St Davitt's

Condition

The place has been reasonably well maintained and reflects its values. Cumulative works have resulted in the loss of external detail, some inappropriate masonry repairs and the removal of fireplace surrounds. Verandah floors have already been replaced once, and are in very poor condition again. Overall, the place is in fair to good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

St. Davitt’s, a single‐storey stone construction and iron roof residence, designed in the Federation Queen Anne style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: ‐ St. Davitt’s was built as the family residence for well‐known and successful prospector F. W. P. Cammilleri (Mayor of Busselton, 1904‐07), discoverer of the Brown Hill lode that became known as the Oroya Shoot, and his wife, Kate Bayliss (nee Layman), whose family were among the earliest European settlers in the district, and it remained their family home from completion in 1896, through to their deaths in the 1940s, and continued in the ownership and occupation of members of their family to 1959. St. Davitt’s was built by well‐known Busselton builders, Hough and Donald, who, together and individually, were responsible for numerous notable projects, including Caves House at Yallingup and the extensions to Busselton Jetty. St Davitt’s is a good example of a residence built by them, making use of local materials, in particular, stone quarried nearby and timber from local sawmills. St. Davitt’s is a good example of a Federation Queen Anne design style residence, designed to superior standards, which still retains most of its original external features and intended qualities of the internal spaces. St. Davitt’s has some rarity value in the town of Busselton as one of a small number of Federation period residences of stone construction, built in the 1890s. St. Davitt’s was built as a suburban residence at Busselton during the Western Australian gold boom period following the opening of the railway to Busselton, when there was considerable development and building activity in the town, which was developing as both a holiday and trade centre. St. Davitt’s was owned and occupied from 1959 to 1986, by members of the medical profession, who played a significant part in the lives of the community, namely Dr. A. G. Hemsley (1959‐62), Ailsa Carrick (1962‐72) and Meave Monks (1962‐86). St. Davitt’s is one of a number of places in Busselton that were originally located in substantial landscape settings, but which have since been eroded by urban development. St. Davitt’s provides visual contrast and adds to the visual complexity of the town.

Physical Description

Single storey limestone and iron Federation Queen Anne style residence. The original 1896 St. Davitt’s residence is a single‐storey random‐coursed rubble limestone building, with an ‘M’ format roof, covered with corrugated galvanized iron and a corrugated iron‐roofed verandah, in the Federation Queen Anne style, set in a simple domestic‐style garden, comprising lawns, trees and shrubs, as previously noted. According to the Documentary Evidence, the roofing material replaces the original. The rear addition, constructed in 1903, is a harmonious addition to the original 1896 section of the residence. Hipped roof house with a surrounding dropped pitch verandah with an iron lace valance and brackets. There is a large brick construction addition to the south of the main house and early additions.

History

St. Davitt’s comprises a single-storey residence in the Federation Queen Anne design style and was built, in 1896, by local Busselton builders Hough and Donald, for Frederick William Ponsonby Cammilleri, as his family residence. Cammilleri was one of the best-known and most successful prospectors in Western Australia, having discovered the rich lode at Brown Hill, Kalgoorlie. The same builders made additions to the rear, probably in 1903. There were only relatively minor changes until the late twentieth century, when further additions were made to the rear, early outbuildings were removed and new outbuildings were erected. The place remains in family ownership until 1958.

Integrity/Authenticity

The original intent is readily legible and the place has continued in use as a residence since its completion in 1896. Each of the major stages of development are distinguishable, so that the evolution of the residence is readily apparent. Overall, the place retains a high degree of integrity. Much of the original fabric remains in place and intact. Some detail has been lost and some rooms have been altered for alternative uses. Most of this change has occurred in the late twentieth century. Fabric losses include; decorative treatments to the roof, verandah detailing, the foundation stone, stone- construction fireplaces, as well as the loss of elements such as; the tennis courts, windmill, water tank and flagpole. The fabric that remains in the original 1896 section of the residence is substantially authentic. Overall, the place retains a moderate, to high, degree of authenticity.

Condition

The place has been reasonably well‐maintained and reflects its values. Cumulative works have resulted in the loss of external detail, some inappropriate masonry repairs and the removal of fireplace surrounds. Verandah floors have already been replaced once, and are in very poor condition again. Overall, the place is in fair, to good, condition.

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Busselton Primary School (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has historic value as the main Busselton primary school site from 1903 to the 1990s and was the place where many Busselton residents received their primary education. It illustrates the evolution of Government schools in the state. As a visual landmark, the earlier rooms built in 1903 to c. 1938 relate well to the extant building stock in the district. Some prominent people including Sir Stewart Bovell and Dr. Nuggett Coombs, Federal Treasurer and Governor of the Reserve Bank attended the school. The mature trees of poplars, peppermint trees and Norfolk Pine on Kent Street also contribute to the aesthetic value of the site.

Physical Description

Site only.

History

The first stage of the building was constructed and opened in 1903-4 and continued to expand. Plans to relocate the school discussed as early as 1984 and were announced in 1996 and it was subsequently sold and was then subsequently demolished. Busselton Central Shopping Centre stands on the site, following rezoning to Business use.

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House, 39 Kent Street

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The rear of 39 Kent Street has cultural heritage significance as an example of timber frame iron roofed residence, a type that is diminishing in number in the central town area.

Physical Description

No. 39, Kent Street is a single storey gabled roof residence. 39 Kent Street comprises a shop front with an attached former residence. The residence is a timber framed iron roofed building that has had part of its weatherboard cladding replaced and all windows replaced with aluminium windows. There are sun hoods over windows.

History

Built by Robert Falkingham & Bill Newman (Falkingham & Newman, builders) in 1925 of lathe & plaster, corrugated iron roof with front verandah, entrance, lounge, dining, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms, unlined, enclosed back verandah with wash house and small office (used for the building business and later funeral business). Robert & Melanie Falkingham and four sons Alfred, Bill, Robert and Harold occupied the house. Robert Senior died on 23-11-1952 and Melanie continued in the house with Bill and Harold running the business from the rear office and back yard until Melanie died on 1-5-1959. In 1960-61, a funeral parlour was built in the front yard in front of the existing house. The brick and iron roofed premise was built by Bill and Harold Falkingham and housed two offices (one for building and one for funeral business) a funeral chapel and extension to the existing garage. The house at the rear was then used as a storage shed for the business. A single room mortuary in the back yard and two petrol pumps were also built. In 1977, the building business was sold and Anne (nee Falkingham) & Barry Faithfull purchased the funeral business and the property located at 39 Kent Street, with their three daughters Jodie, Nikki and Samantha. The house has since been renovated and modernised.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/Moderate Degree Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Bryant Memorial Hall

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is of great importance historically being one of the few surviving churches built to serve settlers no belonging to Anglican or Roman Catholic demoninations at such and early period. The pine ceiling is notable by the building is mainly significant as an honest and valid expression of the era and the purpose for which it was built.

