Bridge 4251 over Hotham River, Fourteen Mile Brook Rd, Dwarda

Values

• Although impacted by later works, the place demonstrates materials and construction methods used by the Public Works Department to build railway bridges during the 1920s.
• The place is associated with the growth and decline of rural railway networks in the inter-war and post-war periods respectively.

Physical Description

Bridge 4251 is 16 spans with 15 piers, 4.62 meters wide and 74.98 meters long. It is made of round timber. The road surface was overlayed in February 1994. Bridge 4251 is over Aboriginal Heritage Site ID 27935 (Hotham River). Vegetation (Melaleucas and native grasses) clearing is required. Already cleared areas with be utilized as much as possible.

History

Noongar people living in the southwest of the continent during the pre- and early contact period can broadly be described as comprising small family groups moving through the landscape in response to seasonal change, utilising a toolkit of wooden and flaked stone tools and grinding stones, notably of quartz, dolerite and chert. The artistic culture of the Noongar people was expressed in painted and engraved art in a wide variety of forms, relating to a complex spiritual worldview that incorporated a connection to the natural world, and the remembrance or ongoing influence of ancestral and spiritual figures. In the region around Wandering, the Noongar groups were known as the Binjareb (also recorded as Pinjarup). Groups of families who may have totalled 100 people lived in the region and moved between the coast and forests. These groups utilised the natural resources of the area, coming together annually to take advantage of the cyclical abundance of various food sources. In the case of the Binjareb, the fish traps at Balgarrup were a series of communal structures that provided for such events.

Uses

Creation Date

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Codjatotine School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

Physical Description

A plaque, erected by the Shire of Wandering, commemorates the school building (1940-1946) relocated from Coranning in 1940.

History

In operation: 1940 - 1946 It would appear that the early settlement of the Codjatotine Pool area on the Hotham River took place in the 1890s to the early 1900s until the subdivisions of the Noombling Estate for the War Service Land Settlement Scheme in 1920. On 15 May 1939, the trustees of the Codjatotine hall wrote to the Education Department asking for a piece of land to be set aside for a school. On 15 August 1939 the school site Reserve No. 22036 was gazetted. The Coranning School was relocated to Codjatotine at a cost of £130, the contractor for the work being Mr E. Ward and a completion date set for 11 January 1940. The school was opened on 5 February 1940, Miss P. Medlin being the teacher. The school functioned until 22 March 1946, when it was closed and a bus service to Pingelly commenced. Tenders were called for the removal of Codjatotine School on 9 July 1947 and the school site reserve was cancelled on 27 August 1948.

Condition

Site only

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Old Wandering School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

Physical Description

A plaque commemorates the school site.

History

In operation: 1870- 1924. The General Board of Education made a grant to the settlers of Wandering Brook in 1870 to set up a school and hire a teacher. It is thought that the schooling took place in one of the buildings on the Watts property and existed as such until 1874. The school re-opened in 1876 as Wandering School with an enrolment of ten boys and six girls. It is probable that the school was now situated where the memorial plaque is placed.

Condition

Site only

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Gleneagle School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

Physical Description

A plaque commemorates the school site.

History

School in operation: 1939 - 1967. Gleneagle was a forestry settlement 62 km south of Perth on the Albany Highway and on the extreme northern boundary of the Wandering Shire. Being 60 km from Wandering it is likely that the residents of Gleneagle would have looked to Armadale as their centre rather than Wandering. It has now been developed as a picnic area by the Department of Conservation and Land Management. Only the briefest details of the school are available. The school was opened on 3 April 1939 and continued to operate until 1967.

Condition

Site only

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Water Well

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as a reminder of the importance, to early settlers, of regular water supplies along well travelled routes.

History

Reserve 334 was gazetted as a watering and stopping place for teams on 21 October 1879.1 A reliable water source was very important to early settlers and travellers. As a result wells were often sunk along well travelled routes to provide people, and their stock, with water.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

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Water Well

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as a reminder of the importance, to early settlers, of regular water supplies along well travelled routes.

History

Reserve 334 was gazetted as a watering and stopping place for teams on 21 October 1879.1 A reliable water source was very important to early settlers and travellers. As a result wells were often sunk along well travelled routes to provide people, and their stock, with water.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

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Dwarda School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

Physical Description

Plaque commemorating school site.

