Railway Dam

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Essential to the operation of a stem powered railway. Now used as a water source fo the school.

Physical Description

An earth fill dame which has been improved over the years with a concrerte overspill weir and a new lead in channel.

History

Construction started in 1911 and was completed in 1912. It was hoped that the first winter rains would be collected but it was found that the dam leaked. Puddling work was carried out in 1912 to seal it.Water was pumped from the dam to the holding tank at the railway Yards with water being used for steam engines shedded or passing through Wyalkatchem. Water was also used to supply railway accommodation at the station and close by. There is a very large catchment area which has been extended since the dam was built. The dam now supplies water for reticuation of the Hgh School grounds.

Integrity/Authenticity

Little has changed other than the direction of the flow of water from the dam to the high school.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Lever Frame. Wyalkatchem Station

Parent Place or Precinct

15755 Wyalkatchem Railway and CBH Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

a rare example of this type of installation.

Physical Description

A 10 lever mackenzie and Holland frame. Originally with a track plan under a samll roofed structure.

History

Was installed when the railway to bencubbin was opened.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good degree

Condition

Average - could do with some maintenance.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem Railway Barracks

Parent Place or Precinct

15755 Wyalkatchem Railway and CBH Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Part of a comples and a rare example of a barracks kept in the same configuration as left by the railways.

Physical Description

A complete complex for trainmen and senior operatives. Built from timber with metal roofing.

History

Built in 1910 and removed to Wyalkatchem in 1911 from Korrelocking. Hav been modified and with additions in 1921 and 1956. The four additions in 1956 came from Merredin. Used as cheap accommodation.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degre. Some modifications but generally as left by the railway.

Condition

Poor - much work needs to be carried out.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem Railway Station

Parent Place or Precinct

15755 Wyalkatchem Railway and CBH Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Railways were the main mode of transport of people and goods and the station was the centre of railway activities in Wyalkatchem.

Physical Description

A timber weatherboard building with a hipped clay tile roof. Most of the interior layout was conformist but has been changed in recent years. The bitumen platform is still in existance and a sand box is located on the west edge of the platform. The lever frame is still intact at the other end. A fence has been erected on the platform edge as a protection against risk to visitors to the station by passing tarins.

History

Completed March 1937 to replace an earlier building on Railway Terrace. The Wyalkatchem Roads board wanted the building on the North side of the line on Railway Terrace for easy access by Townspeople. The Railways would not agree to this as the Roads Board were insisting on a brick building to fit in with the town reuirements of this type of construction. This debate went on for some time and in the end the building was constructed of timber and tile on the South side of the line and a bridge was constructed over the line to give passengers safe access to the station.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degree. The fence is not original and detracts from the site but is necessary. a radio transmitting mast has been erected at the building. External integrity is Good. Internal changes have been made.

Condition

Is well maintained by the Shire and in regular use as a community facility.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem Station Master's House

Parent Place or Precinct

15755 Wyalkatchem Railway and CBH Precinct

Statement of Significance

the place is an integral element in the cultural environment of the railway precinct in the town of Wyalkatchem, and together with the trainmen's barracks, goods shed and crane, and timber station building represents the ongoing history of the railway in Wyalkatchem and is a reminder of the important part the railway has played in the development of the district and town since 1911; the place was constructed in 1916, at the junction of the agricultural lines linking Northam, Merredin and Southern Cross, which were part of the State Government's investment in the development of the State’s agriculture between 1900 and the 1930s; the place demonstrates the aesthetic qualities of an early 1900s residence in the high-pitched iron roof extending over the verandahs, symmetrical façade and corbelled chimney; the place is a good and well-documented example of the recycling of structures that was common to Western Australian Government Railway operations; and, the place was the residence of the Wyalkatchem Station Master from 1916 to 1985.

Physical Description

a timber and iron railway house reconstructed from pre-existing dwellings in 1916, with asbestos-clad toilet and iron-clad laundry

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Town Dam

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Built to provide water to the recreation area and still used for the same purpose.

Physical Description

A simple earth dam originally relying on water run off from the Townsite and overflow from the Railway dam.

History

This is a recent dam built in 1970 to supply water to the recreation oval and the tennis courts. Scheme water was used from 1959 when water from the Kalgoorlie Pipeline was piped to town. The dam was built to reduce costs and the use from the "drinking water supply". The dam is also used to take treated effluent from the Sewerage treatment Facility in Wyalkatchem to augment the rainfall catchment. A survey was completed in 2002 and the dm has now been cleaned out to improve the holding capacity.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degree

Condition

Very Good condition now that work has been cmpleted on desilting the dam.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem Primary School Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Association of an occupant of the Headmaster's House in the vicinity of Royalty.

