Coastal Margin - Cape Preston Gulff & Cape Keradren

Uses

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Condon Creek Townsite

Condition

In a ruinous state

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Condon townsite is significant as the first port in the Pilbara and a pivotal town and port in the pastoral and early mining development of the region.

Physical Description

On the North Western side of the creek, the jetty ruins consists of some timber piles and an assemblage of stones. The remains of the bond store consist of the concrete pillar foundations, and a stone and a below ground concrete water tank. The tank is mainly below ground level.

History

Officially called Condon, or Condong, but gazetted as Shellborough, Condon was the first port to be settled in the Pilbara, located between the port of Cossack, 260 kilometres away, and the DeGrey River. Condon was established as a port to service the growing number of pastoral stations developed along the DeGrey, including Warrawagine, Warralong, Coongan, Muccan, Yarrie, Ettrick and Mulyie Stations. Condon comprised a townsite of one square mile that was partly surveyed in 1872. Initially providing a port for the transport of wool to London, with the discovery of gold at Marble Bar and Nullagine in the 1880s, the port was also used for the delivery of machinery and stores, which were then, carted inland by bullock teams. By June 1887 the telegraph line from Roebourne to Condon was completed, and a site chosen for the telegraph station. In 1893 Condon was re-surveyed, and Condon became an important link in the Perth- Wyndham telegraph line. During the 1880s Condon was largely built of galvanised iron and wood, and in its heyday in 1898-1899, had a population of 200 people and buildings including two hotels, several stores, a post office providing Morse code for communication, wheelwrights and blacksmiths, and a carpenter. By 1900-1901 Condon’s population had decreased to 50, and in 1905 only 12 people remained, with one hotel and a store. With the development of Port Hedland as the port of the Pilbara, the majority of Condon’s population moved, taking their houses and all belongings. In 1919, two families remained in Condon, the Wallace’s, of who Alexander Wallace McGregor was the postmaster at Condon between 1917 and 1919, and the linesman who checked the telegraph lines from south, west and east.

Condition

Remnants

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World War Two Rifle Range (site) & Merv's Lookout

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The Rifle Range site and Merv’s Lookout are significant for the associations with World War Two and the Port Hedland involvement at that time.

Physical Description

A picturesque planted area on the road verge, together with a bench seat, o verlooking the rifle range site.

History

With the increasing threat of Japanese invasion along the north west coast in 1942 came the arrival of the army in Port Hedland. By April 1942 the town was taken over by the 29th Garrison Battalion, North West detachment, which had been formed from Citizen Military Forces reservists the previous month. Houses, shops, schools and town hall were taken over by the army, and defence measures included internal security, guard duty, labouring and coastal defence, including walking along the coastline from Port Hedland to Broome searching for Japanese activity. A rifle range was established on Athol Street, which was used for target practice. The remains of the 500 yard firing line are visible from Merv’s Lookout. A row of sandstone rocks located to the right of this remain from the training range, and .303 bullets can still be found lodged in the sandstone ridge where the target range was located. Merv Stanton, who arrived in Port Hedland in 1942 at the age of 16 with the Guerrilla Warfare section of the army, planted gum trees in memory of the battalion.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Port Hedland Detention Centre (fmr)

Values

- The place was the first facility specifically used for the detention of unauthorised immigrants (‘boat people’) in Australia.
- The place is an integral component in the advent of detention policy in Australia in response to the increasing number of unauthorised immigrants (‘boat people’) arriving in the 1990s and 2000s.
- The place was a centre of focus for the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission during the 1990s and 2000s as criticisms of immigration policy and the conditions in such facilities began to enter the public consciousness.
- The place provides an example of the type of accommodation deemed appropriate for the detention of those arriving in Australia without a valid visa.
- J Block still retains fabric which demonstrates its conversion into a high-security detention facility.
- The place is an example of one of the accommodation options for mining employees, namely single-men, in the Pilbara region during boom periods.

Physical Description

The place comprises ten accommodation buildings; Blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, and K, the former Mess building and one original laundry building. Most of the accommodation blocks are double-storey corrugated iron structures which are rectangular in plan. In addition there are numerous prefabricated demountable buildings (post-2008) and a more recent Kitchen and Dining Building. Most of these buildings, with the exception of J Block, have been refurbished when the place was converted into commercial accommodation.

