Aboriginal site - Artefacts & Burial site

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Moorlands and Barn

Values

The place has rarity value as it is a good example of rural urban fringe activity on a large agricultural land holding.

The place has historical value as it was established by one of the earliest settlers to the Swan colony Mr Ommanney who also surveyed many of the local towns of the regions, and its has associations with the prominent architect Mr Cohen.

Physical Description

‘The homestead is a significant large, rambling, brick and tile Federation bungalow, which has been altered and extended several times. A major renovation took place from 31st August 1920, the plans were drawn up by Architech E.G. Cohen.’ ‘Molyneux (1978) states that the Cohen design “included casually related roofs, extending out over verandahs, in the vernacular bungalow form, and which are elaborated upon with ventilating and decorative, half timbered gables. The ends of the structural verandah rafters are exposed, and, with the arch shaped verandah beams, they illustrate a typical achievement of decorative enrichment from functional elements. Circular windows are also used, hallmarks of the era. Metal tiles, imitating concrete tiles have recently replaced the original corrugated iron roof cladding.’

History

‘Henry Mortlock Ommanney, a relative of Admiral Sir J Ommanney, sailed to the Swan River Colony in1829 where he entered the Survey Department. He took over the temporary home of Thomas Little when Mr Little moved to ‘Belvidere’. ‘Mr Henry Ommanney was the Asst Govt. Surveyor to Surveyor General JS Roe. In 1839 the property was variously known as ‘Moorlands’, ‘Moorland Park’, or ‘Moorland Farm’. Ommanney was responsible for surveying the Bunbury townsite in 1841. Ommanney also surveyed the Vasse and Coolingup (Capel) townsites. During this time, he married Miss Elizabeth Capel from a well-known Busselton pioneer family and together they established a dairy on “Moorland Farm’. ‘It was Ommanney who constructed the Moonlight Bridge, a footbridge which connected St Marks Anglican Church and the Wollaston home. Ommanney died in 1880. Ownership of “Moorlands” appears to have changed a least four times with successive owners fostering various social, educational and cultural events for the district. Examples include provision of a schoolhouse in the early 1850’s; hosting the Hunt Club activities and many other social occasions such as garden parties.’ ‘The property is an outstanding example of a residence built for landed gentry.’ ‘Molyneux (1978) indicates that Nilsson and Banting reconstructed “Moorlands” in August 1920 to an E.G Cohen design for Percy Rose. The plans were based around the old home of HM Ommanney and the front of the house was reversed from the river. During the late 1880’s to beyond 1900 the house was occupied by Mrs Harley Johnson and family.’

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Moorlands and Barn has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place represents one of the earliest farms in the Bunbury area and the homstead dates from 1839; the dairy farm was established by Henry Mortlock Ommanney, who surveyed the Bunbury townsite in 1841, and the homestead was a centre of social life in mid to late 1800s; extensive alterations designed by architect Eustace Cohen were completed in the 1920s, and represents the adaptation of early colonial housing to contemporary standards. the place is a fine adapted example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture; the place has landmark qualities and contributes significantly to the streetscape and the community's sense of place; it is believed that the barn was used as one of the first schools in the area and was where William Forrest's children (including John Forrest) attended school.

Physical Description

Moorlands and Barn, Moorland Avenue, is a single storey brick and tile house designed in the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The place has been extended and altered several times, including a major renovation in the 1920s. The walls are facebrick to dado level and rendered brick above. The roof is hipped and half gabled and clad with tiles. There is a prominant gable over the central front door. The varandahs wrap around the building and are supported by decorative timber posts with simple timber frieze detailing. A central set of concrete steps with rendered curved low lwvel balustrade leads up to the front door. There are leadlight windows at the front of the house. In 2012 a Development Application was approved for works to the place.

History

Moorlands was built in 1839 by Henry Ommanney. Henry Mortlock Ommanney (b 1812) began working for the Survey Department in England at the age of 12 and in 1829 sailed to the Swan River Colony with James Stirling. He was appointed Assistant Government Surveyor, working with Surveyor-General J S Roe for many years. Ommanney was responsible for surveying the Bunbury townsite in the early 1840s, as well as the Vasse and Coolingup (Capel) townsites. In 1838, Ommanney was residing with Bunbury’s Government Resident, Lieutenant Henry Bull. He then lived across the Preston River in Thomas Little’s old property before building his own home, which was known by several names including ‘Moorland’, ‘Moorland Park’ and ‘Moorland Farm’. Ommanney married Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Bussell in 1839. They lived at Moorlands where they raised their five children. One of their sons was killed in 1875 while on service with the Royal Navy. The Ommanneys established a dairy at Moorlands and were well known for their social activities. They would often visit their neighbours Rev J. Wollaston and his wife Mary Wollaston, who lived across the Preston River. Ommanney was responsible for building the “Moonlight Bridge” which connected St Mark’s Anglican Church and the Wollaston (later Richardson-Bunbury) home ‘Charterhouse’. In 1843 Ommanney was credited with saving Charterhouse from burning to the ground. Moorlands was associated with various social, cultural and educational activities in the district. In the early 1850s, the brick barn was reportedly the first school house in the area and is where William Forrest’s older children, including (Sir) John commenced their education. Many of the Bunbury Hunt Club activities were held there and Moorlands was also used for social occasions such as garden parties. Henry Ommanney died in 1880 and Moorlands changed hands a number of times in subsequent years. Mrs Harely Johnson and her family lived there from the late 1880s to the early 1900s. Robert and then Percy Rose were the next owners. Percy Rose had architect E G Cohen drawn up plans for extensive additions and renovations in 1920. The old home was subsumed into a new house and the front entrance was reversed from the river. The work was completed by local contractors Nilsson and Banting. Eustace Cohen (born London, 1881) was articled to Thomas Lockwood and Sons at Chester before working for Guy Dawber. He emigrated to Western Australia due to ill health in 1904 and set up practice in Bunbury and Busselton (1906-1913). He moved to Perth in 1914, where he formed a partnership with Joseph Eales, trading as Eales and Cohen. Cohen was instrumental in bringing the Arts and Crafts movement to Western Australia. The earliest examples of his work in Bunbury and Busselton display his interpretation of vernacular homes in the Arts and Crafts manner. The leadlight gothic windows at the front of the house are cast iron replicas of other similar windows found at contemporary buildings at Leschenault Park cottage and Upton House. The Rose family added several more leadlight windows with blue irises. Moorlands continues to be a productive farm on the urban fringe of Bunbury and is virtually tucked away from public view. In 2012 a Development Application was approved for works to the place.

