuin should become a separate station, Edward Wittenoom was directed to erect a small stone store and kitchen and commence work on a shearing shed. Edward's brother,Frank also arrived at Yuin to work on the station, which they leased from Thomas Burges. The Wittenoom Brothers set out to find land of their own and , in 1875, established an out-station at Cheangwah, later to become Murgoo. However, Yuin remained the shearing depot for all the expanding flocks. In 1884 Frank and Edward's lease on Yuin expired and they handed the management of the property over to Thomas Burges' cousin, Francis Burges. Yuin was badly affected by a long drought through the 1890's and early 1900's. In 1890 gold was discovered at the Yuin Reef but it was not worked until a few years later. (Shire of Yalgoo) Following the departure of Francis, Yuin was overseen by a succession of managers. In 1929 William Burges sold the property to Charles Foulkes-Taylor and BL Anderson and it was bruce Anderson who managed the stayion until 1940 when he joined up for WWII. In c1930 the cement block building containing the additional bedrooms was constructed while in 1937 Yuin became a licensed aerodrome. During the war Bruce returned to Yuin and continued to manage the property until 1957. In 1960 Michael Foulkes-Taylor took over the management of the property and in 1981 he and his wife, Janette became the sole owners of Yuin Station.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Good

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Callytharra Spring

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Murchison Shire Office

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Murchison Shire office has high social significance as the centres for local government in the Shire of Murchison.

Physical Description

The building is of brick with a corrugated iron dutch gable roof and surrounding verandahs supported by timber posts. The main entrance is centrally located on the west elevation.

History

The Murchison Road District was officially gazetted on the 31st August 1875. The district comprised a huge area that stretched from the eastern boundaries of Nichol Bay, Mines (later Northampton), Geraldton and Greenough Districts, bounded on the the south by Irwin District and on the east by South Australian border. In the early years, members of the Murchison Roads Board used station homesteads as offices and meeting places. Murgoo is believed to have been the first regular meeting place from around 1893 to 1911 when amalgamation of the Murchison and Upper Murchison Boards took place. At various times the office of the Roads Board was also located at Woolgorong, Wooleen and Twin Peaks, with Boolardy hosting the office for the longest period over 25 years. On 30 June 1961, Roads Board throughout Western Australia ceased to exist and on 1st July the Shire of Murchison was established. By the early 1960's the administration of the Shire was handled on a professional and full-time basis by the Shire Clerk. At this time Mr George Sharpe, who was Shire President, made a house available at Wooleen for the shire Clerk to live and work. However, this was considered a temporary measure until a more permanent solution could be found. Subsequently a building committee was appointed to investigate a suitable site for a permanent shire office and residence. The Committee assessed a number of factors including geographical location in relation to the rest of the district, road access, position in relation to telephone services, availability of good water and status of land (ie. pastoral lease or vested in Council). The committee's preferred site was an area near Cockney Bill's Corner (Place no. 21), on the Murgoo pastoral lease. However, the Aitkins Brothers, who held the Murgoo lease, were not in favour of the location and instead suggested an alternative site at Balbora windmill.This and other sites near the Meerberrie Homestead were considered before a decision was made on a location to the north of Meerberrie on George Sharpe's Wooleen lease in 1963. A bore was sunk which tapped into excellent water supplies and while work was underway to have approximately 100 acres of the Wooleen Lease vested in the Murchison Shire Council, efforts were focused on constructing a Shire Office and residence, which were to be housed in a single building.The Murchison shire Office was officially opened on the 26th of July 1965 and consisted of a large room adjoining the Shire Clerk's house. (Place No. 17) this room served as both the office and Council Board Room for over 20 years. Gradually other developments occurred around the site, including a machinery shed, caravan shed, a cricket ground, horse stalls, polo cross field, tennis courts, ablution blocks, a sporting clubhouse (Place No. 19), a road house, Shire employees residences and a museum (Place No. 18). Already in use for about six months, the new Murchison Shire Office was officially opened on 22nd June 1986 by the Minister for Local Government the Hon Mr Jeff Carr MLA. Many old Murchison residents returned to the district for the celebrations. (Road to Murchison, p.74. & RRB Lefroy, "The Murchison Settlement", 1986)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: None

Condition

Excellent

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Ballinyoo Bridge

Condition

Ballinyoo Bridge continues as an operational bridge and remains structurally intact. There is evidence of concrete cracking and spalling with some corrosion of the reinforcement steel. Evidence of repair is also apparent. With further concrete repair and waterproofing to protect steel reinforcement the bridge could remain as a crossing. However, the bridge load carrying capacity would need regular assessment with a view to limitation of the load carrying capacity for vehicles. One of the pillars was recently damaged (2009).