History

Located on the traditional lands of the Kariyarra language group, whose land extends to the Sherlock and Yule Rivers, Port Hedland is situated in the Pilbara region. The Kariyarra lived a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle for 40,000 years prior to Colonial settlement of the region when this way of life began to be disrupted. During the early settlement period (c.1860-70) Aboriginal people worked as labourers on pastoral stations. The town of Port Hedland was gazetted in 1896 with the discovery of gold in the region which resulted in a boom. A railway line was subsequently constructed in 1911 though by this time the gold rush was waning. From World War I to the 1960s Port Hedland remained relatively small. However, the discovery of iron ore at Mt Newman in 1957 resulted in the town’s second boom. In 1967 the Mt Newman Mining Company (now known as BHP Billiton Iron Ore ) was formed and the deposits began to be mined in 1969. Rapid population growth of the town ensued and housing shortages followed. To provide housing for its workforce the Mt Newman Mining Company began constructing a large accommodation centre (Port Hedland Detention Centre (fmr) which was completed in 1974 by which time the population of the town had reached over 8000. The camp created by the mining company was almost a townsite of its own on the Cooke Point side of Port Hedland. The area currently known as Port Hedland Detention Centre (fmr) is the area designated single men’s barracks on the 1972 town plan. The mid-1970s saw the beginnings of Australia’s immigration detention policy following the arrival of the first wave of unauthorised immigrants from Vietnam, people who were informally referred to as ‘boat people’. Although these first arrivals were seen as genuine refugees and caused little concern the second wave, from Cambodia, China and Vietnam in the late 1980s, raised issues in the Australian community relating to unemployment and ‘queue jumping’. Detention facilities were at that time limited, and were designed for short-term stays. With the passing of the Migration Legislation Amendment Act 1989, changes were introduced which saw those who were found to be in Australia without a valid visa held in detention until their immigration status could be determined. With further arrivals occurring into the 1990s, it was determined another facility was required and the Port Hedland Immigration Reception and Processing Centre was established in 1991. The facility was the first specifically set up to house people arriving without a valid visa (‘boat people’). The introduction of the Migration Amendment Act 1992 made it a requirement to detain these ‘unlawful non-citizens’. The Port Hedland Detention Centre was not purpose-built, it was converted from the mining accommodation facility constructed c.1970. With mandatory detention being legislated in 1992 the facility was in demand, and was often a focus for public attention and demonstrations. The conditions in detention facilities became an issue, and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) made a number of inspections of the facility. It was a primary focus of the Commission’s inquiry into conditions in detention with conclusions drawn that it met the minimum standards for humane treatment of detainees. In 1997 major refurbishments were undertaken to improve the living conditions and facilities but by 1999 it was at capacity. The resulting protests and escapes attracted much media attention, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Woomera and Curtin Immigration Detention Centres. Between 1999 and 2001 the number of detainees increased with approximately 9,500 people seeking asylum, mainly from the Middle East which ultimately led to the ‘Pacific Strategy’. Devised in response to the Tampa incident, the Christmas, Ashmore and Cartier, and Cocos (Keeling) islands were excised from Australia’s migration zone meaning people arriving at these locations could not make a valid application for a visa to enter Australia. Instead they were sent to off-shore processing facilities until their immigration status could be determined. As incidents at immigration centres escalated in the early 2000s, J Block at the Port Hedland Immigration Centre was of particular concern being described by HREOC as ‘totally unacceptable’. A direction was given that it not be used until it had been refurbished. Works subsequently completed 2003-04 with J Block being converted into a high security block. However, it was only used once following these refurbishments. The Port Hedland Immigration Detention Centre was decommissioned in 2004. It remained unused until 2007 at which time it was leased to Auzcorp which refurbished the place, turning it into a commercial accommodation facility; Auzcorp Beachfront Village. The place ceased to function in this capacity between 2013 and 2016. When a valuation was undertaken in 2016, J Block still retained its high security features. However, the rest of the complex had largely been refurbished when converted for commercial accommodation.

Condition

Moderate

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Port Hedland detention centre is significant as a marker in modern Australian history, demonstrating Australia’s refugee and ‘boat people’ policies and human rights issues.

Physical Description

Masonry building seat least two stories in height, surrounded by barbed wire topped security fences.