History

School in operation: 1925 - 1934. Information from the Railway Historical Society shows that the railway was extended east from Pinjarra first to Holyoak, opening on 1 July 1910, and then extended to Dwarda in 1913. Mr Robert Stephens, the storekeeper applied for a school at Dwarda on 23 July 1923 and suggested that a suitable site would be on town blocks 13, 14, 15 and 16, directly opposite the railway siding. After negotiations, the Lands Department set aside an area of 5 acres on Lot 34 at the Dwarda townsite for a school on 11 January 1924. On 30 July 1924 estimated were allowed for the removal of the Lake Clifton School to Dwarda, however the Inspector was not happy about the decision and again commented that a school at Dwarda would drain off half the enrolment at Wandering so the tender to move the Lake Clifton school was deferred. The School was eventually opened on 9 April 1925. The school opened and closed a number of times as enrolments and availability of teachers fluctuated. In 1934 there were difficulties in maintaining attendance again and also problems with teacher accommodation. As a result the Dwarda School was closed on 20 August 1934, for the last time. The buildings were sold to Mrs Phoeba A. Schorer by public tender for the sum of £28 on 26 May, 1938.1

Condition

Site only

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Pumphrey's Bridge Group

Child Places

• 23819 Pumphrey's Historic Homestead

Values

The place is associated with the development of the wheatbelt area generally and the Wandering region in particular and demonstrates the need for river crossing to enable movement of people and goods.

Physical Description

The bridge is of traditional road bridge construction. The bridge is built in sets of three poles buried into the ground and connected to the top with transitional beams. These sets of poles are evenly spaced and support the bridge work that comprises of secondary timber beams and planks. Each set of poles in diagonally braced. The bridge is finished on both sides with a timber balustrade with a painted top rail and intermediate rail. A new road bridge is located 100m to the west.

History

Although a return issued by the Wandering Roads Board on 17 December 1895 showed that since its inception four bridges and 59 culverts had been built, no necessity for large bridges had been noted. That is, until 1905, when a considerably larger bridge than the usual small bridge was required. After the opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1899, both Pingelly and Narrogin were surveyed as townsites. This meant that both places were being prepared to accommodate Wandering settlers from both sides of the Hotham River. Since about 1865, a crude stone structure across the river was the only means of crossing, and this could only be accomplished during the summer. Owing to the increasing number of settlers, both south and north of the river, it was decided to build a large bridge to span a straight stretch. The contract for the building of the bridge was let to Mr White by the Road and Bridge section of the Public Works Department at an estimated cost of 750 pounds.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity-Moderate Authenticity- High

Condition

Sound

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 23819 Pumphrey's Historic Homestead

Statement of Significance

The bridge has historic value as a reminder of the continuing development of the area around the turn-of-the century when the increasing number of settlers meant that a more suitable bridge needed to be built.

Physical Description

The bridge is of tradition road bridge construction. The bridge is built in sets of three poles buried into the ground and connected at the top with transitional beams. These sets of poies are evenly spaced and support the bridge work that comprises of secondary timber beams and planks. Each set of poles is diagonally braced. The bridge is finished on both sides with a timber balustrade with a painted top rail and intermediate rail.

History

Although a return issued by the Wandering Roads Board on 17 December 1895 showed that since its inception four bridges and 59 culverts had been built, no necessity for large bridges had been noted. That is, until 1905, when a considerably larger bridge than the usual small bridge was required. After the opening of the GSR in 1899, both Pingelly and Narrogin were surveyed as townsites. This meant that both places were being prepared to accommodate Wandering settlers from both sides of the Hotham River. Since about 1865, a crude stone structure across the river was the only means of crossing the river, and this could only be accomplished during the summer. Owing to the increasing number of settlers, both south and north of the river, it was decided to build a large bridge to span a straight stretch. The contract for the building of the bridge was let to Mr White by the Road and Bridge section of the Public Works Department at an estimated cost of £750.1 The annual report of the Department of Public Works for the year 1905 noted, "Bridge - Hotham River (Pumphrey's) Wandering - Timber Bridge - completed"2 Minor repair works were carried out in 1938, and in 1950, the Main Roads Department tested its safety, finding that the foundation timbers were stable enough for another fifty years.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Unknownrequires Engineer's assessment

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Wandering Hotel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Crucifix

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Crucifix is a landmark on Mission Road which is enhanced by its height, and the light colour is in contrast to its surrounding making it easily recognisable through the bush. The Crucifix has historic value as a reminder of the activities of the St Francis Xavier Mission.

