FMR Railway Station

Child Places

• 04181 Railway Goods Shed

Statement of Significance

The former Railway Station has historic significance for its association with the railway line which was of great importance to the town of Yalgoo and the surrounding district, first for transport linked with the mining industry and later for wool. The Station building continues to fulfil an important social role today as a community and sporting complex. In addition, the Station has aesthetic significance as a bold yet balanced composition with a strong sculptural form. Further, the place has a degree of rarity value as it along with the Cue Railway Station are the only remaining stations on the Mullewa-Meekatharra line.

Physical Description

The Yalgoo Railway Station is typical of the architectural style of the time, with thick stone walls to keep the building cool and wide verandahs to protect railway patrons from the sun. The stone walls have been rendered and painted cream. The building has a dutch gable roof with a roof gable over the doorway to emphasise the main entrance. The floors are wooden and there is a covered platform on the south side facing the railway line. The platform verandah stretches the full length of the front facade. Radiating struts from the verandah posts support the lean-to verandah roof. Concrete block ablutions with skillion roofs have been constructed to the east and west of the station building. The station has timber framed double hung windows with bars over. The Railway Station Precinct also includes a Station Master's House, a railway worker's house, railway barracks, two railway dams, a railway water tank and several pepper trees. Originally the precinct also included a Railway Goods Shed which has been relocated to the rear of the present Shire Office for use as a machinery shed.

History

The railway line was extended from Mullewa in 1898. At first the railway buildings in Yalgoo were rough sheds, however in 1920 the current Railway Station building was constructed. The railway line was closed in 1978 despite much local protest. Cheaper road transport and the dwindling population of the Murchison district made the line uneconomical. The closure of the line left the railway station empty and it soon became rundown. The Shire of Yalgoo assumed ownership of the building and, with the community, refurbished it for use as a Sporting and Community Centre. It is now called the Yalgoo Sporting Complex. Many community groups meet at the Complex and the annual Yalgoo Race meeting is also held there.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree
Modifications: Separate concrete block ablutions at each end.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.