History

The BHP single men’s quarters, built by the Mt Newman Mining Company to ease accommodation difficulties in the boom years of the 1960-1970 period, were converted into an immigration centre in 1991. In 1992, Chinese Boat people at the detention centre staged a protest and jumped from the 8 metre high roof, and in 1995, 60 Sino-Vietnamese boat people protested on the roof for 15 days before being lifted from the roof by cherry picker and suffering exhaustion. In July 1999 the media were allowed into the Immigration Reception Processing Centre for the first time since it’s opening. In November 1999 the Department of Immigration failed to approve a second Reception and Processing Centre for illegal immigrants in Port Hedland, with additional facilities established in Derby. In June 2000 a number of detainees escaped the Port Hedland Detention Centre at Cooke Point, and the Curtin Detention centre, with detainees both taken into custody and deported. Following the breakout locals renewed calls to re-locate the centre to near the airport, away from the residential area and schools. There was widespread support for the Detention Centre being moved, backed by council votes and petitions. In April 2001 the Port Hedland Detention Centre, with a holding capacity of 820, housed 400 detainees, with 669 by August. Escapes, protests and riots continued over the months, with protests largely against deportations and processing and detention times, and protests were also staged by anti-detention activists visiting thecentres. A planned security upgrade and previous money spent on the Port Hedland Detention Centre meant that a move was unlikely. In the interim however, refugees who’s status was refused were moved elsewhere. On 31 December 2001, 20 ringleaders set fire to the building causing $3 million damage. In September 2002 the Baxter Detention Centre near Port Augusta was opened and detainees were transferred from Woomera, Port Hedland and Curtin Detention Centre’s, except for emergency’s. At this time Port Hedland had 170 detainees. In July 2002 a $3.3 million isolation block upgrade commenced at the Port Hedland Detention Centre, and was completed in June 2003. By the end of 2003 there was a significant fall in numbers of detainees in detention centres around Australia, with only 1176 around Australia and 145 at Port Hedland. No new asylum seekers had arrived illegally on the mainland since August 2001, and none offshore since December 2001. In May 2004, the last 17 detainees were removed from Port Hedland Detention Centre. In 2007 it is no longer a detention centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

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Cooke Point Recreation Club

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Cooke Point Recreation Club is significant as a recreational and social facility that epitomizes the unique lifestyle and community co-operation in Port Hedland.

Physical Description

Double storey masonry block building. Ocean front setting. Set back from the road with carpark area and palm tress.

History

The youth centre, completed in July 1977, was constructed to replace the previous youth centre destroyed by Cyclone Joan in 1975. Costing over $200,000, the new hall included a large main hall for sports and social functions, a gymnasium, and two smaller rooms for various uses, as well as spacious change rooms. The construction and operation of the recreation centre relied heavily on community support and participation, with an initial committee formed to carry out the construction and operation [project, including shire representatives, the Uniting Church reverend, and Lions Club and general members of the public. Community fund-raising furnished the centre and provided sporting equipment, and volunteers from the public and local service clubs supervised activities and staffed the centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

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Coastal Islands - Dixon Islands to Cape Keraudren

Uses

Historic Themes

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Original townsite Finucane Island (site)

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Finucane Island is significant as has the original site for the town in Port Hedland, and later as the site of Goldsworthy’s port town and development of iron ore treatment and shipment, all of which makes a significant contribution to the history of Port Hedland.

History

Following the lifting of the iron ore embargo in 1960, Port Hedland was selected as the port for major iron ore export by Mt Goldsworthy Mining Associates, who had secured the first mining lease for iron ore. Following the commencement of the Mt Goldsworthy townsite by the company, work also began on Finucane Island, and on a 113 kilometre railway linking the two towns. Finucane Island, which guards the harbour from the ocean, was selected as the site of the company town and port by the directing company, Mt Goldsworthy Mining Associates. A causeway connected Finucane Island to the mainland, and soil was transported to the sandy island to support vegetation. The housing development was situated along a ridge, and the buildings placed to allow for panoramic ocean views. More than 60 three and four bedroom houses were constructed, as well as a block of single bedroom flats and single employees quarters. Finucane Island became the site of the ore crushing, stockpiling and loading into waiting ships. Ore arrived from Mt Goldsworthy, Shay Gap and Sunrise Hill. The first shipment of iron ore was made from Finucane Island in 1966. Facilities developed at the townsite during the mid to late 1960s included fully air-conditioned accommodation for all levels of employees, and recreational facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts and clubs and grassed ovals. The townsite was managed by Goldsworthy Mining. In 1967 about 30 families of various nationalities resided at Finucane Island, and the initial population of around 1000 grew dramatically until available housing became scarce and the locality of South Hedland was planned to accommodate the expansion. Nine houses at the townsite were destroyed and many damaged in Cyclone Joan in 1975, and a large number of Finucane Island houses were later demolished.