Integrity/Authenticity

1920s renovation - High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only). The building appears much the same as post 1920 renovation for Mr. Percy Rose and it is understood that elements of the original 1841 house have been retained.

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

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Bunbury Power Station

Uses

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Bunbury Shoreline as at 1841 - Site

Uses

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Statement of Significance

HISTORIC SITE The original shoreline was mapped by the first European visitors to the area and formed part of the original town maps for Bunbury.

Physical Description

The original shoreline is no longer visible. It has been much altered by reclamation, the addition of a breakwater, various groynes and manipulating the entrance to the Leschenault Inlet from Koombana Bay.

History

Although there is evidence of maritime surveys of the Bunbury coast carried out by Dutch, English and French explorers and mariners, a detailed examination of the Port Leschenault coastline was not completed until February and March 1803 by officers on board the ‘Casuarina’ as part of the Baudin expedition. Officer Bonnefoi de Montbazin, of the French expedition led by Nicolas Baudin, was sent to explore the area in a longboat and drew the first plan of the bay and lower estuary. His plan showed Port Leschenault and Middle Island (later Pig Island) and beyond to the now subsumed Mill Point. Bonnefoi also mapped a ‘small boat/barque harbour’ sheltered by a reef of black volcanic basalt (Point Casuarina). There was no European settlement at ‘Port Leschenualt’ until Governor Stirling sent a military detachment to camp on the North Shore in 1830. The encampment lasted six months before the lack of settlers in the area forced Stirling to deploy the soldiers to Augusta. In 1841, Commander John Lort Stokes of the ‘Beagle’ agreed to a request by Marshall Waller Clifton of the Western Australia Company to carry out a hydrographic study of Koombana(h) Bay. Charles Codrington Forsyth, an officer with the Royal Navy, carried out the survey on Koombana Bay and the Estuary while Stokes was away with Clifton examining the Port Grey area. Forsyth’s map was duly attributed to Stokes. In 1836, Thomas Watson received instructions to survey and lay out the first 70 townsite lots. He commenced the task but his fieldbooks are not complete. A survey of the townsite was completed by Assistant Surveyor H M Ommanney in March 1842 under urgent instruction from the Surveyor-General, J S Roe. The original shoreline is therefore referenced in the 1841 hydrological survey and the 1841/42 tracings of Assistant Surveyor H M Ommanney. The first streets were laid out by Surveyor Watson, parallel to the coastline at 45 degrees from the North. The original shoreline is now much altered by reclamation, the addition of a breakwater, various groynes and manipulating the entrance to the Leschenault Inlet from Koombana Bay. The associations and significance of the original shoreline for the local Noongar peoples has not been researched as part of this document.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original coastline now lies buried.

Condition

The Marlston Hill Structure Plan of 1996 no longer shows the 45° alignment.

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Wreck Site - Agra

Condition

Unknown - wrecked 25/7/1895 - refloated and renamed 'Rose'.

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK SITE The site of the wreck of the 'Agra' has historic significance as it contributes to the story of the trails and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. Unlike the majority of wrecks in Koombana Bay, 'Agra' was salvaged and used as a coal hulk at Fremantle for many years.

Physical Description

(site of shipwreck)

History

'Agra' was a wooden barque from Norway, weighing 962 tonnes (also reported as 775 tons). She was built at Arendel and was registered at the Port of Fremantle in 1893. She was 52.1 metres long. 'Agra' went aground at the entrance to the Estuary on 27 July 1895 when part loaded with jarrah and livestock. The ship was purchased by a Fremantle firm, unloaded, repaired and refloated to Careening Bay where further repairs were carried out in April 1896. The vessel was renamed ‘Rose’ in 1897 and was used as a coal hulk in Fremantle for many years.

Archaeology

Shipwreck site

Integrity/Authenticity

Not applicable

Condition

Not applicable

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Wreck Site - Annie M Young

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK 'Annie M Young' is one of a number of shipwrecks in Koombana Bay from the colonial period that tell the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. 'Annie M Young' plied the Western Australian coast, moving goods between ports.