Physical Description

The building was weatherboard and iron.

History

Built in 1919 tis building replaced the school which was held in the Agricultural hall between 1913 and 1923. The original school building was one classroom and a verandah. Other rooms were added but only the original buildings still exist. The school closed in 1963 when it was transferred to the District high School.

Integrity/Authenticity

As this is only a site does not apply, the building has been relocated and the archway on the site is a replica.

Condition

Reasonable - The school building was relocated to the Wyalkatchem Airfield in 1963.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem War Memorial

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

A permanent reminder of local residents who gave their lives during wars.

Physical Description

The site is flat undeveloped ground with sparse immature native plantings. Various memorabilia are located throughout the park. The memorial is a single granite obelisk located on a brick paved platform. Retained by a limestone perimeter that is raised approximately 0.450 metres off the ground. War Memorial was built in 1988 and the archway in 1986.

History

Erected in 1988.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree No additions.

Condition

Excellent

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Roads Board Office Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Original seat of Government in Wyalkatchem.

Physical Description

A brick and Tile Building subsequently demolished.

History

originally the site of the Agricultural Hall vested 8/12/1911. The Offices were built in 1923 and used until the new Shire Offices were opened in 1965.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem Town Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

14206 Wyalkatchem Civic Group

Condition

Wyalkatchem Town Hall is in good condition as a result of ongoing use and maintenance. The original 1929 section of the building has been extensively renovated and has contemporary fittings and finishes in the toilets and entry foyer. Fittings in the kitchen were upgraded in 2007.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

A building representative of the architectural style of the period and built with civic facility.

Physical Description

Wyalkatchem Town Hall, constructed in 1929, and extended in 1969, is a rendered masonry, face brick and corrugated iron roofed civic building in the Inter-War Stripped Classical style, with a face brick addition in the Post-War International style on the north-eastern side of the original hall. Wyalkatchem Town Hall faces south-east to address Honour Avenue.

History

This building replaced the Agricultural Hall which wasbuilt here in 1912. There was dissention amongst residents when it was proposed to build the present hall. bue to the costs and a poll caused the original plan to be dropped. In June 1928 a loan was raised for 3300 pounds, being a third cheaper than the original plan and the building ead completed in 1929. It is till in use today.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degree

Condition

Well Maintained. In regular use. The roof has been replaced at some time and the environs are kept in good order.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Drinking Fountain

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

A reminder of the arrival of an essential services to the district.

Physical Description

Built on a stepped concrete base with painted render. The plaque is fixed to be visble from Honour Ave, The fountain has an enamel basin with chrome fittings. The significance of the location at a childrens playround should not be overlooked.

History

Was built as a permanent reminder of the completion of scheme water reticulation to the Wyalkatchem district from the Goldfields pipeline at Cunderdin. It wasdedicated on the 6th November 1959. A half day holiday was declared and district pioneers were nvited to attend the important event.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree As it was built.

Condition

Fair- Recently repainted but shows some signs of deterioration in the main fabric.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyalkatchem CWA Building (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Construction material and social benefit to the district.

Physical Description

Built from brick and blocks with an iron roof. The roof has been replaced with colorbond sheets. One of the few buildings remaining with separate male and female outside toilets.

History

The CWA in the district has had a stop/start operation since May 1926 when this the 14th Branch was formed. The building was opened om 3/7/1952 and is located on parts of two blocks donated by the Roads Board in 1948. The building cost $8,000. And has at various times been used as Infant health Clinic, School and for Church and Sunday School meetings.

Integrity/Authenticity

Fair Dgree. Apart from internal changes.

Condition

Reasonable- outside appearance but with internal changes that need some work.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

St Anthony's Private Maternity Hospital

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

an early "commercial" building now used as a private residence.

History

The building was opened as a maternity hospital in 1922 by Nurse Reid who was previously the Matron at the Wyalkatachem Hospital. It is now a private residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Lady Novar Hostel (fmr)

Condition

Lady Novar Hostel (fmr), Wyalkatchem is in fair to good condition as a result of continued occupancy and care. There is evidence of possible structural failure of the timber stumps under the north-eastern side of the building where there are some significant internal cracks. There are some leaks to the roof on the south-western side of the building. Internally and externally timber weatherboard cladding and paneling and timber joinery are in good condition. The masonry chimneys are sound and the original rough-cast render and brick decoration are in good condition. Fibrous cement paneling may contain asbestos products. The once well-tended gardens are in poor condition as a result of lack of water. The place has moderate integrity and moderate to high authenticity.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

This is one of four such buildings built in WA, it is associated with the Lady novar, Lady Helen Munro Ferguson. The external appearance has been maintained.

