Augusta Police Station

Statement of Significance

Augusta Police Station is of significance: • For its association with the establishment of a permanent police presence in the region with the development of the township of Margaret River in the 1920s. • As the first Margaret river police station (c.1929) • As the first Augusta Police Station (c.1964)

Physical Description

The main façade of the police station was originally designed with a projecting side bay flanked by a front verandah. The latter has since been enclosed as part of the reception area and is accessed by modern steps and a timber ramp that extends across the main façade.The building is timber framed and is clad with square edged weatherboards (bevel edged to the later verandah infill). The main windows are double hung, vertically proportioned, with three vertical panes to each panel. Along the side (western) facade these have simple timber framed awnings. Each window has a modern mesh security screen. On the eastern side there are two lockable high-level square windows, which would have originally related to holding cells. The hipped roof is clad with corrugated iron and features narrow eaves and exposed rafters.The building is set back from the street, with the frontage occupied by a sealed carpark and informal native landscaping. The rear of the site has modern vehicle and storage sheds.

History

Before the W.A. Police Force was formed in March 1853, Town or District constables were appointed by the local Government Resident (Magistrate), and paid a small retainer plus additional sums for service of summons, execution of warrants etc. They usually continued with their usual occupation, performing these duties as required. In 1930 Elijah Dawson came to Western Australia from England as an indentured servant and confidante of Captain John Molloy, an officer of the same military unit who had been his commanding officer at Waterloo. While Dawson was at Augusta, John Molloy, as Government Resident wrote to the Governor: "I have the honour to inform you that I have appointed Elijah Dawson to the office of constable at Augusta until the pleasure of His Excellency is known." The appointment was officially confirmed by the Governor on 15 July 1835 at a salary of £20.0.0 per annum. By 1840, with most of the settlers in the district leaving due to a number of reasons (including an inability to cope with the isolation, difficulty in clearing what was considered unproductive land, and difficulties landing equipment and supplies from ships) the local police service had ceased.In the 1920s a permanent police presence for the region was established in the newly developing town of Margaret River. Tenders were called for the erection of the Margaret River Police Station in December 1928 and, in 1929, this was constructed in Stewart Road by a Mr Falkingham of Busselton (who also built the Cowaramup Hall in 1930). (See also Place # MR(T) – 09) The next stage of policing in Augusta began in the 1960s. When a new Margaret River Court House, Police Station and Quarters were built in c1960, the original (1929) police station became redundant. In c.1964 the old Margaret River Station building was relocated to Augusta and re-erected for use in ‘the busy summer months’. It is now a permanently staffed station.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: The original use has been maintained. Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident.

Condition

Good*Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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