Physical Description

Unknown

History

'Annie M Young', No 48084, was a two masted wooden brig weighing 345 tons (also recorded as 303 tons). She was 33 metres in length. According to Lloyd’s Register, the frame was iron, the rudder of oak, the keel of birch and maple, the bottom planking of birch and spruce, the floors of birch, beech and tamarack, and the treenails of beech and tamarack. 'Annie M Young' was equipped with two Trotman’s design bower anchors, two stream anchors and two Trotman’s kedges. 'Annie M Young' was built for Young and Baker at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1863. By the early 1870s, she was in service in the Western Australian coastal shipping trade. On 2 November 1876, 'Annie M Young' was moored at Bunbury with a load of jarrah on board, ready to proceed to the Vasse for more cargo. The cables parted during a gale and the vessel was driven ashore on North Beach the next day. The ship was driven ashore, stern on, and soon bedded into the sand with less than a metre of water at the bow. The bow was full of water to the outside level. The cutter ‘May’ was blown ashore nearby but did not receive any serious damage. Annie M Young was insured and on 4 November, the timber piles were discharged. Anecdotal evidence says Sam Ward and his bullock team pulled most of the piles and sawn timber out of the wreck and many people local were able to augment their fire wood supply.

Archaeology

Shipwreck

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Unknown

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Wreck Site - believed to be the Solglyt

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK The wreck of the 'Solglyt', together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tells the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. The 'Solglyt' plied Western Australia’s coast, moving goods between the ports.

Physical Description

Unknown

History

It is belived that the wreck of the 'Solglyt' is located in Koombana Bay. 'Solglyt' was a three masted wooden barque, with a single deck and raised quarterdeck. She weighed 875 tonnes and was 176.5 metres long. 'Solglyt' was built by M Suensen in Grimstead, Norway, in 1888. By the early 1900s, she was plying Western Australian coastal waters. On 10 July 1901, 'Solglyt' became stranded on the beach at Bunbury. She was fully laden with jarrah and broke up in the mouth of the Bar. She was captained by Captain Rasmussen and owned by O R Foreid. In 1973, when the Koombana Channel was being excavated, the 'Solglyt' was uncovered. After inspection, the wreck was bulldozed to its present location and reburied, which virtually destroyed any remains.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK.

Condition

Unknown

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Wreck Site - Cingalee

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK 'Cingalee' is one of a number of shipwrecks in Koombana Bay from the colonial period that tell the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. The 'Cingalee' plied the Western Australian coast, moving goods between ports.

Physical Description

Unknown

History

'Cingalee' was a three masted, single decked wooden barque, weighing 336.6 tonnes and was 40 metres in length. 'Cingalee' was built in Dundee, Scotland, by the Dundee Ship Co in 1872. She was registered in Fremantle in 1878 from the Dundee Registry. In April 1877, 'Cingalee' ran ashore in a cyclone at the Lacapede Islands. W E Marmion and partners, merchants from Fremantle, purchased the vessel as a wreck, hauled her off and had her sailed to Fremantle under jury rig in January 1880 for repair. 'Cingalee' was then engaged in the Western Australian coastal shipping trade. 'Cingalee' ran aground in Koombana Bay on 18 June 1887 under the command of Captain Pringle. The owners at the time were Pearse, Owston & Co. The vessel was condemned in July 1887 and a board of inquiry reported that the storm responsible for the wreck had also moved the bar opening of the Estuary almost half a mile up North Shore. The ship’s fittings were auctioned. In 1938, the ship’s bell was used by the Bunbury Senior High School and remained in use even after an electronic siren system was installed. In 1970, the bell was stolen from the school.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Dismantled and lying scattered in the sand.

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Wreck Site - Elizabeth

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK The wreck of the 'Elizabeth' together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tell the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. Owned by Fremantle merchant, L & W Samson, the 'Elizabeth' was mainly used for trade between Fremantle and the Eastern colonies and Asian ports.

Physical Description

Unknown

History

'Elizabeth' was a first class, two masted teak schooner, 19 metres in length and weighing 100 tons. 'Elizabeth' was built in Calcutta, India, and was launched in January 1832. She was purchased by L & W Samson of Fremantle in 1838 for £1,600 and was mainly used for trade between Fremantle and the Eastern colonies and Asian ports. 'Elizabeth' was loaded with 32 casks of whale oil for George Leake, as well as a large quantity of barrel staves for Captain Scott (Fremantle Harbour Master) when she parted her cable during a heavy gale on Bunbury’s North Shore on 17 November 1843. She was under charter by Captain Scott at the time to salvage as much as possible from another wreck, North America (see B107), when she became a total wreck herself and broke up badly on the beach. All hands made the shore safely but the log book, register and chronometer were lost. At the time, 'Elizabeth' was insured for £800.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Dismantled, scattered and buried beneath the sand.

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Wreck Site - Midas

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK The wreck of the 'Midas', together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tells the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. Owned by Connor and McKay of New Zealand, the 'Midas' was used for intercolonial trade.

Physical Description

Unknown

History

'Midas' was a three masted wooden sailing barque weighing 555 tons. She was 44 metres long and was constructed at Farmingdale, USA, by Duncan in 1865. By 1872, 'Midas' was owned by Connor and McKay of New Zealand. They loaded her with cut timber, 70 foot piles and jetty timber at Bunbury, but she was wrecked during a cyclone on 10 March 1872. In March and June 1872, it was reported that the wreck was obstructing the harbour and she had to be moved by the Government. A law suit followed, and in 1876 the wreck still lay in the harbour.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains

Condition

Unknown

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Wreck Site - North America No 1

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK The wreck of the 'North America', together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tells the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. 'North America' was one of the whaling vessels drawn to the Western Australian coast to hunt whales for their lucrative oil, and to trade and barter with the early settlers.

