Narembeen Telecentre

Statement of Significance

The place is significant in demonstrating community co-operation in the rural Western Australia, and a way of life no longer practiced. The place demonstrates a significant association with the Country Women's Association, and the initiative of the Telecentre operation.

Physical Description

Rest rooms Current Use: Office and meeting rooms Description: A timber framed and fibro clad structure which has a cement tiled hip roof. The place has the appearance of a residential dwelling. The double glass front entry doors open into a large open room with timber floor boards and a "wonderheat" fire with a decorative mantelpiece. The entry features a curved red cement porch and steps.

History

The Narembeen branch of the Country Women's Association (CWA) formed in 1945. The first President was Mrs Irene Walker. With the community no longer concerned with the war effort, the CWA looked to local affairs and improvements. Post war Narembeen was stimulating and exciting, and organising social functions became the major means of fundraising. The first function was the Debutante Ball in 1946, attended by 500 people with the Governor receiving the Debutants. The tradition continued until the last Debutante Ball in 1960. Other Balls and regular dances organised by the CWA contributed to the building fund. In 1946 the competitive display organised by the CWA was a forerunner to the annual Flower Show.
Paddy Connelly donated half of the land for the CWA rooms (when the CWA formed; Connelly died in 1946) Bricks were unaffordable, so a framed building was constructed at a cost of £3,333. The rest rooms were built in 1955, and opened on 11 November that year. The rooms provided a facility for women when visiting town, a venue for meetings and an opportunity for social interaction. During the 1960s the popularity of dances declined, and young people travelled to larger towns for entertainment. The CWA did not organise many functions, and by 1970 the Flower Show was discontinued. The rural sector was declined in the 1970s. The CWA continued to cater for functions and provide support for country women, and play a significant role in the community.
In 1994 the Narembeen Telecentre was formed. A joint state government and local Shire Council initiative, it facilitates the telecommunication linkages of Narembeen with external resources to benefit the community. In 1996 the Telecentre will vacate the building, and other community organisations will continue.the, community oriented function which has always been
conducted in the former CWA building.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

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.