History

ASSESSMENT 1982 This church was built in 1873 of local limestone with shingled roof to serve Congregational and other settlers not members of Anglican or Roman Catholic Churches. services were held on the site, belonging to the pioneer Lockhart family, prior to the erection of this building, which continued in use for worship until the new church was built nearby some 20 years ago. As well as being a focal point for "nonconformist" worship the church was much used by early group settlers and it was a centre for relief of their hardships. It is now used for Sunday School and play groups - it is attached at the rear to a new brick hall and has an unsympathetic brick porch at the front, replacing the old wooden porch.

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Statement of Significance

Bryant Memorial Hall has cultural heritage significance as a good example of post World War II church architecture belonging to Uniting denominations. It is also a significant place of worship for Non-conformist groups and was used as a relief centre during times of hardship.

Physical Description

Bryant Memorial Hall is a single storey brick hall with a lean-to roof and an extended porch entrance that is marked by a tall brick column. The building is set in a carefully landscaped garden. A small reconstructed ‘L’ shaped wall at the front of the building was built using random limestone from the original building. A plaque is set within this wall, the text as follows: ‘These stones of the original church have been retained as a memorial to the pioneers who maintained worship in this place from 1870. This plaque commemorates the dedication and opening of the new community centre on 16th June 1985. ”

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. It is currently used as for Sunday school and play groups. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity. Archaeological Description: Nil

Condition

Reconstructed L shaped wall with a plaque.

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Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Uses

Creation Date

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St Joseph's Church

Parent Place or Precinct

00400 St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Precinct

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

This building is historically important as the first place of worship for Roman Catholics in the Busselton district and on of the earliest R.C. churches in the south west of the state. It has important associations for the people of the area, having been in use for worship for almost 70 years. It has continued to serve, after erection of the bigger church in 1933, as an annex for the Catholic school on the same block and is still held in high esteem by the local community.

Physical Description

A simple building of local limestone, in fair condition with some stonework fretted and poorly repaired. In 1983, a quote for restoration was $2000, but did not proceed as the future of the church was uncertain.

History

Assessment 1985 Erected with voluntary labour, supervised by C.J. Wheatman, stonemason and master bricklayer between 1866 and 1868. A porch was added in 1914 and the shingle roof has been replaced with iron. New church opened in 1933.

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Statement of Significance

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church a brick, stucco and iron church in the Inter-War Gothic style has cultural heritage significance as a good and modest example of the style. It is a local landmark and holds a special place for Busselton’s Roman Catholics. The place remains significant as a place of worship and contributes to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The church has a steeply pitched gable roof, arched windows and horizontal stucco bands. A simple brick stucco and iron church in the Inter‐War Gothic style with its entrance at the eastern end of the nave, an unusual plan form. The windows are in the perpendicular style and the narthex simply treated with a crenulated parapet. St Josephs is cruciform in plan and designed in the neo‐Gothic style, common for ecclesiastical buildings from this period. The new church c1933 consisted of a nave with a large sanctuary and two small sacristies. Two side chapels in transept form were added, and at the eastern end of the nave, a gallery was formed to provide an area for the choir. The interior wall treatment is finished to represent stone, while the nave and the transept ceilings are paneled in jarrah between principals of Oregon to give colour. Externally, the building is finished in cut and struck brickwork, with cement dressings and adorned with two octagonal turrets to the front. An ample portico at the entrance and a supplementary entrance on the north side are completed with a castellated parapet adding further grace and symmetry.

History

The church as designed by E. le B Henderson who took over Cavanagh and Cavanagh’s role as principal architects for the Roman Catholic Church. Berry Brothers built the church and Roman Catholic Archbishop Clune opened it on 3 September 1933. It replaced the original 1866 church across the street.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a high degree of integrity. In 1971 extensive renovations were carried out on St. Joseph’s Church, the first major work undertaken since the church was erected in 1933. The additions and renovations cost $12,000. Alterations to the church included the addition of a new white marble altar and two stained glass windows to the Sanctuary. Plans were drawn up by Mr Phil Ryan and Mr Bob Forsythe. The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Yoonderup

Physical Description

House with an unusual design, it features a half timbered facade, casement windows and a corner entrance and verandah. An 'L' shaped plan house with gables presenting at the ends of the legs of the plan and a centrally located door sheltered by a verandah that links both legs of the 'L' plan.

Condition

This place appears to be in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Yoonderup house with its curtilage area, contained in Lot 154 corner of Kent Street and Stanley Place Busselton has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • the place has strong aesthetic elements consistent with the Arts and Crafts architecture as translated to the Busselton region. • the place is representative of the work of Eustace Gresley Cohen, who was a prominent and influential architect in the Busselton, Capel and Bunbury areas; • the place is significant due to its connection to Joseph Mann and its long association with the Mann and Hastwell families; AESTHETIC VALUE: The place displays aesthetic qualities of form and composition. The place exhibits land mark qualities. HISTORIC VALUE: The place has associations with the development of the first local newspaper in the Busselton area. SOCIAL VALUE: The place is an important reminder of the quality of urban homes previously located within the town centre. REPRESENTATIVENESS: The place is an important example of Arts and Crafts architecture pre World War 1 and is representative of the respected architect Eustace Gresley Cohen. INTEGRITY: The place retains a high level of integrity. Authenticity The original building form is intact with the interior room spaces used for their intended purposes. The 1950s extension does not interfere with the original fabric of the Cohen plan. The outbuilding, footpath and the positions of the fences remain extant, while mature gardens enhance the aesthetics of the site.