Physical Description

Substantial parts of the keel and hull remain buried in the sand [under the carpark with the "Samuel Wright"].

History

'North America' was a wooden whaler from Warren, North America, weighing 285 tons and measuring 29 metres in length. 'North America' was constructed in 1804 in New York and ran aground on 12 April 1843 with cargo of 100 barrels of sperm whale oil, 400 barrels of black oil, and three years' worth of provisions. She ended up on her side, close to the wreck of the Samuel Wright. American whalers were drawn to the Western Australian coast because of the greater economic return from whaling compared to sealing, due to the larger stock and higher prices obtained in Britain and North America for whale products, particularly oil. Whale oil was an essential lubricant in the early stages of the industrial revolution and was also an important lighting fuel. In turn, the American whalers provided the residents of the foundling settlement of Bunbury with essential trade and barter. In June 1843, North America was sold to Captain Scott, the Fremantle Harbour Master, for £125 (other reports state £500). Scott had a new rudder fitted, repaired the vessel and refloated her. However, she was totally wrecked again on 19 June 1843. Scott sent the Elizabeth to Bunbury to salvage as much as possible, but unfortunately she was too wrecked in the process. (Bee B106). When the rudder was uncovered in 1963, the jarrah timber in it was a puzzle until it was worked out that it had been replaced by Scott's men in 1843. It has been reported that Reverend Wollaston purchased the bell from North America at the wreck auction for use at St Mark's Anglican Church, Picton.

Archaeology

Shipwreck

Condition

Remains of wreck are buried and scattered beneath the now altered coastline.

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Wreck site - North America No 2

Uses

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Creation Date

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Wreck Site - Samuel Wright

Uses

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Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK The wreck of the ‘Samuel Wright’, together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tells the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. 'Samuel Wright’ was one of the whaling vessels drawn to the Western Australian coast to hunt whales for their lucrative oil, and to trade and barter with the early settlers. Captain Francis Coffin purchased the remains and furnishings of the wreck at auction and established himself, family and crew at Picton for several years. Captain Coffin was Bunbury’s first (unofficial) harbour pilot.

Physical Description

It is believed that parts of the keel and hull remain buried in the sand.

History

'Samuel Wright' was a three masted, wooden whaling vessel weighing 372 tons (also documented as 273 tons) and measuring 30.5 metres long. 'Samuel Wright' was registered as a whaling ship at Salem, Massachusetts. She was captained by Francis Coffin and owned by J B Osgood. American whalers were drawn to the Western Australian coast because whaling gave a greater economic return than sealing due to the larger stock and higher prices obtained in Britain and North America for whale products, particularly oil. Whale oil was an essential lubricant in the early stages of the industrial revolution and was also an important lighting fuel. In turn, the American whalers provided the residents of the foundling settlement of Bunbury with essential trade and barter. 'Samuel Wright' ran aground in July 1840 during a storm off Koombana Bay. Another ship, North America No 2, ran aground during the same storm. (B069) Captain Coffin (or Coffey or Coffier) purchased the furnishings and remains of 'Samuel Wright' at auction and used the materials to establish himself, crew and family on 115 acres at Picton, on the banks of the Preston River. In 1842, he sold the property, including a number of ‘huts’ to Reverend John R Wollaston and returned to North America. Wollaston built St Mark’s Anglican Church on the site. Coffin was Bunbury’s first (unofficia)l harbour pilot. Surveyor Ommaney used the mast of the wreck of the 'Samuel Wright' as one of his trig points when he conducted the townsite survey in 1843.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Unknown

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Rocky Point

Values

□ The place has social value as it is a site of social importance to local Noongar people as well as being a place of recreation for the local community.

Physical Description

□ Grassed parkland, picnic grounds and beach. □ Most northern extrusion of a large mass of basaltic rock □ Bunbury basalt (Rocky Point) cooled to a columnar form similar to that at Giants causeway and the Galapagos Islands. □ The outcrop was responsible for the diversion of the Leschenault Inlet and river system.

History

The Rocky Point Parkland project was stopped in Feb 2002 to consult with local Noongars and the Department of Indigenous Affairs to adequately and appropriately address issues surrounding the management of a known Aboriginal burial site at Rocky Point. Meetings between the City of Bunbury and Noongar elders were held to ascertain exactly where the burial sites were. However, due to little historical record and some confusion they were unable to determine the exact where abouts of the graves. An Agreement was reached between the City of Bunbury and the Department of Indigenous Affairs that any discovery of remains made in during the redevelopment work all work would cease and an archeological assessment be undertaken. ‘Walkabout’ website states: ‘It is believed that the black rocks at Rocky Point are part of a lava flow dating back 150 million years which occurred as the great integrated mass of Gondwanaland (Antarctica, South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australia) started to drift apart. The Bunbury basalt at Rocky Point cooled in columns giving it the appearance of the Giant's causeway in Northern Ireland. It was no accident that when Reverend Wollaston drew a map of Bunbury in 1843, he named this rocky outcrop 'Giant's Causeway.’ ‘In 1897 Government Engineer C.Y O’Connor recognised the value of using the existing northern extension of the basaltic material as a foundation bed for the large breakwater project at Point Casuarina.’ ‘The rock drew attention from early settlers and is commented on in writings from Louisa Clifton and Rev. Wollaston.’