Physical Description

The place is a late example of a Federation Bungalow style, timber framed, weatherboard clad building with a Marseilles profile terracotta tiled roof, constructed in 1922, with extensions carried out in 1932-33 and 1945-48. The place was the first rest home established in Western Australia by the Bush Nursing Society for expectant mothers, the model for four other such hostels, and fulfilled its intended use for a longer period, becoming the longest running hostel in the State. It is rectangular in plan form and, as originally constructed, comprised a core area of four rooms with a central passage to the kitchen and other service areas at the rear. It was constructed with a wide verandah on all sides under a steeply pitched, hipped roof. Over time minor additions and alterations have been carried out, including the enclosure of the north-eastern side verandah and minor alterations and additions at the back. Original joinery comprises the front doors, a matching door at the back of the central passage, a series of French doors opening onto the verandah, a timber window to the kitchen, timber internal doors and a decorative timber frieze in the central passage.

History

One of only 4 such places in WA. Built with funds from the British Red Cross Society. The building was named after Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, the then Lady Novar, the wife of the Governor of Australia at the time. It was the last such hostel to remain open for it's original purpose. Closed 1952 and now used as a private residence. In 1952 a 999 year lease was issued to Silver Chain District and Bush nursing.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good externally- Modified internally, but generally satisfactory.

Condition

Good- Maintained by the Shir of Wyalkatchem.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Pioneer Park

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Historic value.

Physical Description

A reserve with trees and shrubs and pathways.

History

In 1919 a school was built on this site and with some breaks continued until 1959 when the school was demolished. The park now houses the War Memorial and a considerable number of trees planted by local residents.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good Degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Bank of New South Wales & Quarters (NSW) (Fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

14206 Wyalkatchem Civic Group

Condition

Bank of New South Wales (fmr), Wyalkatchem is in good condition as a result of ongoing use and maintenance. The former banking chamber, strong room and office have recent office fittings associated with the Telecentre. This area of the building is in good condition and well maintained. Similarly the adjacent private residence is well maintained. There is an area of damp adjacent to the bathroom, probably associated with a leaking pipe under the floor. Externally the building and grounds are in good condition. The place has moderate integrity and high authenticity.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

A typical example of a bank building with manager's accommodation for the era.

Physical Description

Bank of New South Wales (fmr), Wyalkatchem, is a rendered masonry and corrugated iron roofed bank building with an attached brick and corrugated iron residential building to the rear in the Inter-War Free Classical design style. The residence maintains much of the original brick. The façade is symmetrical with a decorative banded frontispiece. Low pitched gable roof.

History

This building replaced temporary premises built in 1925 on a site across the road. See sight WMI 114.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good. Air conditioning is intrusive. The bank part of the building has been changed internally with only the strong room remaining and the manager's office in close to original condition.

Condition

Good. Is well preserved and due to it's continued use is maintained by the current owners.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Cowcowing Agricultural Hall (Site)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

The only building of note in the township of Cowcowing.

Physical Description

A wooden building 30ft by 40ft with a corrugated iron roof. Built to the same plans as the Nalkain Hall.

History

Built c 1920 with the addition of a supper room in 1932. Was used for social events and the annual Cowcowing Ball was a very popular event. Pulled down in 1984 as maintenance would have been high and the building subject to vandalism, due to it's remote location.

Condition

The site is marked with a large stone.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

St John Ambulance Building

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Association with St John's Ambulance Association.

Physical Description

A simple brick building with meeting room and services with a double lenght garage to house two Ambulances.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Lackmans Dam

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

A good water supply.

Physical Description

An earth dam with low sides. The area has many shrubs and a small catchment area.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Newspaper Printers

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

The only media building from the 1920's still standing.

Physical Description

A weatherboard, brick and iron buildin which is in a poor condition although it could be restored at a considerable cost.

History

The site was originally owned by Bertie Johnston and bought by the "Wheatbelt Press" in 1926. The "North Eastern Wheatbelt Tribune" was first published on 16/8/1926 by ED Turley and AE Deacon. The paper wasn't published until 1958 and at that time was named "The Wheatbelt Tribune".

Integrity/Authenticity

Reasonable Degree, but further research needs to be done.

Condition

Poor - The building has suffered neglect and been vacant for a number of years.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update