Physical Description

Yoonderup comprises a brick house in the Arts and Crafts style with a weatherboard outbuilding to the north of the house. The curtilage area contains original Peppermint trees as well as a mature garden enclosed by a picket fence to the left and right sides of the path, at the front of the house. The place is located on a corner block with an angled perspective onto Kent Street and Stanley Place. The block is in the town precinct of Busselton, being bordered by a council car park to the east with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church across the road and to the south and commercial premises to the north and west of the property. The place has a high profile in the town of Busselton and has landmark qualities. The architecture of the house is attributed to Eustace Gresley Cohen, with the date being placed at 1914. The Hastwell family remarked that ‘the family moved into the house on the day on which World War I began’. The residence is constructed of limestone blocks, (cut in Yallingup) with lime render and a red iron roof.1 The roofline consists of hipped gables in the Arts and Crafts style, with half timbered decorative wood and masonry panels at the end of the gables and above the bay windows. They face both the east and south of the house, and consider that both sides of the house face the streets. A small gable with a finial breaks the eastern and southern rooflines and covers the corner of the skillion-roofed verandah. The original wooden verandah posts have been replaced with iron posts that have changed the proportion of the entrance; however, strategically placed shrubs diminish the effect from the street. Square, cement pedestals with a flat top were designed to support large pot plants were placed at right angles to the verandah, however these are no longer extant. The original front step remains intact, however the wooden floor has been replaced with cement and tiles resulting in minor damp problems in both of the adjoining walls to the sides of the front door. The stone walls have been rendered to a height of approximately 20cm as a means of covering the effects of the rising damp. Recent attempts at controlling the problem in this area have been made by removing the cement to a distance of 150mm away from the affected area, to enable the walls to breathe. A brick extension c.1954 faces north and sits to the right hand side of the original structure. This addition consists of a flat iron roof with walls built of red bricks set in stretcher pattern with dark grey cement grout. The flat style of the roof and the red bricks contrasts dramatically with the contained architecture of the original house. This extension replaced a small verandah and a beam situated within the extension remains as a form indicator. The extension sits uncomfortably on the block, however it does not impede on the original architecture of the house and could be removed to reinstate the layout of the house according to the original plan by Cohen. An original weatherboard outbuilding with iron roof remains intact and is situated to the north of the 1950s house extension being connected by a gravel path. The building contains a toilet with a door made from fence pickets and previously housed the washhouse at the rear. This area is currently used as storage. Multi paned box windows remain intact in the dining room facing east and the lounge/sitting area facing south. Other windows consist of single, double and triple casements with red brick herringbone headers and red brick sills. The placement of the windows appears to be influenced by the internal plan of the house, rather than any form of symmetry with the bathroom [for example] containing a single casement. Two of the three original red brick chimneys remain intact. The third chimney was pulled down during the renovations of the 1950s when the fireplace in the drawing room was removed from the north end and reinstated in the west wall. (See appendix no. 4). Similarities in design in relation to a house at 3 Turner Street, Bunbury are apparent. This house is also attributed to Cohen and is dated c1907. ( See appendix no. 1) The front door opens onto a hall leading to the kitchen and a passageway through to two bedrooms and a bathroom. A door to the left inside the front door leads directly into the lounge area. This room contains the original window seat and a new fireplace, which has been installed on the west wall to replace the original, previously situated on the north wall. However, the interior of the house remains relatively intact with the original stained glass door side panels in-situ. A door containing a matching oval stained glass panel has been removed and now opens up the passageway to the kitchen. No original cupboards remain in the kitchen with the pantry being replaced during the alterations of c1954. At the same time the Metters stove was replaced with a slow combustion model containing a hot water system. The original internal doors and hardware are mainly in place. They consist of a variation of the front door with the glass panels being replaced with three vertical wooden panels, with the exception of two internal, 4 panel doors. A dado runs the length of both hallways and the Jarrah skirting board in all rooms being 7 inches high with a simple profile. Picture rails have been removed from the lounge and dining rooms, however an original hallstand remains attached to the wall of the passage. Original 5” Jarrah floorboards remain intact throughout the house, according to the owner, however access was limited due to the entire floors being covered in carpet and lino. The fireplace surround in the dining room is Art Noveau in style with a copper insert design of tulips, while the Jarrah wood is unpainted and intact. A gas heater has been inserted into the fireplace and the hearth has been tiled. The bathroom has been modernized and an iron bath replaced during the 1950s renovations. The house and garden are surrounded on two sides by an original picket fence, which has since been reduced in height by half. A cement path leads from the corner of the block to the front door emphasizing the corner feature of the house. This path previously consisted of 18” borders on either side to promote the proliferation of flowers with flowerbeds running the length of the path6 and having square stone pedestals placed at the verandah end of the path. These pedestals are no longer extant. (See appendix no. 2). An original ‘puce’ coloured geranium flower survives, as well as several Peppermint trees surrounded by a large lawn area. A Cyprus hedge was planted as a means of privacy and it grew to a considerable height, however it is no longer extant. The owners believed that the house won an architectural award for its corner design, however I have been unable to substantiate that. Yoonderup comprises a brick house in the Arts and Crafts style with a weatherboard outbuilding to the north of the house. The curtilage area contains original Peppermint trees as well as a mature garden enclosed by a picket fence to the left and right sides of the path, at the front of the house. The place is located on a corner block with an angled perspective onto Kent Street and Stanley Place. The block is in the town precinct of Busselton, being bordered by a council car park to the east with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church across the road and to the south and commercial premises to the north and west of the property. The place has a high profile in the town of Busselton and has landmark qualities. The architecture of the house is attributed to Eustace Gresley Cohen, with the date being placed at 1914. The Hastwell family remarked that ‘the family moved into the house on the day on which World War I began’. The residence is constructed of limestone blocks, (cut in Yallingup) with lime render and a red iron roof.1 The roofline consists of hipped gables in the Arts and Crafts style, with half timbered decorative wood and masonry panels at the end of the gables and above the bay windows. They face both the east and south of the house, and consider that both sides of the house face the streets. A small gable with a finial breaks the eastern and southern rooflines and covers the corner of the skillion-roofed verandah. The original wooden verandah posts have been replaced with iron posts that have changed the proportion of the entrance; however, strategically placed shrubs diminish the effect from the street. Square, cement pedestals with a flat top were designed to support large pot plants were placed at right angles to the verandah, however these are no longer extant. The original front step remains intact, however the wooden floor has been replaced with cement and tiles resulting in minor damp problems in both of the adjoining walls to the sides of the front door. The stone walls have been rendered to a height of approximately 20cm as a means of covering the effects of the rising damp. Recent attempts at controlling the problem in this area have been made by removing the cement to a distance of 150mm away from the affected area, to enable the walls to breathe. A brick extension c.1954 faces north and sits to the right hand side of the original structure. This addition consists of a flat iron roof with walls built of red bricks set in stretcher pattern with dark grey cement grout. The flat style of the roof and the red bricks contrasts dramatically with the contained architecture of the original house. This extension replaced a small verandah and a beam situated within the extension remains as a form indicator. The extension sits uncomfortably on the block, however it does not impede on the original architecture of the house and could be removed to reinstate the layout of the house according to the original plan by Cohen. An original weatherboard outbuilding with iron roof remains intact and is situated to the north of the 1950s house extension being connected by a gravel path. The building contains a toilet with a door made from fence pickets and previously housed the washhouse at the rear. This area is currently used as storage. Multi paned box windows remain intact in the dining room facing east and the lounge/sitting area facing south. Other windows consist of single, double and triple casements with red brick herringbone headers and red brick sills. The placement of the windows appears to be influenced by the internal plan of the house, rather than any form of symmetry with the bathroom [for example] containing a single casement. Two of the three original red brick chimneys remain intact. The third chimney was pulled down during the renovations of the 1950s when the fireplace in the drawing room was removed from the north end and reinstated in the west wall. (See appendix no. 4). Similarities in design in relation to a house at 3 Turner Street, Bunbury are apparent. This house is also attributed to Cohen and is dated c1907. ( See appendix no. 1) The front door opens onto a hall leading to the kitchen and a passageway through to two bedrooms and a bathroom. A door to the left inside the front door leads directly into the lounge area. This room contains the original window seat and a new fireplace, which has been installed on the west wall to replace the original, previously situated on the north wall. However, the interior of the house remains relatively intact with the original stained glass door side panels in-situ. A door containing a matching oval stained glass panel has been removed and now opens up the passageway to the kitchen. No original cupboards remain in the kitchen with the pantry being replaced during the alterations of c1954. At the same time the Metters stove was replaced with a slow combustion model containing a hot water system. The original internal doors and hardware are mainly in place. They consist of a variation of the front door with the glass panels being replaced with three vertical wooden panels, with the exception of two internal, 4 panel doors. A dado runs the length of both hallways and the Jarrah skirting board in all rooms being 7 inches high with a simple profile. Picture rails have been removed from the lounge and dining rooms, however an original hallstand remains attached to the wall of the passage. Original 5” Jarrah floorboards remain intact throughout the house, according to the owner, however access was limited due to the entire floors being covered in carpet and lino. The fireplace surround in the dining room is Art Noveau in style with a copper insert design of tulips, while the Jarrah wood is unpainted and intact. A gas heater has been inserted into the fireplace and the hearth has been tiled. The bathroom has been modernized and an iron bath replaced during the 1950s renovations. The house and garden are surrounded on two sides by an original picket fence, which has since been reduced in height by half. A cement path leads from the corner of the block to the front door emphasizing the corner feature of the house. This path previously consisted of 18” borders on either side to promote the proliferation of flowers with flowerbeds running the length of the path6 and having square stone pedestals placed at the verandah end of the path. These pedestals are no longer extant. (See appendix no. 2). An original ‘puce’ coloured geranium flower survives, as well as several Peppermint trees surrounded by a large lawn area. A Cyprus hedge was planted as a means of privacy and it grew to a considerable height, however it is no longer extant. The owners believed that the house won an architectural award for its corner design, however I have been unable to substantiate that.