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Rocky Point, a geological landform, has cultural heritage significance because: It is a unique natural landscape feature of ancient basaltic rock which is a landmark of the west coast of Western Australia; It has evoked the curiosity and awe of residents, visitors, fishers and whalers since the earliest days of settlement and encounters with the area have been recorded in many documents; the area has historic associations with the development of Bunbury as the Municipal Council quarried the basaltic rock for building purposes; and, the place continues to be a popular recreational area.

Physical Description

This is the most northern extrusion of a large prominant mass of ancient basaltic rock on the western side of Bunbury townsite which extends to Black Point west of Windy Harbour. The feature is evidence of continental drift and Australia's earlier connection to Gondwanaland. The quarry was located at the northern point. Little evidence of previous quarrying now exists.

History

Rocky Point is on the western side of the Bunbury townsite. It is a prominent basaltic outcrop probably of Neocomian Age about 130 million years old. The feature is evidence of continental drift and Australia’s earlier connection to Gondwanaland (or the separation into continents of Australia and Antarctica). Rocky Point is part of an ancient lava flow that extended from Bunbury to Black Point at the mouth of the Donnelly River. The unusual rock formation drew the attention of early settlers and is commented on in the writings of Louisa Clifton and the Reverend J R Wollaston. Reverend Wollaston described the phenomenon to friends in England, saying that ‘these rocks are curious, but devoid of any shells or seaweed.’ He compared the outcrop to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Over the years, the amazement and appreciation experienced by residents, whalers, fishermen and tourists as they encountered Rocky Point has been recorded in a number of documents. In 1897, the Government Engineer, C Y O’Connor recognized the value of using the existing northern extension of the basaltic material as a foundation bed for the large Breakwater project at Point Casuarina. The Bunbury Municipal Council quarried basalt for road building from at least 1896 until the 1950s. At one time, the plant turned out 80 yards of crushed metal per day and the prevailing notion of the authorities was that the supply was ‘virtually unlimited’. The quarry was located at the most northern extension of a large mass of ancient basaltic rock (originally part of Gondwanaland) which extends to Black Point, west of Windy Harbour. Wyalup was the Aboriginal name commonly known and labeled for the area in the first years of white settlement. The residence at 44 Jarvis Street (B071) is built of basalt quarried from this quarry. The quarry closed in the 1950s. The site continues to be a favoured vantage point and a popular recreational spot where people enjoy fishing, picnicking and beach access to the Indian Ocean. The upsurge of the ocean into Foaming Channel during storms from a westerly direction is particularly spectacular.

Integrity/Authenticity

Geological feature - probably of Neocomian Age about 130 million years old.

Condition

Part of the site has been quarried in the past.

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Back Beach Ocean Bath

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Ocean Beach Baths , a concrete swimming pool situated on the beach and filled with ocean water, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • The public baths were established by the Bunbury Municipal Council for the use of residents and tourists and demonstrates the commitment of the local government in providing safe swimming and recreational facilities; • The Ocean Beach Baths were a focal point of community activity and reflects the continuing popularity of Bunbury as a holiday resort in the early 1900s.

Physical Description

Rectangular concrete ocean swimming bath/pool. It had depths varying from 45 cm to 1.8 m.

History

The first land grants at Bunbury were taken up in 1830 when an expedition navigated the Collie River to the Darling Range in search of fertile property. Governor James Stirling became the largest landowner in the area, when he was granted more than 20,000 acres of fertile land. Settlement of the region began in 1838, when John Scott was brought out to farm Stirling's land to fulfil the conditions of the land grant. In 1852, Stirling sold a half share of his holdings in his Leschenault Estate (Location 26) and the land was gradually subdivided and sold off. The townsite of Bunbury was surveyed and gazetted in 1841. It remained a small town until the arrival of the gold boom in the 1890s and the growth of the timber industry. This saw the emergence of Bunbury as a seaside health resort, nicknamed ‘the Brighton of the Colony’. The population of the town grew in this time from 572 to 2970 residents. The Baths The Baths were constructed by the Bunbury City Council to provide a safe modern ocean swimming bath for the Bunbury Residents and visitors to the town. The location and design of the baths was flawed and the baths continuously filled with beach sand. “It should never have been built there – in winter the waves were constantly smashing over it and wearing it away,” “There was an inlet pipe pumping water in from the ocean and in summer two blokes from the water board had to swim out and clear away all the seaweed from the filter almost every morning.” As this was an ongoing issue with a large maintenance cost involved the baths were left to ruin for some years until 1937. A 1937 newspaper article reports that a 9500 pound loan was raised to carry out works to the dilapidated baths. Part of this loan was to repair the baths that had been overrun by sand. For almost as long as people have enjoyed swimming at Back Beach, there has been a desire to build a safe, still water swimming pool (or baths) on its beach. In 1907 the council voted to build baths here, but the plan was abandoned in favour of the Bunbury Baths adjacent to the jetty. When those baths closed, Bunbury City Council built a modern ocean swimming pool here at the cost of £1500, which opened in January 1936. It was built out of concrete and primarily designed for children, with depths varying from 45 cm to 1.8 m, however, it was frequented by adult swimmers too. Unfortunately, almost as soon as it opened, it experienced problems. Water was pumped from the ocean through a 15 cm pipe to the pool, but the pipes became frequently clogged with seaweed. And through the action of the waves, the pool was continuously filling with sand. Due to World War Two, upkeep costs were too high and a severe storm damaged the pool beyond repair so it was left to ruin. Despite the loss of the pool, Back Beach remains a popular swimming spot to this day. “ The baths are constructed in the worst position which could have been chosen. It will be interesting to see what will happen in the winter when high tides and northwest gales will completely sweep away the hundred yards or so of sand six to seven feet deep now lying between the baths and the sea.”– South Western Times, 22 February 1936 “ On the western side of the high lands is the famous Back Beach, a place where Neptune plays boisterously with surfers. For those who do not like his playful way there is a peaceful swimming pool on the beach.” – Sunday Times, 12 November 1939

