Mullewa Railway Station Group

Child Places

• 25458 Railway Goods Shed
• 25459 Railway Water Tank & Column

Statement of Significance

The Mullewa Railway Station has high historic value for the important role it played in facilitating growth of the town and district. Further the place illustrates the development of the Northern Railway, particularly the railway centre at Mullewa. The remaining buildings and structures of the Rail Precinct provide evidence of the once substantial railway station complex and, given they are located on high ground, provides for a significant visual landmark. The station building is a good example of railway architecture of the period and forms an integral part of the railway precinct which includes the Goods Shed, the Water Column and the Water Tank. The place is held in high esteem by the local community and continues to fulfill an important social purpose today.

Physical Description

Located on the southern edge of the townsite and on the south side of the railway line, the Mullewa Railway Station is a timber framed building clad with weatherboards sited immediately adjacent to the platform which extends approximately 30 metres to the east and west. The long rectangular station building has a low pitch gable roof which extends over the platform on the north side of the building. There is a cantilevered awning to the west elevation. Most windows are timber double hung sashes. Refer to the HCWA Register Assessment for a full description, including interiors.

History

In December 1892, tenders were called for the construction of the Geraldton to Mullewa railway and by late August 1894, the railway line had reached its terminus, with the first train arriving in Mullewa on 12 November 1894. The original railway station, constructed in 1894, was located on the north side of the railway tracks, immediately adjoining Gray Street. In addition other railway buildings and structures were erected in the near vicinity, including a station master's residence, goods shed and sidings. While Mullewa remained the head of the line the town flourished with a burgeoning population, however in December 1895, the contract for the construction of the railway from Mullewa to Cue was awarded with work commencing promptly. This had an immediate impact on Mullewawith teamsters and their families relocating to the head of the line, followed in turn by shop keepers and others. More activity on the railway occurred in 1912 with the extension of the Wongan Hills line to Mullewa opening in March 1915. The new line required an additional area of land for railway purposes, with further houses erectd to accommodate railway workers during this period. The works also included the original railway station being relocated to the south side of the tracks to better serve trains coming in from the south. The layout of the station building was similar to the standard plans that were common in this period, and comprised the station master's office, refreshment rooms, ladies' hall, booking office and parcels' room. In June 1957, Reserve 24735 was designated for railway purposes. Meanwhile the costs of rail transport rose and passenger numbers declined. The Mullewa Railwat Station closed in 1974. The Mullewa-Meekatharra line closed in 1978 and thereafter passenger services declined, with the line to Pindar only used on a seasonal basis for grain transport. As a consequence many of the buildings associated with the railway precinct were either demolished or removed. The Shire of Mullewa leased the railway station building which has since been used as a local Arts and Crafts Centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Fabric: Largely intact

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update