History

Assessment: 2004 Constructed: 1914 Alterations/additions: 1954 Architect/designer: Eustace Gresley Cohen HISTORICAL OVERVIEW The original house was built in 1914 pre World War 1 by the prominent architect Eustace Gresley Cohen on a block as part of the town subdivision of Busselton. Yoonderup was considered to be a quality home for the Mann and Hastwell families reflecting their affluence and influence on business and society with the town of Busselton and surrounding areas. The site is currently situated in a strong commercial area and the peaceful ambience generally associated with the architecture of the Arts and Crafts period has been lost. HISTORY An epic journey took place in 1834, when several families including the Bussells, George Layman and Elijah Dawson travelled by sea from the Augusta settlement to the Vasse. The Chapman Brothers along with two soldiers travelled overland to arrive at about the same time as the others. By 1840, the population of the Vasse area had grown to 104 and by 1850 to 209. John Bussell of Cattle Chosen, as well as Captain Molloy of Fairlawn (also formerly of the Augusta settlement) took much of the responsibility for the growing settlement, with virtually all the control emanating from these two houses. They instigated the building of a bridge over the Vasse River in the 1840s, in order to connect the outlying settlements to the newly built St Mary’s Church on the other side of the river. In the 1860s, the Government replaced the temporary bridge continuing the road over the bridge into the main street of Vasse and down the road to the new Port. By the 1880s a subdivision of townlots in Busselton had been gradually taken up and Queen Street, (the main street) became the business centre for the district serving the outlying areas as well as the whaling and timber industries. By the turn of the century, the area had begun to take advantage of its climate and scenic conditions securing a growing tourist industry in the town, and being supported by the newly developed rail system. (See appendix no. 3). By this time, the town of Vasse was generally referred to as Busselton, being named after John Bussell. William Joseph Mann was born in Ballarat, Victoria in 1875. It was here that Joseph (as he was known) served a two-year apprenticeship in the printing trade before travelling to Western Australia in 1896. In the same year he gained employment with a printing firm in Fremantle and then moved to Kalgoorlie for four years where he managed Kalgoorlie Printing, and met his future wife Barbara Pearson (born 1875). Joseph and Barbara were married in Fremantle in 1901 and moved back to Perth for two years before finally settling in Busselton. Joseph set about establishing a business in Busselton with plans to print the first district newspaper. He canvassed the area for advertising matter and after announcing that the first issue of The South Western News was imminent, discovered that the ordered printing press would not arrive in time, to be available for use in the inaugural printing process. In order to keep faith with the local public, he decided to print the first issue on a Job Printing pattern, which he continued to do for the first year of publication. The initial paper consisted of eight foolscap pages containing local advertisements and district news and was first published on Monday 26th October 1903 (see appendix). The business was initially set up in premises in Albert St, Busselton combining both the printing area as well as a newsagency with the family living for several months, at the rear of the building in a small flat. Later the family moved to their Prince Street premises, again into a small-detached flat at the rear of the business while Joseph and Barbara concentrated their efforts into the growth of the business and the arrival of their three children. Joseph became involved in many clubs and institutions in Busselton as an adjunct to his newspaper business. The records show that he was an active member of the small Fire Brigade, the Southern Districts Agricultural Society and by 1907 had become an active member of the Sussex Masonic Lodge, retaining his association with the Freemasons for over 50 years. Joseph took up a holding of partly cleared land several miles out of Busselton named Sabina Vale, which he subsequently re-named Yoongarilup. He installed a manager and began a fruit orchard planting hundreds of fruit trees. At the same time Joseph was developing his photographic talents and many of his photos survive through their exposure in ‘The South Western News’. The Mann family never lived on the Yoongarilup property, instead choosing to build a house at the corner of Kent and Stanley Streets in Busselton. The architect Eustace Gresley Cohen designed and built the house in 1914 using locally quarried stone from Yallingup and the family named their home Yoonderup. In 1923 Joseph was appointed Justice of the Peace and in 1926 was offered a position as candidate for the South West Liberal seat of the Legislative Council by Sir James Mitchell. This move proved highly successful with Joseph elected Deputy President of the Legislative Council. He was unopposed in this position until his death in 1951. By 1935 Joseph had become heavily involved in politics and was spending little time at his home in Busselton. He decided to sell his business to his nephew W. Howard Hastwell and move his family to Perth. Howard [as he was known] in partnership with Mr A.H. Armour, took over the ownership of the newspaper and Newsagency until Mr Armour’s death in 1945 when Howard purchased the remainder of the business. Howard and his wife Jean rented Yoonderup from Joseph on the condition that they keep a room available for him on his infrequent visits to Busselton, eventually purchasing the property in 1954. Their son, Neil Howard Hastwell and his wife Lorraine took over the newsagency in 1964 successfully operating for 38 years before retiring in 2002 and selling the family business. It business continues to operate from the premises in Prince Street trading under the name of ‘Mann’s Newsagency’. In 1964 the newspaper and printing section of the business was acquired by The South West Printing and Publishing Co. and is now known as The Busselton Margaret River Times. Jean Hastwell remains at Yoonderup. The place is unlisted and remains vulnerable due to the commercial potential of the site as well as the advanced age of the current owner.