Archaeology

Historic ruins/remnants of original ocean bath

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low Authenticity: Medium Date of survey: 29/07/2022

Condition

Poor

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Bunbury Bathing Pavilion

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Bathing Pavilion , a concrete, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • The pavilion was established by the Bunbury Municipal Council for the use of residents and tourists and demonstrates the commitment of the local government in providing safe swimming and recreational facilities; • The Pavilion was a focal point of community activity and reflects the continuing popularity of Bunbury as a holiday resort in the early 1900s.

Physical Description

The site of the Ocean Beach (Bright Spot) Bathing Pavilion is now the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club Inc. and a restaurant building. Cream brick buildings with red brick banding and a corrugated metal roof. There are no visible remnants of the original Bathing Pavilion building. The original building was a two-storey reinforced concrete pavilion at the Back Beach, Bunbury. The building had a frontage of 158ft [48.1584 metres] and a depth of 45ft [13.716 metres]. There was a tower, 60ft high [18.288 metres], centrally placed which served as lookout for life savers and sight seers

History

Early history The first land grants at Bunbury were taken up in 1830 when an expedition navigated the Collie River to the Darling Range in search of fertile property. Governor James Stirling became the largest landowner in the area, when he was granted more than 20,000 acres of fertile land. Settlement of the region began in 1838, when John Scott was brought out to farm Stirling's land to fulfil the conditions of the land grant. In 1852, Stirling sold a half share of his holdings in his Leschenault Estate (Location 26) and the land was gradually subdivided and sold off. The townsite of Bunbury was surveyed and gazetted in 1841. It remained a small town until the arrival of the gold boom in the 1890s and the growth of the timber industry. This saw the emergence of Bunbury as a seaside health resort, nicknamed ‘the Brighton of the Colony’. The population of the town grew in this time from 572 to 2970 residents. The Pavilion The Ocean Beach Bathing Pavilion’s construction began in 1939 for the cost of 5,530 Pounds. The Bunbury Municipal Council commissioned the building design to the renowned structural engineer, Mr Reginald Summer-Hayes of Perth. The building opened in February of 1940. The well-known Bunbury Building contractors J. G Hough and Son Ltd. were responsible for the construction of the pavilion. The Ocean Beach Pavilion was commonly known as ‘the Pavilion’ and then by some as the ‘Bright Spot’ after the name of the Tearooms. Early plans for the Bathing Pavilion The West Australian newspaper reported on the 7th of May 1938 that plans were announced to commence construction of a large bathing pavilion for the Municipal Council (figs. 2 & 3). The Western Australian paper described the venture below; Plans have been prepared for the erection of a two-storey reinforced concrete bathing pavilion at the Back Beach, Bunbury, for the Municipal Council. The building will have a frontage of 158ft [48.1584 metres] and a depth of 45ft [13.716 metres]. The plan provides that on the ground floor there will be a foyer, two shops, dressing rooms, showers, lavatories for men and women, a promenade overlooking the ocean, and stairs leading to the upper floor and decks. On the upper storey provision is made for tearooms, kitchen stores, and caretaker’s quarters. There will be a tower, 60ft high [18.288 metres], centrally placed which will serve as lookout for life savers and sight seers (The West Australian 1938 p.8). The report goes on to state that the design will be on ‘Modern Lines’. The colour of the building itself was to be cement finished in a cream colour with brown brick panels and flower boxes, garden paths were even to be set out to create a harmonious link with the buildings streamlining. The Bunbury Ocean Beach Bathing Pavilion was opened during February of 1940. A 1939 report from the Sunday Times describes the building as ‘imposing from every angle that it is viewed’ (Sunday Times 1939 p.3). Built on solid Basalt rock the building was positioned on the sands in front of the Indian Ocean, the pavilion was constructed using reinforced concrete in a continuous pour method. The position of the Pavilion on the beach was purposefully arrived at due to safety factors, allowing patrons to walk to the change rooms and shops without having to cross Ocean Drive. The interior entry of the building comprised of two concreted stairways, with one leading down to the ground floor and the other set of stairs leading to the floor above. The first floor foyer was the entrance to the cabaret; also entered through a set of stairs on the southern end of the building. A large space of 17ft – 29ft the room had large plate glass observation windows looking out over the Indian Ocean. The walls were constructed of sand plaster, while the ‘well’ ceiling was a latticed design. The Cabaret area was used for many different events including dances. The attached kitchen (25ft – 13ft) had a large nickel stove, white tiles and many cupboards. There were also half doors used for serving bays (Sunday Times 1939 p.3). On the way through the foyer was a caretaker’s room underneath the tower and beyond that at the northern end of the building was the open air tea gardens (47ft – 38ft) where refreshments were served under beach umbrellas. The tearooms expanded the whole way around the building with 180 degree views of the beach that were finished with iron railings. Moving back into the foyer and descending down the stairs that led to the lower floor on the Western Side was the beachfront. If looking at the building’s west side from the beach a large portico and cantilever verandah coupled together to act as the support for the promenade above. Outside of the portico footbaths were supplied. French doors gave access to the large downstairs area of the building. This interior space housed lockers and a first aid room. To the left was the ladies surf club change rooms and to the right was the male rooms. These spaces included not only large change rooms but lavatories and showers also. The rooms were all fitted with Flemish glass. There were also public conveniences located outside. At night the beachfront was lit up with floodlights. In 1960 the pavilion was redecorated by the Bunbury Council with the surf club as the main beneficiary of this renovation. The council cut the public change rooms in half, giving more room to the club; later an office space and surf boat were added (A History of the Bunbury Surf Club 2015 p.1). The Pavilion had a long history of association to the Bunbury Surf Carnival with many inter carnival surf lifesaving events held at the Back Beach. The Bright Spot The Bright Spot (the name of the tearooms interchangeably used as the name of the Pavilion) was owned by a number lessees. The first known owner was Perry (may be Percy) Edwards who also owned the Harvey Aerated Water Company (notes taken from a conversation with Ray Repacholi). The second lessee was a man known as Pitias Stamatiadhis who either began to lease the property in 1942 or 1943. It is clear that Stamatiadhis leases the property until his sudden and unfortunate death at a Greek wedding on the 13th of December 1948 (West Australian 1948 p.8). There is a third known lessee, Jack (Gill) Poat, who has also been dubbed the ‘father of the Bunbury Herald’. There is evidence that Poat runs the establishment in March of 1951 (West Australian 1951 p.6). The last known owner was Jack Hayward, who held the lease in either 1965 or 1966 (Shaw, Colin 2016). Acts of Vandalism and Robbery Although the Bunbury Bathing Pavilion was the source of many events that caused social cohesion it wasn’t all smooth sailing. For example in 1942 the Daily News reported that two wood and iron seats were lifted from the verandah, thrown to the beach (a drop of 14ft) and smashed beyond repair (Daily News 1942 p.6). Then strangely enough in 1953 a man created wanton destruction by using an 8ft of 3x2 piece of Jarrah to smash 102 sheets of window glass! Two men sat by in a car heard the commotion and confronted the man. The man, a Peter Air, then threatened them with violence. The total damage to the Pavilion was one large plate glass, five casement windows and ninety six windows in the dressing room section. Peter Air, an engineer then recently arrived from the Eastern States was charged with the offence. The Bright Spot Tearooms had also fallen victim to robbery. It was reported in the West Australian on November 20th that the tearooms had been robbed of tobacco, cigarettes and money to the value of about 20 pounds. The same article mentions that the tearoom was broken into three weeks prior and again cigarettes, confectionary and around 7 pounds had been stolen. The point of entry had been a window that was forced open. The passing of the Pavilion The Pavilion building although grand and bold in design was demolished for unknown reasons. The Pavilion was superseded by the Bunbury Surf Club building that opened in 1967. Pictured below is the second surf club that met with same fate as the Pavilion in 1988. There are now two buildings in this vicinity, the Bunbury Surf Lifesaving Club (south) and a restaurant building (north). The City of Bunbury Surf Live Saving Club was founded in 1915 and was the second club founded in Western Australia (Cottesloe SLSC was first in 1909). Since those early days members have volunteered countless hours of Surf Patrol duty to keep Bunbury’s beaches safe for swimmers and surfers. Members have performed numerous rescues and attended to thousands of major and minor first aid incidents. The City of Bunbury SLSC is one of 311 Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia with a total membership of over 165,820 members. We are affiliated with Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA).

