Carrolup Bridge

Statement of Significance

The site is significant for its association with the development of transport and communication

Physical Description

The bridge crosses the Carrolup River (a southern tributary of the Beaufort) near Quongaring
Pool (about 200 metres upstream). The bridge provides the access for the SW portion of the
Woodanilling Shire and is the boundary with the Kojonup Shire. The bridge is significantly
higher than the Beaufort and Boyerine bridges due to the nature of the river crossing - a deeper
channel. Immediately to the south west of the bridge (in the Kojonup Shire) is the Carrolup
Aboriginal Settlement/Marribank Mission.

History

The Carrolup bridge is closely connected with the history of the Carrolup Aboriginal Settlement.
The establishment of a native settlement at Carrolup received opposition from both the
Woodanilling and Kojonup Road Boards. The Woodanilling Board chairman Frank Carter spoke
of the deflated land values in the area because of the dogs harassing farmer's sheep. It was later
claimed by Mary Durack Miller that Carrolup was established to accommodate such problem
cases as would have spoilt the chance of success of other institutions.
"There were sent worse cases of congenital disease, the incorrigible, the inebriates
and the incurable hospital cases. They were swept from missions and other
Government reserves, from squalid camps and railway sidings where they were a
menace to the health and morals of country communities. Carrolup was a dumping
place for the 'refuse' of the Great Southern. Here they were out of sight and mind of
all right thinking and fastidious people. "
"Every evening at 5.00pm they were drafted into dingy stone dormitories where they
cursed, fought and battered the doors. "
"Detention became a battle of wits between the inmates and the attendants. "

These difficulties inevitably meant a high turnover of staff with many leaving in despair and often
the settlement was under staffed. After the closure of Carrolup in 1922, the stone homestead was
retained by the Aboriginal department and the surrounding land thrown open for selection. When
it was decided to restart the settlement in 1930, the Government was forced to buy back or lease
land. By 1932, 12,000 acres were obtained by this method and further resumption occurred in
1938. The school was closed in 1950 and the settlement was taken over by the Baptist Church
and named the Marribank Mission.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Some

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.