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The Ballinyoo Bridge has high historic significance for it's association with transport and communication in the district. The bridge has further considerable significance as the second concrete bridge built in Western Australia and the last constructed with all imported steel and cement. It's function is especially important during times of flood when access is a real problem in the district.

Physical Description

Located on the Carnarvon-Mullewa Road this bridge is a single lane structure built over the Murchison River. Supported on six solid concrete bases, the bridge has evenly spaced, concrete pillars between the handrails.

History

In 1929 work was commenced on the Ballinyoo Bridge near Billabalong by H Martin & Co. At the time, Harry Martin was in partnership with Charles Robert Bunning, building bridges in the north west of Western Australia. Together they successfully secured the contracts with Main Roads to build reinforced concrete bridges over the salt lakes at Morawa, the Murchison River at Ballinyoo Springs and over the Gascoyne River at Carnarvon. They were the first concrete bridges in the State and were unique at the time. Designed by Ernest Godfrey, Main Roads Engineer, steel and cement for Morawa and Murchison bridges was imported from England. The cement came in wooden barrels and it is believed that there may be evidence of the steel barrel bands to the east of the bridge in the southern bank of the river. Water for mixing the concrete was probably sourced from Ballinyoo Springs located immediately upstream from the bridge. The bridge was opened in 1930 and was considered to be the "highlight of the year for Murchison residents". (Road to Murchison, p.48, Timber people, p.93 and Notes from RFB Lefroy)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Good

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Meeberrie Station Homestead

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Meerberrie Station Homestead is significant as an architect designed building constructed at the end of the Great War when the Pastoral Industry was prosperous. The station building illustrate the effective use of local stone and form an important grouping which includes the ornamental meat house.

Physical Description

The Meeberrie Station comprises the homestead, linked outbuildings including Jackaroo;s quarters, laundry and store, meat house, the stables/carriage house and shearing shed. Designed by architect JH Eales of the firm Eales, Cohen, who also designed Mt Narryer Homestead, the homestead is a large building of local stone construction which forms a 'U' around a central flagstone courtyard. The place has a corrugated iron hipped and gabled room with vented gablets. The homestead features rendered brick corbelled chimneys, two bay windows and white rendered quoining around the openings while the stone work is pointed. Timber framed french doors open out onto the surrounding verandahs while the timber framed windows have 8 panes. A detached building immediately to the north contains the jackaroo's quarters which is of similar construction with a steeply pitched dutch gable roof and surrounding verandahs supported on timber posts. Single doors with 9 panes while the openings and edges have rendered quoins like the homestead. Between the jackaroo's quarters and the homestead is a third building of similar construction which contains the laundry, store and bedroom. To the rear is the meat house which is an elaborate timber structure supported on a stone base. Oriental in style the meat house has stairs leading down to a cellar. To the north of this group of buildings is a c1920 stone outbuilding with a corrugated iron lean-to. Approximately 100 metres to the north is the former carriage house which had stables at the back. Built in 1922 this stone building has rendered quoining around the openings. IT has a hipped and gabled corrugated iron roof with vented gablets and large timber doors to the east elevation. The Meeberrie Homestead complex has a number of mature palms and a row of large gums.

History

lease along the Murchison River that later became the Meeberrie Station were taken up very early, however Meerberrie Station was not established until 1913 when Billabalong Station (place 2) was split. The northern section was purchased by WJ & CJH Butcher and was named Meerberrie. The Butcher family had links witht the area since the late 1870's. Gambling in obtaining more land to the south, a homestead site was selected about a mile from the southern boundary. Following the deaths of CJ Butcher, who died in 1931 and JW Butcher who died in 1944, Meerberrie was sold to H & W Butcher, who were unrelated to the previous owners. Over the years the property had a number of different managers. At the beginning of 2001 new owners took over Meerberrie and have carried out considerable work onthe complex, including painting of all roofs and internal walls.The owners operate a Horse Adventure and Horsemanship business from Meerberrie Station.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good

Condition

Good

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