Sailor's Rest - site

Statement of Significance

DEMOLISHED
Bunbury's Sailors' Rest was founded by Eliza Cons, sister in law of Robert Forrest, and a staunch supported of the ideals of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The Sailors Rest was part of an international organisation to provide sailors a 'home away from home' while visiting ports around the world. They provided a quite place for rest and recreation where volunteers addressed a range of needs. The Bunbury Sailors' Rest was the first in Western Australia. The service continues in Bunbury on another site.

Physical Description

DEMOLISHED

History

The first Sailors’ Rest was established in England in the 1870s by Agnes Weston to provide refreshment and accommodation if needed. Although intended as a house for the promotion of the temperance movement, the Sailors’ Rest was not confined to those of a similar view and all sailors were welcome to use the facilities. Lectures were arranged, as well as religious services and there was the chance to sign the ‘pledge’ to refrain from drinking alcohol. The idea soon spread throughout the ports of England and to the English colonies.

In 1899, Eliza Cons set up the Bunbury branch of the organization – the first in Western Australia – with the support of the Church of England and the local Council. She opened a Sailor’ Rest on 22 October 1900 in, ironically, rented rooms at Pier’s/Gordon’s Hotel.

Eliza Cons had come out to Western Australia in 1888, from England after her sister, Esther Forrest (nee Cons; wife of Robert) was semi-invalided in a riding accident. Eliza arrived in 1888.

The Sailor’s Rest was administered by a group of women under the stewardship of Eliza Cons, who fully supported the ideals of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The organization secured land in Wollaston Street near Guppy Park for £750 and on 27 January 1905, the foundation stone of their own building was laid.

Sailor’s Rest was a modest brick building with a corner entry, situated not far from the Pier Hotel. The building featured alternate brick and white stucco bands (bandage effect). The framed arched windows and doors were also highlighted in stucco. The name of the establishment was written in raised lettering over the entrance door.

The Bunbury Diocesan Trustees took over running the Sailors’ Rest in 1920. In 1966, Sailor’s Rest relocated to Victoria Street and the 1905 building was demolished to make way for the Western Australian Government Railway’s administration building and district engineer’s office.

Integrity/Authenticity

DEMOLISHED

Condition

DEMOLISHED

Uses

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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.