Physical Description

The crucifix stands alone in a clearing surrounded by bush and tall trees. The top of the crucifix stands at least 3 metres from the ground. The crucifix is made of very heavy wrought timbers bolted together and mounted on a stone pedestal. The statue is a traditional figure of Christ carved in stone.

History

Erected by the St Francis Xavier Mission.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Good

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Dormitory- Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place is a representative example of a building style that dictated functionalisation and discouraged superfluous detail, together with post war austerity, the style produced plain forms. The style was common in Western Australia in the late 1950s and during the 1960s.

Physical Description

The dormitory forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The exterior of the building features sand coloured bricks built on a brick plinth, a brick chimney breast, a random rubble stone verandah plinth, and geometric balustrade in mild steel. The roof extends to cover the verandah which is supported by steel framing. The building has a slight industrial feel with modular construction components and small picture windows with awning sashes. The dormitory comprises individual rooms, lounge rooms and catering facilities.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. The construction of the Dormitory in 1963, was part of the continued development of the Mission.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Good

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Fmr Convent - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has landmark value as a prominent building on its raised and open location. The stone balustrade and new entrance, and the brick additions provide a record of the historical changes to the place that occurred through different building periods. The place is aesthetically linked to the neighbouring former nunnery through the consistent use of stonework and rendered quoins which create visual interest. The use of these materials provide a unifying theme to the mission. Each of the building is distinguishable by its three-dimensional form and scale. The place has historic value as a reminder of a period in Western Australia's development when religious organisations provided facilities for Aboriginal children who were considered to be living under unsatisfactory

Physical Description

The former convent forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The building is orientated east-west and has a high-pitched gable roof with a simple cross at its apex at the front wall. The building is constructed of light coloured stone with rendered quoins and corbelled gable ends. The exterior of the building features simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. An awning has been added to the front elevation to protect the openings. The entrance is approached by a curved staircase with a coursed rubble stone wall and balustrade in mild steel. The staircase and balustrade are additions. The building was extended out from the south wall. No consideration was given to match the design or materials of the original building. The addition is in red brickwork with buttressed walls, possibly constructed during the 1960s. The addition is split level and features horizontally proportioned windows with angled brick window sills. The external wall on the northern elevation is rendered, the remaining walls are face brickwork. The interior of the building has rendered walls and timber floors throughout, now covered with carpet or linoleum. An ablution block and rainwater tanks have been added in recent years. The building now accommodates a conference room, classrooms and kitchen facilities.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. Twenty four Italian POWs arrived at the Mission on 2 February 1946 to help with clearing, building, construction and general work around the Mission. One of their main tasks was the preparation of granite from a nearby granite outcrop for the building of the convent and orphanage. When enough granite was blasted, stonemasons were employed to lay the solid foundation for the new convent. On 20 July 1947, His Grace, Archbishop Prendiville, blessed and laid the foundation stone.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY Moderate Degree AUTHENTICITY Moderate Degree

Condition

Very Good

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Fmr Nunnery - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has landmark value as a prominent building on its raised and open location. It is aesthetically linked to the neighbouring former convent through a consistent use of stonework and rendered quoins which create visual interest. The use of these materials provide a unifying theme to the mission. Each of the two buildings is distinguishable by its three-dimensional form and scale. The place has historic value as a reminder of a period in Western Australia's development when religious organisations provided facilities for Aboriginal children who were considered to be living under unsatisfactory conditions.

Physical Description

The former convent forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The building is orientated east-west and has a high-pitched gable roof with a simple cross at its apex at the front wall. The building is constructed of light coloured stone with rendered quoins and corbelled gable ends. The exterior of the building features simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. An awning has been added to the front elevation to protect the openings. The entrance is approached by a curved staircase with a coursed rubble stone wall and balustrade in mild steel. The staircase and balustrade are additions. The building was extended out from the south wall. No consideration was given to match the design or materials of the original building. The addition is in red brickwork with buttressed walls, possibly constructed during the 1960s. The addition is split level and features horizontally proportioned windows with angled brick window sills. The external wall on the northern elevation is rendered, the remaining walls are face brickwork. The interior of the building has rendered walls and timber floors throughout, now covered with carpet or linoleum. An ablution block and rainwater tanks have been added in recent years. The building now accommodates a conference room, classrooms and kitchen facilities. DORMITORY: The dormitory forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The exterior of the building features sand coloured bricks built on a brick plinth, a brick chimney breast, a random rubble stone verandah plinth, and geometric balustrade in mild steel. The roof extends to cover the verandah which is supported by steel framing. The building has a slight industrial feel with modular construction components and small picture windows with awning sashes. The dormitory comprises individual rooms, lounge rooms and catering facilities. The former Nunnery forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The raised and open location of the former nunnery ensures that it can be seen from all sides and, hence, its many facets of walls and roofs present rich, varied, aspects. The building is a large scale, two-storey and rectangular with simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. The building is constructed of stone with rendered quoins. The facade has a breakfront. The breakfront and the building behind is covered by a gable roof with weatherboard clad gable walls and corbelled gabled ends. The exterior of the building features timber louvred shutters to windows along the length of the building. The interior of the building comprises 13 rooms with kitchen and toilet facilities. The interior is unadorned with the exception of jarrah joinery. Fibro-cement, timber framed hospital building with a hipped roof clad in cgi was added to the building. During the early 1990s, the building underwent conservation work, including upgrading of the toilets and kitchen facilities.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. Twenty four Italian POWs arrived at the Mission on 2 February 1946, to help with clearing, building, construction and general work around the Mission. One of their main tasks was the preparation of granite from a nearby granite outcrop for the building of the convent. At the same time, another stone building was constructed which was thought to have been originally used as an orphanage.1