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Statement of Significance

Yoonerup, an Inter-War Old English style residence in brick and iron has cultural heritage significance as a good and unusual example of the style and a good example of the work of E. G. Cohen.

Physical Description

House with an unusual design, it features a half timbered facade, casement windows and a corner entrance and verandah. An ‘L’ shaped plan house with gables presenting at the ends of the legs of the plan and a centrally located door sheltered by a verandah that links both legs of the ‘L’ plan.

History

House designed by E. G. Cohen, a prominent Western Australian Architect.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place appears to be in good condition. The place remains in use as a residence and retains a high degree of integrity.

Condition

Good

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House, 95 Kent Street

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

House 95 Kent Street has cultural heritage significance as a good representative example of a concrete block Federation Bungalow style residence with Marseilles pattern terracotta tiled gambrel roof.

Physical Description

Single storey concrete block and tile residence. House 95 Kent Street is a concrete block Federation Bungalow style residence with a Marseilles pattern terracotta tiled gambrel roof. The place has surrounding verandahs, timber posts and timber joinery,

History

Nil

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a high degree of integrity. The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Churchill Park

Condition

The place appears to be in fair condition.

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Churchill Park has cultural heritage significance for its social value as an important part of Busselton's range of sporting facilities.

Physical Description

The site is enclosed and contains a range of sporting facilities with provision for bowls, tennis, cricket, racing, and football. The park has also been the home of the Agricultural Society for approximately 60 years. The place comprises a large area at its eastern end and sporting facilities such as bowling greens, tennis courts and the like at the western end with its main entry from the south. It is fenced with a chainlink fence and there are many structures arranged around the site including horse stalls, clubrooms and a minor spectator stand. Much of the site is grassed and there are trees planted around the site perimeter.

History

The Park has been in use for most of the twentieth century for a variety of social uses. c1946, the position of the football field changed from the western end of the Park to the eastern end, which was previously bush land. The trotting track was also developed at this time. Renovations were carried out in 1959.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place continues in use as a park and retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place continues to evolve in response to changing sporting and social requirements and retains a moderate degree of authenticity High Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Fair

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Wonnerup Wetlands

Parent Place or Precinct

05371 Vasse River (and Estuary)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Wonnerup Wetlands have cultural heritage significance for their scientific as a teaching site to provide an understanding of the diversity of flora and fauna that inhabit it.

Physical Description

Managed wetlands with some cultural features.

History

Ballarat Bridge (1871, ca.1896), Vasse Floodgates (c.1907,1929, 1942, 1991) & Wonnerup Floodgates (c.1907,1929, 1942, 1991), were timber and metal structures erected in the Vasse and Wonnerup Estuaries. Ballarat Bridge was the first railway bridge constructed to carry a steam locomotive in Western Australia. Vasse Floodgates & Wonnerup Floodgates remained in continuous operation since their installation in 1907/8 until 2004. (Heritage Council WA)Description Notes: The Wonnerup Wetlands form an extension to the Wonnerup estuary. They act as a sanctuary for endemic species of flora and fauna.

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Kookaburra Caravan Park

Condition

The place is in fair to good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Kookaburra Caravan Park, an informal camping park in a well treed park setting, has cultural heritage significance as a good representative example of low cost holiday facilities, and as a longstanding facility that has provided accommodation for many people from the region and beyond. It is also evidence of Busselton’s long standing as a holiday destination.

Physical Description

Caravan park and supporting facilities in a park setting. The Park is located opposite the foreshore and close to the town centre; it is shaded with maturepepperminttrees. Thereisamixtureofservicebuildings.

History

The Park has provided low cost holiday accommodation for residents of the district and beyond for many years and its long duration as a caravan park is an indication of Busselton’s long standing as a holiday destination. Prior to the formation of the Kookaburra Caravan Park as a private business leased from the Shire of Busselton, the area was used as a camping ground, which was run by the Shire. From the 1920s through to the 1950s, the Midlands Railways’ workshops conducted an annual holiday for two weeks over Christmas for its employees. Special trains carried the workers and their families down to Busselton where they put up tents in campsites 1, 2 and 3. The Shire provided blackened (burnt) saplings to the holiday makers to use as supports for their tents. The camping grounds extended over the sand dunes to the beach. Weather-board change-rooms situated between the two jetties provided facilities for the campsites, however, the amenities improved at the camps over the years. Local shops called on the holiday site to provide supplies for the holiday makers and the Salvation Army often put on a show for the visitors. Other entertainment was organised by the Midland Railways social committee with the Shire providing a piano on Saturday nights (arrived and stayed on a truck). Collie Railway workers also used the campsite for their annual holidays.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Fair-Good

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Esplanade Hotel

Condition

The place has been renovated and is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Esplanade Hotel, a two storey brick, stucco and iron roofed hotel building in the Federation Free Classical style has cultural heritage significance as a good example of an hotel of the period, a longstanding part of Busselton’s holiday destinations, and a significant component of the Marine Terrace streetscape. It is now a good example of adaptive re-use of an important place.