Condition

Site Only

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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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Egina Well, Mallina

Values

• The place demonstrates features of an isolated water well, now in a ruinous state;
• The place is associated with the short-lived growth of the Pilbara goldfields and the government provision of water and other infrastructure to encourage mineral exploration of the area.

Physical Description

Egina Well, Mallina is part of Water Reserve 10550, which is itself surrounded by Reserve 31427 which is currently leased to Mugarinya Community Association. The topography is mainly flat, with granite hills to the southeast boundary of the Reserve. Vegetation consists of dry grasses, natural vegetation and trees. Access to Reserve 10550 is off Great Northern Highway and the corner of Yandeyarra Road, driving in a westerly direction for 42kms to the Yandeyarra Community then taking the Mallina-Yandeyarra Road for a further 31kms to boundary of Reserve 10550. The water well is estimated to be approximately 4 metres in depth and remains open and dry. The water well is constructed from rock, sand, clay and gravel. The grey gravel type rock surrounding the outskirts of the well are from within the well. It is believed this rock has been washed out of the well over years of wet periods and cyclones and spread over the immediate area. There are remains of posts which could possibly be from an old windlass that were used to draw water from the well. The well is considered to be in a ruinous state, with little left of its original structural components.

History

The earliest public reference to a well at this location is ‘Egina Well,’ noted in 1888 as an established well on the road from Mallina to the Pilbara Goldfields, noted as being “about 95 miles from Roebourne” and “not worth depending on, taking hours to yield a few buckets.” In 1891 a prospector named George Moss fell down the well. His report describes the structures around the well as having a windlass and a trough, and the well having no cover save a crosspiece nailed over the middle. Moss stood upon the crosspiece trying to determine if there was any water in the well, however the wood did not hold his weight and he fell almost 100 feet before hitting the water. Moss survived but was trapped in the well until two other prospectors found him the next day. Moss sued the government for damages however the claim was not upheld. It should also be noted that in this statement the well construction is dated c.1887-1888, however Moss’ report names this structure as the “Old Well” which suggests that there may have been an earlier water source that was upgraded or repurposed into the current structure.

Uses

Creation Date

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Hillside Homestead Complex

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The three blocks forming the homestead display the typical features of the older Pilbara homesteads :- separate kitchen and living blocks, vaulted corrugated iron roof (unlined in kitchen) and extensive verandahs providing circulation between rooms in lieu of passages. The homestead and outbuildings are a demonstration of station life over the year and historically the property is linked with pioneer families of the Pilbara.

Physical Description

The homestead consists of two rectangular blocks each surrounded by verandahs and a separate kitchen block. West of these are two long and narrow outbuildings placed to form a courtyard effect. The older of the two homestead blocks has stone walls 600mm thick and a vaulted corrugated iron roof. The roof is a later adaptation as early photographs (1904) show a hipped roof. This block has two rooms, one utilised as a living room and one as a bedroom. To the east of this on the opposing axis stands a larger block containing a games room and bedroom. This block has concrete block walls and a corrugated iron vaulted roof. The ceilings in each block are level at wall plate height. The separate kitchen block is of poured and shuttered concrete walls. ·The vault is reinforced with one purlin at the top with a vaulted corrugated iron roof. There is no ceiling. The outbuilding, one sleeping quarters, now a store room and one workshop, have poured concrete walls and vaulted corrugated iron roofs.

History

Assessment 1984 Construction: ? Hil lside leases, like many others on the Pilbara, were owned before 1900 by members of the Withnell family. It was bought in 1901 from Messrs . G . & J .Withnell by Messrs. Anderson and Wilding , Mr. A . Wilding soon becoming sole proprietor . It was later owned for many years by a well known Perth surgeon, Dr . T. Gillespie, who spent several months there each year. At one time the vegetable garden covered two acres and vegetables were sold to the settlers in the mining towns.