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

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Fmr School House - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value for its creative design which evolved from adaptation to local climate, the window awnings provide shade to openings, the roof vents and raised timber floor, provide air circulation.

Physical Description

The school house forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The farm occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The school house is a small and simple structure, rectangular in shape. The timber framed building is clad in weatherboards to dado height with cement-fibro above. The gable roof has projecting timber battened eaves and the gable ends are weatherboard clad. A raised verandah extends across the front and rear elevations with a leanto roof clad in iron. The verandahs with criss-cross balustrade are additions. The exterior of the building features three double-hung window sashes along the length of the side walls. The window panes are divided into six panes in the lower sashes and nine panes in the upper sashes. The windows are shaded by awnings. The interior of the building comprises a single space. The floor of the building is raised on stumps and the interior features floorboards throughout. The north-west corner of the front verandah has been enclosed.

History

The Education Department became involved with the Mission in 1959. The school was divided into two separate Class 5 one-teacher schools. The success of the school caused the Department of Native Affairs (20 June 1961) to express its concern of parents sending their children to the mission as it was considered that the parents should be developing a relationship with their children instead of sending them away. So to discourage this practice it reduced the subsidies then available. Over the years enrolments fluctuated and due to the instability in enrolment and attendance the school closed on 16 December 1977.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Good

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Old Laundry - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as a component of the former St Francis Xavier Mission.

Physical Description

The old laundry forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The old laundry is a simple structure which is rectangular in shape. The exterior walls of the building are rendered and corbelled at the gable ends. The length of the building features double-hung sash windows, each sash divided into nine panes by slim glazing bars. The interior of the building is devoid of a floor covering and the roof timbers are exposed. The interior retains an old washing machine, spinner and dryer. The single interior space has been subdivided by a concrete block wall. Taps and wash troughs have been installed along the length of the partition. The place has been re-wired. A lean-to roof clad in sheet metal has been added to the front elevation of the building to cover the old coppers. An original chimney pierces this roof. The building is in fair condition with the exception of the severe crack in the west wall.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and haif-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. The construction of the old Laundry was part of the continued development of the Mission.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Fair

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Old Retreat - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The old Retreat has aesthetic value for its characteristics of fine proportions and detailing. The place in its elevated position overlooking the old mission, is a landmark and provides a pleasing vista from the mission.

Physical Description

The old Retreat forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The old Retreat is in an elevated position that overlooks the Mission. The retreat is conventionally orientated east west and is approached by a long series of concrete steps. The structure, about 2.5 metres wide x 3.0 metres long, sits on a concrete slab. The exterior of the structure has rendered walls, and a lancet shaped doorway with a decorative iron gate with a cross that features in the centre of the gate. A small awning window is on each side elevation-. The roof features a small bellcote at the ridge of the roof. The interior is unadorned, with a concrete floor and an altar with brick sides and a concrete slab top. The ceiling has been relined.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. The construction of the old Retreat was part of the continued development of the Mission.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Good

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St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Child Places

• 23880 Fmr Nunnery - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23906 Fmr Convent - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23844 Old Laundry - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23837 Old Retreat - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex
• 23845 Dormitory- Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23863 Fmr School House - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex

Child Places

• 23880 Fmr Nunnery - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23906 Fmr Convent - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23844 Old Laundry - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23837 Old Retreat - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 07041 St Francis Xavier Mission (fmr) Complex
• 23845 Dormitory- Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm
• 23863 Fmr School House - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Statement of Significance

The place has landmark value as a prominent building on its raised and open location. It is aesthetically linked to the neighbouring former convent through a consistent use of stonework and rendered quoins which create visual interest. The use of these materials provide a unifying theme to the mission. Each of the two buildings is distinguishable by its three-dimensional form and scale. The place has historic value as a reminder of a period in Western Australia's development when religious organisations provided facilities for Aboriginal children who were considered to be living under unsatisfactory conditions.