Physical Description

Two storey hotel with decorative stucco elements. The Esplanade Hotel is a two storey stucco brick and iron building in the Federation Free Classical style. It has a curved pediment to mark the main entrance and flanking wall planes terminating in pedimented bays at each end of the main façade. The roof is corrugated iron articulated with stucco-decorated chimneys. In recent works the additions that spanned the whole frontage were removed and a serrated roof line applied to a modest infill at the front of the building, to which a pergola attaches. There is a terrace at the front, enclosing fence and a small rotunda in the north-east corner.

History

The first Esplanade Hotel was built on the site at the end of the 19th century. It was a two story weatherboard with corrugated iron roof and an open balcony providing a roof over the front and side verandahs. The (current) second Esplanade was built around 1900 and may have coincided with the application for transfer of license from the Sussex Licensing court for the hotel in 1904 from H. W. Mills to J. S. Bignell. Through time its frontage to Marine Terrace was obscured by insensitive additions. In recent times, the additions have been removed and the frontage partially remodeled, then a terrace laid across the front of the building, together with an enclosing fence. In 2005 the presentation of the place is much improved.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place remains in use as a hotel and retains a high degree of integrity. The place has been through a series of modification, though the upper floor to the front façade is little altered. The place overall retains a moderate degree of authenticity.

Condition

The place has been renovated and is in good condition.

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Busselton Hospital Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Hospital site has historical significance as the site of the principal district hospital for over 80 years.

Physical Description

The hospital buildings were removed and a retirement village now occupies the place. Nothing remains of the original buildings.

History

The hospital served as the District Hospital for over 80 years. A local board originally ran it and after 1921 a Government administration was established. It was replaced by a new hospital, which opened in 1975.

Condition

Site Only

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Waljin Aboriginal Garden

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

It is culturally significant for to the community for its recognition of Nyungar heritage. Interpretative garden indicating the use and value of native plants to the Nyungar.

Physical Description

Formal Garden and bench. The garden comprises a number of concentric circles approximately 20 metres in diameter at the widest point. The circles are alternately planted with native plants and paved to provide access to the central circle via a maze effect. The centre has a seat/platform in the form of a snake. The plants are noted with their respective uses to the Nyungar people.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree

Condition

Very Good

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St Mary's Anglican Church and Graveyard

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

St Mary’s Anglican Church and Graveyard, a Victorian Gothic Revival style church constructed in stone with a shingled roof, and graveyard with historic grave markers, has cultural heritage significance as one of the oldest graveyards in the state and a place associated with the founding of Busselton. The place has links with the founding families in the region, including the Bussells and the Molloys who helped to raise funds for its construction and participated in its construction. The place has high aesthetic value as a picturesque Gothic church in a pleasant setting alongside the Vasse River. The cemetery contains much information on prominent early local families who attended services there and were buried in the graveyard. The place remains significant as a place of worship and contributes to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

A stone and shingle roofed church in the Victorian Gothic style in a graveyard setting. St Mary’s Anglican Church is a Victorian Romanesque style building in the Norman manner, constructed in limestone with a shingled roof. The place is set in a graveyard where many of the early families of Busselton buried their dead. The grounds are grassed and a number of peppermint trees provide shady and green setting that is further enhanced by the presence of the Vasse River. It has an auditory plan, and sanctuary, entrance porch and vestry and belltower. The walls are constructed of local limestone and the nave is three bays long, and the bays are articulated with pilasters and round head windows with label moulds. There are stained glass windows. The floors are of timber. External walls have been partly rendered over as a repair strategy.

History

St Mary’s Anglican Church opened in 1845 by early settlers of the Vasse district. Following early settlement in the 1830s, the need for a church was mooted in 1841. The initial financing of the project was raised from friends and relatives including the Bussell, Carter and Bowker families and by 1843 work had commenced. The trustees were John Bussell, John Molloy and Henry Chapman. Mr. F. Brabazon Forsayth prepared plans. Mrs. Frances Bussell laid the foundation stone in March 1844. The construction was a community effort with free contributions by men like George Blechynden, the district carpenter. Although incomplete, the church opened in April 1845 and at that time had a beaten earth floor. It was named St. Mary’s after a church of the same name in Portsea, England, where William Bussell had been curate. The place was finally completed in 1848 and a harmonium installed in 1859.A bell and bell tower were added in 1902 and a vestry added in 1906, and finally the porch in 1924. Major repairs were undertaken in the 1950s and in the 1970s plain glass windows were replaced with stained glass donated by descendants of the pioneering families. The shingles were placed with aluminium tiles and in 1982 these were removed and replaced during conservation works in 1989 programme.

Archaeology

Given the length of use of the site, there may be some archaeological potential.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place remains in use as intended, though burials in the graveyard have long since ceased. The place retains a high degree of integrity. The place was made in stages and there is authentic material relating to all stages. Overall the place retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Generally the church is in fair to good condition, but many of the gravestones are deteriorating and require conservation.

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St Mary's Church Rectory

Condition

The place appears to be in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

A fine example of 19th century domestic architecture with its wide verandahs and projecting bay window. Also has social significance being one of the oldest buildings in Busselton.

Physical Description

(The Rectory is ) A typical house built of stone with corrugated iron roof (although recently restored with pressed metal tiles. It has wide verandahs and a hexagonal bay window in one corner, and it is worth retaining in its garden setting.

History

Assessment 1975 Date of Construction: 1856

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Statement of Significance

St. Mary’s Anglican Church Rectory, a limestone and iron in the Federation Italianate style is a good and substantial example of a rectory and of a building in the style. It is a distinctive building and integral part of the Anglican Church precinct.

Physical Description

A limestone and iron rectory in the Federation Italianate style. The place is a generous limestone walled building with stucco trim, a facetted bay window and iron roof, in the Federation Italianate style.A deep verandah extends across the southern face of the building from the bay window.Tall limestone chimneys with rendered caps further enrich the substantial steeply pitched roof.

