Pingaring CWA Rooms

Statement of Significance

The place represents the strength of the co-operation and community involvement of the Pingaring community. It demonstrates a way of life.

Physical Description

The place is constructed of cement blocks. The gable roof features the gable at the front, and is surrounded by a break pitch verandah around the building. The verandah floor is concrete, and raised from the ground on a concrete block foundation. The CWA frontage has a central glass panelled entry door flanked by windows each side. The interior is plaster lined, and has a brick fireplace in the main room. The kitchen and dressing room are within the enclosed verandah area at the rear of the main room. Originally the verandah was surrounded by a half height cement block wall with block pillar roof supports. This was removed and replaced with square timber posts in 1965. The external pan toilet is still in existance, but a portable toilet was purchased in 1973. In 1978 water and a septic system were connected to the building.

History

Before the CWA was established on this site, the Pingaring unofficial post office operated from the vicinity. Percy Byass established the first unofficial post office at the General Store in 1933. (see Ref No 54) status. Byass left the store in 1937, and on 22 September, Alexander McGregor Mclnnes McCallum (who had earlier delivered mail from Burngup to the mail box corner at North Burngup) took over as Postmaster of the Pingaring PO. He relocated a building from his farm in North Burngup (near the Govt Dam) to a site adjacent to the General Store at Pingaring Siding. McCallum did the mail run which covered the south and east of the district, as well as doing shoe repairs and he established a fuel depot after the war. On 10 November 1950 Miss JM Baker took over as Postmaster, at McCallum's. By 1954 when the CWA commenced building on that site, the McCallum's dwelling was gone, and the post office was operating (through until 1956) from the newly constructed Hansen's house on the north side of the CWA. In 1949, as the district began to develop after the depression and the war, the women of the area formed a branch of the Country Women's Association. As there were no facilities in Pingaring where they could meet, in 1953 they resolved to build a rest room. After permission was gained from Headquarters in 1954, a building fund was organised, and a 2 sheep donation from each farmer resulted in a £200 contribution. Mr Luke Price donated the land, as he had done for many other facilities in the town which was originally part of his farm. Plans were prepared, and CBH approached for a loan which was approved. Mr Mayhew commenced making the cement bricks with the precious scarce supplies of concrete. Mayhew proved unsatisfactory, and Moore took over, similarly proving unsatisfactory, and finally Mr K O'Neill finished the bricklaying. In 1955 the verandah balustrade was constructed by the men of the community, and in 1956 they constructed the roof, and the ladies held a series of busy bees to paint the building. The CWA rest rooms were officially opened on 14 November 1956 by the CWA Roe Division President, Mrs Sylvia Buckley, and everyone enjoyed a social afternoon. Each member donated the money for a chair. The Shire (Kulin or Lake Grace?) established a library in the dressing room. In 1957, arrangements were made for a clinic sister and doctor to make regular visits to Pingaring. The doctor moved to the hall soon after, but the health clinic continued at the CWA rooms. In 1960, the men again contributed their efforts and erected the fence. In 1961 the rooms were paid for. The CWA rooms have used continuously over the years by the Pingaring community for visiting doctors, health clinic, church sen/ices, library, electoral polling booth, exams, playgroup, and many meetings for community groups and organisations. The CWA members and the general community have maintained and cared for the building over the years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: Medium degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update