Physical Description

The former Nunnery forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland. The raised and open location of the former nunnery ensures that it can be seen from all sides and, hence, its many facets of walls and roofs present rich, varied, aspects. The building is a large scale, two-storey and rectangular with simple rectangular openings with double-hung sashes. The building is constructed of stone with rendered quoins. The facade has a breakfront. The breakfront and the building behind is covered by a gable roof with weatherboard clad gable walls and corbelled gabled ends. The exterior of the building features timber louvred shutters to windows along the length of the building. The interior of the building comprises 13 rooms with kitchen and toilet facilities. The interior is unadorned with the exception of jarrah joinery. Fibro-cement, timber framed hospital building with a hipped roof clad in cgi was added to the building. During the early 1990s, the building underwent conservation work, including upgrading of the toilets and kitchen facilities.

History

In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station. In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital. Twenty four Italian POWs arrived at the Mission on 2 February 1946, to help with clearing, building, construction and general work around the Mission. One of their main tasks was the preparation of granite from a nearby granite outcrop for the building of the convent. At the same time, another stone building was constructed which was thought to have been originally used as an orphanage.1

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree AUTHENTICITY Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

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Noombling School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

History

School in operation: 1915 - 1939. The first request for a school in the Noombling area was made by Edgar Sewell in 1911. Sewell made repeated requests for a school and in January 1914, Mr W. T. Howell supported his request. Once the provision of suitable land was agreed to, the Education Department made arrangements for the transfer of the Lewisdale School from East Wickepin and the fee of £67/17/- was paid to the contractor, Mr H. Marsh. The school was ready for use by 22 February 1915, and the first teacher, Miss L. Preston opened the Noombling School on 23 March 1915. The building remained unaltered except for the installation of a cabin fireplace in 1923. The school served the district from 1915 to 1939, with only a few months closure during that period. The relative stability of this school was due in part to two factors. It was situated in an established farming district which expanded after WWI with the arrival of war veterans and their families, and also satisfactory accommodation was available in the Howell and Sewell homes. When the school finally closed the Howell and Sewell families agreed to act as trustees for the department. The furniture and stock was despatched to Perth in June 1940, and the school was bought by Mr W. J. Kelliher and moved to North Dardanup.

Condition

Site only

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Old Homestead

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

It is likely that the place is a reminder of the early European settlement of the district. The Old Homestead has aesthetic and scientific interest because of its construction, use of materials and steeply pitched roof, and is representative of a rural, vernacular Western Australian homestead.

Physical Description

This Old Homestead is built to the street alignment in a isolated setting on approach to Wandering townsite. The building has random rubble stone walls, partially rendered with a broken back roof that pitches over the exterior walls. The main roof is steeply pitched. The roof protects an encircling verandah which has been partially enclosed. The date of the enclosures is unknown. The verandah roof is supported by timber posts.

History

It is recommended that location details be provided to undertake a title search. This will help establish the date of construction of the building.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: Moderate Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Very Poor

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Coranning School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is a reminder of the early development of the district, when small settlements developed and schools were required due to the sufficient number of children, and then declined as enrolments fluctuated as Wandering became the major service centre for the district.

Physical Description

A plaque commemorates the school site.

History

In operation: 1910 - 1936. Despite the efforts of Mr Percy Taylor in August 1908 to have the department open a school, it was not until a further application i14 February 1920, together with an offer to provide accommodation, that the department approved the construction of a portable tent school. The school was opened on 31 October 1910. In 1921, renovations to the school including weatherboard replacing the canvas and the walls and ceiling were lined with asbestos. As with other small schools, attendance fluctuations caused periodic closure of the school. The school eventually closed on 22 December 1936. On 20 October 1939, the classroom was moved to the Codjatotine School, while the quarters ended up in Wandering as a shelter shed cum school room. Today, two huge sugar gums planted by Charles and Rose Potts are the only reminders that a school did exist on the site.

Condition

Site only

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