History

There is conflicting information on the place and it is said that the place was built in 1895 and not occupied until 1906. More research is required on its origins and use. A substantial building with wide verandahs and a hexagon bay window in one corner. A rector first occupied the building in 1906.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place remains in uses for its intended purpose and retains a high degree of integrity. The place appears little altered and retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Old Butter Factory

Condition

The place is in fair to good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Old Butter Factory, including a brick and weatherboard butter factory building with a corrugated iron roof (1918), a weatherboard and corrugated iron roofed boiler house (c. 1930), smoke stack (1918) and surrounding Vasse Estuary, has cultural heritage significance as the oldest of only seven places known of the early butter factory in the State and contains some important items of equipment from the early period of operation. The place is a good example of post World War I industrial architecture. The place was crucial to the early development of Busselton’s dairy industry and was assisted by the Group Settlement Scheme following WWI and was important in attempts to make the dairy industry viable. It was historically important as a State government venture to replace the outdated dairy at Fairlawn and to respond to technological change. The place has importance now as a museum and contributes to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The place consists of single and two storey industrial buildings and a number of relocated structures. Utilitarian Style. The factory is situated on the banks of Vasse River, the complex consists of what was once the factory, which is two storeys in one section and the connected administration buildings. Since its adaptation to a museum, a number of non-related buildings have been relocated to the museum and form part of the museum’s collection. The other items include a machinery display shed, group Settlement structures and school.

History

The Old Butter Factory was established by the State Government from 1918 to replace the earlier and outdated dairy in the Fairlawn district, which was the first butter factory established in Western Australia. It played an important role in the developing economy following World War I and the introduction of the Group Settlement Scheme. In addition to making butter, the place provided ice before the introduction of domestic refrigeration. It changed from butter factory to powdered milk factory in 1960 and then to a museumin1975. Thefactory wascrucial to the development of Busselton as a butter factory and continues to contribute to the town’s vitality in its role as a museum.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The former function of the place is not readily apparent and its integrity is moderate. Authenticity Notes: There have been numerous changes and additions made to the place so that it retains a moderate to low degree of authenticity. Moderate Degree/Moderate-Low Degree

Condition

Fair-Good

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Busselton War Memorial

Values

• The place commemorates the conflicts of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
• The memorial is recognised as an important local landmark, and contributes significantly to the local community’s sense of place.
• The place is one of the oldest regional WWI war memorials in Western Australia.
• The place was sculpted by prominent sculptor Pietro Porcelli.

Physical Description

The obelisk memorial, constructed of Donnybrook sandstone and limestone, stands at 1500mm high and 600mm wide on each of its four sides. The memorial is situated in a landscaped garden, at the end of a paved pathway. Constructed in 1919 to commemorate those who served in World War I, the grey granite tablet is inscribed with the names of 180 soldiers. Additional bronze plaques have since been added to mark those who fought in World War II (added 1951, 33 names), the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A low wall plinth just south of the main memorial contains ashes of soldiers.

History

Busselton War Memorial was originally erected to commemorate those from the Busselton and Sussex Roads Board District who served in World War I. Pietro Porcelli was the sculptor of the monument which cost £140 with concrete foundation and lettering extra. Discussions were had about erecting the Busselton Soldier’s Memorial (Busselton War Memorial) in January 1919, but it was not finished until December 1919. The Soldiers’ Memorial (Busselton War Memorial) was unveiled on the 6th January 1920 by General Birdwood. The memorial is situated in Victoria Square in a landscaped garden with a paved pathway. Grey granite tablets are inscribed with red painted carved letters with the names of the 180 local men, 34 whom were killed in action, who served in World War I. A bronze plaque containing the names of 31 servicemen from Busselton who lost their lives in World War II was attached to the World War I memorial and unveiled by the State President of the Returned Servicemen’s League on the 12th August 1951. A plaque commemorating a soldier who died in Vietnam was added at a later date. In the years following the end of World War I in 1918, many West Australian local councils decided to commemorate their soldiers by erecting war memorials in their communities. Porcelli is known to have been responsible for at least 12 war memorials including the Busselton War Memorial. Italian born Pietro Porcelli settled in Fremantle with his father in 1898, after living between Italy and Australia’s Eastern States since 1880. Porcelli had studied art in Sydney at the New South Wales Academy of Arts and the Mechanics’ School of Arts as well as in Naples where he obtained the Diploma of the Royal academy of Naples. In Western Australia, Porcelli was a successful artist and sculptor, responsible for several statues and memorials. His most well-known work includes the Bust of Sir John Forrest (1898) that sits in the main entrance of Parliament House, the Marmion Memorial (1902) of 'Proclamation Tree and Marmion Memorial' in Fremantle, the Alexander Forrest Statue (1903) in Perth, and C Y O’Connor Memorial (1911) in Fremantle. Busselton War Memorial continues to be used for ANZAC ceremonies and also became the focal point to mark Remembrance Day of the 100th anniversary of the armistice on 11th November 1918. The local Busselton RSL recognise that Remembrance Day is very significant, not just for veterans but the whole community. In 2020 the Busselton RSL celebrated the Busselton War Memorial’s 100th anniversary.

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Busselton War Memorial has cultural heritage significance as the memorial to those who loss their lives during the World War I, World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War. The significance was attributed to the bravery of men of farming or milling origin enlisting to serve at war. Its strategic location at the intersection of Queen Street and Albert Street in Victoria Square makes it an important visual landmark and contributes to a community’s sense of place. It is also significant as a work of renowned sculptor Pietro Porcelli.

Physical Description

A cenotaph style war memorial. A bronze, limestone statue that sits on a stone platform inscribed with words ‘Honour the Brave ‘ and ‘The Heroic Dead’. It was built to commemorate the heroic deeds of those who fought for liberty and freedom during the World War I, World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War . The memorial measures 600 by 1500 mm and has 4 sides to it. It sits at the end of a formally landscaped brick- paved path surrounded by colourful flowers of various species.

History

The Memorial was unveiled by General Sir W. M. Bart Birdwood on 6 January 1920 and was executed by renowned sculptor Pietro Porcelli.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Prospect Villa

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

Subfloor: pit sawn joists Floor: pit sawn timber Walls: limestone blocks and lime mortar/render Joinery: Timber: jarrah frames with double hung Oregon sashes Ceilings: lath & Plaster, pressed metal roof: originally shingles on pit sawn rafter later sheeted over with corrugated iron.