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Mundabullangana Wool Shed - Shearing Shed

Parent Place or Precinct

04004 Mundabullangana Station

Uses

Creation Date

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Port Hedland Townsite

Uses

Creation Date

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Sections of original NW Coastal Road

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The remaining sections of the original North West Coastal Highway are evidence of the difficulty in accessing the region prior to contemporary road transport construction and networks.

Physical Description

Various sections of the Old North West Coastal Road remain. These include the river crossing at Yule; sections running through 'Munda', 'Boodarie' and 'De Grey' Stations; and a section beyond Pardoo. 4WD vehicles are usually required on the Road. Along the Road are the dotted remains of the telegraph poles which carried communication in the area.

History

The mention of road construction was first made in 1919 in the Minutes of the Roads Board. £25 was allocated to provide better surfaces for 'motor vehicles'. Further allocations were made in 1920-22 to continue with the upgrade of tracks to roads. The section of the Road from Mallina to Munda was gazetted in 1922. The Road is evidence of the struggle to introduce transport to the area. The Road service proved unreliable for regular services from the south.

Condition

Sections Only

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Boodarrie Station Homestead

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Boodarie Station is significant for the associations with the early pastoral development and shipping of the wool directly by sea in the Pilbara, the Hardie family, and 1892 telegraph office.

Physical Description

Homestead group of single storey buildings. Adjacent stone homesteads with expansive hipped roof at break pitch over surrounding verandahs. Pastoral

History

Two landings, one natural and one man made, exist on the station, initially, 1880, used to load wool onto ships at Boodarie landing. The telegraph line from Roebourne to Derby was opened at Boodarie Station in 1892 and operated until 1897, it was moved to the Causeway. Fred Arunder and Charlie Upton took up the Boodarie lease c.1880. A Homestead was known to exit in 1880, but a more substantial dwelling was constructed in c.1910. The Hardie family have been associated with the place since 1901. Following the 1903 subdivision of the property, Boodarie Station was reduced from 242,800 hectares to 74,000 hectares. Other stations were formed on the subdivided land: Pippingarra, Indee and Wallareenya. The station is a cattle station with livestock sent to Malaysia and Indonesia. Currently leased out by the owners, BHP.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate to high degree Authenticity: High degree Changes to place: Numerous, to facilitate ongoing use, and changes: sheep to cattle.

Condition

Good

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Pippingarra Homestead

Child Places

• 18419 Du Pont Ammunition bunkers (2)
• 19844 Nissen Huts at Pippingarra Homestead

Condition

Homestead and all outbuildings were demolished by vandals in August 2010. The Nissen Huts are to be considered separately to see if they warrant assessment for the RHP.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Nissen Huts at Pippingarra Homestead

Parent Place or Precinct

04657 Pippingarra Homestead

Condition

Homestead and all outbuildings were demolished by vandals in August 2010. The Nissen Huts are to be considered separately to see if they warrant assessment for the RHP.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Du Pont explosives bunkers are significant for their association with the iron ore development in the region.

Physical Description

The external view is natural earth with a series of ventilators central along the roof of both bunkers. The entry reveals the Nissan hut form and material of the bunkers, with corrugated iron interiors with no structural elements. Concrete retaining is in place each side. The Dupont Explosives Bunkers are located above ground with earth coverings.

History

The Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand (ICI) constructed Australia’s first explosives plant near Port Hedland in 1967. ICI were contracted by Goldsworthy Mining Ltd to supply explosives for the iron ore project. The first production of explosives at the plant, costing $500,000 including planned extensions to the plant, was scheduled for December 1967. They stored mining explosives used throughout the area. They needed to be located away from the town area in case of accidental explosions. They were in use for about 15 years before safer alternative explosives were introduced.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate degree Authenticity: High degree Changes to place Minimal evident.

Condition

Fair to good (vandalism)

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De Grey Station Group

Values

The place was the first European-settled pastoral station in the northern part of the Pilbara.

The place is associated with some of the first European settlers of the Pilbara including Walter Padbury and his party on the ‘Tien Tsin’, Mr McKenzie, Mr Grant, Mr AW Anderson and Charles Harper.

The surviving original sections of the main house and cottage have a matching and distinctive style and were made from local materials.

The place has a landmark quality.

The place played an important social role for early settlers to the area as it was a focus for race meetings and other social functions.

The place has the potential to yield information about family and social life for owners and employees, including Indigenous employees and workers, on pastoral stations established in the 1800s.