Integrity/Authenticity

Date of survey: 04/08/2022

Condition

Demolished

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Recreation Ground

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Recreation Ground has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place has been the venue for many sporting and cultural events over many decades. Throughout its life, the Recreation Ground has demonstrated important social and sporting links to the communities of Bunbury and beyond.

Physical Description

Recreation Ground is a large open grassed area with a grandstand / club room building used for recreational and sporting purposes including cricket; athletics and community events.

History

Bunbury Recreation Ground developed from the 1880s, though most infrastructure was not built until the late 1890s. Prior to this, the area was the site of Scott’s Dairy. Some of the town allotments laid out in the original town plan of 1841 were converted to Council Reserves (including Lot 136 through to Lot 152). Land for the recreation ground had been set aside by the Council in 1888. By the same year the Bunbury Cricket Club was playing regular games on the Recreation Ground. As part of the 1890 Proclamation Day celebrations, children assembled at the Recreation Ground and were given a bun before singing God Save the Queen and enduring an address by the new Government Resident, Mr Timperley. Afterwards, there were various sporting events. Wellington, Nelson and Murray Agricultural Society was formed by a breakaway group from the Southern Districts Agricultural Society. Shows were held at Busselton and Bunbury in alternative years. The first Agricultural Show in the Wellington district was held in November 1862. From at least 1895, the Wellington Agricultural Society used the grounds for their annual show, erecting sheds, stables and pens. (The Wellington-Nelson-Murray Agricultural Society used the Army Drill Hall site as their showgrounds from May 1845 until c 1895.) When the Showgrounds (Hands Oval) was established in South Bunbury the annual show was held there. Wallis and Boundy built a picket fence in 1896, the same year that a timber pavilion was built to a design prepared by architect J Balding and a cycle track laid down. In 1901, Bunbury Recreation Ground was the site of Federation of Australia activities. The celebrations were attended by 1,800 locals, Sir John Forrest, the Governor General, Lord Hopetoun, and the Mayor of Bunbury, Captain Moore. The Recreation Grounds was also site of welcome home parades for troops following World War I and World War II, the venue for a pageant to celebrate Bunbury’s centenary on 19 February 1937, and the muster point to celebrate royal visitors (eg Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in 1946). It was also used for Anzac Day services during World War II as there were too many people to fit around the War Memorial at the top of Victoria Street. After the war, the Bunbury Town Council allowed the Recreation Ground to be used as a temporary caravan park in an attempt to address the accommodation shortage. Few houses had been built during the war and rental accommodation was at a premium. During the 1960s timber grandstands were demolished. Bunbury Recreation Ground has also been the venue for many sporting events, including cycling, local, intrastate and national cricket games and football. A bitumen cycle track was laid for the South Bunbury Cycle Club which later had lights installed to allow for night racing. Bunbury’s three football clubs; Railway Football Club, South Bunbury Football Club and Pastimes Football Club played all their games on the grounds for many years. Several world class athletic events and international records have been achieved at the Grounds, particularly in the field of marathon running.