History

Assessment 1973 Construction: before 1856 (c1955) Builder: probably original owner James Chapman in the 1850's and additions made when purchased by R.F.Pries about 1860. Prospect Villa stands at the entrance to Busselton. Close to the Vasse River and has views across Victoria Park to the Anglican Church of St Mary. Its simple Georgian form is unusual for this location only in that the building has two storeys. B.P. Australia purchased the building in 1963 and built a service station on the site of the Villa’s gardens. Towns people successfully lobbied BP to retain the building and until recently it was used as the local Tourist Office. At the request of the Busselton Council the present tenants, John Harders and Jennings Real Estate have undertaken various renovations in order to make the building safe for public use, some of which are detrimental to the form and fabric of the building, including: 1. Asbestos dado and concrete verandahs which are historically incorrect and ar exacerbating dampness in the walls. 2. Extensive use of plastic paint on stone, render and woodwork. 3. Removal of hardware The building has been open to the public in the past and could again be restored to such a state, but the general deterioration and insensitive renovations have made restoration a relatively expensive proposition. The Council Town Planning Scheme lists Prospect Villa as an historical building and this listing allows for the relaxation of scheme and by-law requirements in order to encourage the preservation of the building. The scheme has not control over the rights to redevelop or the quality of the restoration or maintenance techniques used. An attempt by the owner to subdivide the site and in the process further reduce the areas of the lot allocated to the Villa was resisted by Council and a stalemate was reached. The dual zoning of the site still stands.

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Statement of Significance

Prospect Villa, a two storey rendered masonry and iron house in the Victorian Georgian style, has cultural heritage significance as the residence of James Chapmen, one of Busselton’s earliest settlers and was the home of the Pries family, an important local family, for a considerable period of time from 1860. It is also believed to be the oldest surviving house in the town. It is valued for its aesthetic and historic associations and as a good example of a two-storey Victorian Georgian residence.

Physical Description

A two-storey Victorian Georgian house with stonewalls and iron roof. Prospect Villa is a two storey rendered stone and iron Victorian Georgian house, with a gabled roof with chimneys. The main façade is symmetrically arranged and has a surrounding verandah. It is a simple and elegant house.

History

The Chapmans arrived in the Colony in 1830 and settled at Inlet Park, setting up a flourmill. The Chapman brothers were amongst the first to take up town lots. James Chapman acquired Lot 93 in 1855 and is believed to have built Prospect Villa soon after. It had limestone walls, pit sawn timber floors and a shingle-covered roof. By 1860 Robert Pries, a storekeeper and agent had bought the property and the place remains in the Pries family until it was bought by Tom McCusker, when the front garden was cleared to make way for a service station. After being used for Tourist Bureau offices and a museum, the place was leased out for a variety of purposes and some conservation works done. In 1988 Judy and Chris Murray acquired the place, saved it from ruin, and opened the place as Prospect Villa bed and breakfast accommodation in 1989.

Archaeology

The site has been disturbed for the construction of the garage but is likely to have some archaeological potential given the length of its use.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place is used for holiday accommodation and therefore retains a high degree of integrity. There has a good deal of change made to the place, but the underlying fabric is authentic. The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Ballarat Engine, Victoria Sq

Condition

The place is well maintained and is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Ballarat Engine has cultural heritage significance for its historic and industrial archaeological value as important evidence of the state’s first locomotive and railway line, developed for the timber industry, an important and early industry in the development of the State’s south-west.

Physical Description

The place comprises a park setting in Victoria Park, a simple timber shelter and the Ballarat Engine.

History

The Ballarat engine was the first train to be used in W.A. It was manufactured in Ballarat, Victoria in 1871. It was used by the West Australian Timber Co. for 15 years at Lockeville, Wonnerup, and eventually brought into Busselton for display and interpretive purposes. The commercial harvesting of fine hardwood timbers from the forests nearby Busselton began in the late 1840s with the logs being shipped from McGibbon’s jetty near Quindalup. As the demand for timber increased its viability as an export commodity was soon recognized by the Colony’s new Governor, Frederick Aloysius Weld, who arrived in 1869. The Jarrah, or Western Australian Mahogany, is only found in this Colony; it is unrivalled for railway sleepers; it is extraordinarily durable; in water it resists the attacks of the Teredo Navalis, and on land those of the white ant. There is a very large demand for it from India and the neighboring Colonies, which cannot be supplied from want of facilities for conveying the timber from the forests, and for shipping it.44 Weld wanted to encourage large-scale development of the State’s massive timber resources by replacing the existing system of short-term licenses with long-term leases or concessions that would attract outside investors, in particular from Victoria where considerable wealth had been generated from the gold rushes of the 1850s and 1860s.45 Following negotiations with the syndicates involved, the Home Office granted three concessions. Each company had to provide its own mill, railway and port for shipping the timber. The West Australian Timber Company (referred to as the Ballarat Company in one contemporary account)46 was granted a concession of 181,500 acres at Yokanup (now referred to as Yoganup) with its seaport at Lockeville. The other syndicates were the Canning Jarrah Timber Company that was granted a concession on the Canning River where an existing wharf was used, and the Rockingham Jarrah Company’s concession at Jarrahdale with its port at Rockingham. The agreement between the West Australian Timber Company and the government was signed on 29 July 1871. John McNeil operated as the company’s agent in Western Australia and was based at Lockeville, where he oversaw the construction of the jetty and railway, which would have included the building of the railway bridge over the Vasse estuary in order to take the line across to the jetty. To date, no reference has been found for the construction of the railway bridge that carried the rail line across the narrow channel (where the Vasse estuary joins the Wonnerup Inlet) to the jetty. It was a matter of local satisfaction that the Vasse could boast having the first locomotive and railway line in the State. In describing how the mill was progressing, an ‘correspondent’ in the 21 April 1871 edition of The Inquirer remarked: We are anxiously looking for the arrival of the vessel from Melbourne bringing the locomotive for the W. A. Timber Coy railway. The works are progressing rapidly and it is rumored and generally believed, that His Excellency the Governor will pay us a visit for the purpose of opening the railway and saw mills on the 1st May. This will be a happy May Day for us and it may be easily imagined that we feel no small satisfaction in having this first railroad of the Colony within our district. Governor Weld officially opened the railway line on 23rd December 1871,17 while the Jarrahdale-Rockingham line was opened in November 1872. The locomotive was originally named ‘Ballaarat’ by the Mayor of Melbourne after the original spelling of the town of Ballarat where it was built by James Hunt at the Victoria Foundry (now Phoenix Foundry). ‘It had a horsepower of 16 and had two cylinders of 7 inch diameter and a 14 inch stroke. Three wagons without springs were used on the timber train.’47 The timber had been hauled along the rails, originally made of jarrah, by horses before the arrival of the locomotive. Horses and later bullocks continued to be used in conjunction with the engine.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The engine is now a static display but retains a high degree of integrity Authenticity Notes: The engine retains a high degree of authenticity. High Degree/High Degree

Condition

Good

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