Physical Description

The De Grey Homestead and support buildings are situated on the De Grey River, 20km inland from the ocean and 85kmnorth of Port Hedland. The buildings have suffered over the years from cyclones and storms as well as vandalism from the periods of vacant possession. Many of the buildings are reduced to frames and rubble. Two significant remaining buildings are the Manager’s Cottage and Station House. Both buildings feature the early stone masonry of the 1800s, although in poor condition, and many walls still show the locally made bricks used in construction. The main house has four separate eating areas which catered for the class distinction in the early years of the pastoral industry. The house has three bedrooms and an accountants room. The main house faces south with 3 visible stages of construction that extend the building eastwards. The western and middle stages are brick and the most recent (and eastern-most) section is timber framed with walls equipped with steel shutters. Lower brickwork has been cement rendered on the original section of the building. The Managers cottage has brickwork that is identical to that of the original section of the Station House and is also rendered. Other structures include one shed which is brick while the others are corrugated galvanised iron.

History

The De Grey station was the first settled pastoral station in the area. It was taken up by Walter Padbury in 1863, and the next owners were a syndicate of Messrs McKenzie, Grant and AW Anderson, who later sold a one-third share to Charles Harper. The owners and syndicates have altered over the years, but De Grey Station has always been significant to the district. The station represents the pastoral industry and the influences which settlement had over the land and the Aboriginal people. The station also represents the social aspects of the early settlers, having hosted race meetings and other functions for station and town people. Primarily set up as a sheep station, it boasted 74 000 sheep in 1890. In 1979 the owners converted to cattle, as have most of the large stations in the area.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High Authenticity- Moderate

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

De Grey Station has the distinction of being the first pastoral station settled in the area, and associations with Walter Padbury in the 1860s. It represents the pastoral industry and the influences which settlement had over the land and the Aboriginal people, and the social aspects of the early settlers, having hosted race meeting and other functions for station and town people.

Physical Description

The homestead is expansive with surrounding verandah with a gable in the expansive roof central on the frontage. Renovations are underway although some stone masonry of the 1800sis still evident in places. The homestead is central amongst a number of outbuildings and distinctive timber post remains of a large building.

History

The De Grey station was the first settled pastoral station in the area. It was taken up by Walter Padbury in 1863, and the next owners were a syndicate of Messrs McKenzie, Grant and A W Anderson, who later sold a one-third share to Charles Harper. The main homestead had four separate eating areas that catered for the class distinction of the early years in the pastoral industry. The owners and syndicates have altered over the years, but De Grey Station has always been significant to the district. Primarily set up as a sheep station, it boasted 74,000 sheep in 1890. In 1979 the owners converted to cattle, as for most of the stations in the area.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate degree Authenticity: Low degree Changes to place: Extensive

Condition

Poor condition due to cyclones and vandalism from periods of vacant possession.

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Tamarind Tree

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Tamarind Tree is of significance for the associations with early Asian pearling workers, Afghan cameleers, the Chinese community, and as an ongoing reminder of Port Hedland’s multicultural history.

Physical Description

Approximately 25 metres in height, the heavy foliage tree has a shady canopy of considerable diameter, and a short trunk.

History

It is thought that the tree, native to South East Asia, was planted by an indentured Malay or Indonesian worker off the pearling luggers. Pearlers camped at the site, and Afghan camel teams occupied the site for stopovers and water supply. During the 1930s an elderly Chinese man (nicknamed ‘Oujiji’) had a dwelling under the tree, and had nearby vegetable garden, before the site was developed as Port Hedland Primary School in the early 1960s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: High degree Changes to place Setting changed over the years with development of the school on the site.

Condition

The tree is in a healthy condition and still produces fruit

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Lions Club Park

Condition

Good.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Lions Park is significant as the first demonstration of co-operation between Mining associated companies and the Port Hedland community. The vertical monumental rock is a landmark.

Physical Description

The park has a perimeter fence and features a vertical monumental rock outside the fence on the west end of the park. The park is a level grassed area with various shady plantings and playground equipment.

History

Lions Park was a community project involving the Port Hedland Lions Club members in association with Utah Jild. Utah Jild was the company contracted to dredge the Port Hedland harbour for the construction of the iron ore export facility at Finucane Island. It was the first example of Mining associated companies interacting and contributing to the community.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: High degree Changes to place: Recent perimeter fence upgrade

Condition

Good

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Port Hedland Fire Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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