Integrity/Authenticity

Ground has remained the same for over 100 yrs. Grandstand pavilion and velodrome have been removed.

Condition

Ground maintained by Council staff.

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Basalt Quarry site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

DEMOLISHED The mining of the basaltic rock in the past represents exploitation and extraction of a unique natural commodity to provide a solid building material for municipal purposes.

Physical Description

Little sign of previous quarrying activity at this site.

History

The Bunbury Municipal Council quarried basalt for road building from at least 1896 until the 1960s. At one time, the plant turned out 80 yards of crushed metal per day and the prevailing notion of the authorities was that the supply was ‘virtually unlimited’. The quarry was located at the most northern extrusion of a large mass of ancient basaltic rock (originally part of Gondwanaland) which extends to Black Point, west of Windy Harbour. Wyalup/Wylalup was the Aboriginal name recorded for the area in the first years of white settlement. The residence at 44 Jarvis Street (B071) is built of basalt quarried from this quarry. After the quarry closed, it became a popular picnic spot.

Integrity/Authenticity

No longer in use.

Condition

Little sign of previous quarrying activity at this site.

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Bushbelt - Ocean-Preston Regional Park

Child Places

• 05741 Bushbelt - The Maidens Reserve & Tuart Valley

Uses

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 05741 Bushbelt - The Maidens Reserve & Tuart Valley

Physical Description

Dept of Environmental Protection (WA) described the South Bunbury bushland as having "significance as a unique sequence of vegetated landforms elements typical of the Swan Coastal Plain in an atypical combination close to the Bunbury urban area". The region is between the Indian Ocean on the west and the Preston River on the east.

History

A proposal for a regional park was put forward by local resident, Bernard Bischoff, in November 1998. The region is located between the Indian Ocean (west) and Preston River (east). By 2001, it had been recognized by the Department of Environmental Protection (WA) as the South Bunbury bushland and had ‘significance as a unique sequence of vegetated landform elements typical of the Swan Coastal Plain in an atypical combination close to the Bunbury urban area.’ The proposed regional park comprises a vegetation belt covering seven kilometers of landforms and flora not found in a single area anywhere else in the world. One tract contains a unique array of coastal heath, tuart/peppermint forests and woodlands, wetland flora, jarrah/banksia woodlands, melaleuca woodlands, fringing channel woodlands and marri/jarrah woodlands. Fauna such as bandicoots, ringtail possums, kangaroos and smaller creatures inhabit the area. In 1998, this tract of land was endangered by residential development. In 2010, the corridor is under consideration by the relevant authorities for declaration as a Regional Park.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity of remnant bushland with great potential for future ecotourism ventures.

Condition

Good to very good with high ecological importance. Sections of the area are currently threatened by residential development proposals.

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Jetty Crane, Causeway

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Jetty Crane, Bunbury Harbour, has cultural heritage significance because: it represents an earlier phase of development of Bunbury Harbour when such infrastructure was used to load and unload cargo from ships; the crane has some rarity value as one of the few remaining items of infrastruture from the early 1900s period of development of Bunbury Harbour; the place has landmark qualities and contributes to the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

Near the end of the causeway is a large crane that straddles the bitumen road. This crane has been relocated from the jetty to its present location in recent times. The crane is supported by four large stanchions, two to each side of the road, which in turn are supported by railway wheels. On the north-west side the crane bears an inscription which reads as follows: SIR WILLIAM ARROL AND CO LTD PARKHEAD GLASGOW ORDER 543 LOAD 3 TONS 1911

History

This electric crane which was built in 1911 was originally located on the Bunbury Timber Jetty (See B016.1). The crane was relocated to near the end of the causeway that straddles the bitumen road. The crane bears the following inscription: SIR WILLIAM ARROL AND CO LTD PARKHEAD GLASGOW ORDER 543 LOAD 3 TONS 1911 The crane was made by Sir William Arrol and Co Ltd in Parkhead, Glasgow. Arrol was a civil engineer who was responsible for building the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland and the Tower Bridge in London. He also built the Arrol Gantry at the Harland and Wolff Shipyards in Belfast which was used to help construct the Titanic and her sister ships. The crane was one of several located on the Bunbury Timber Jetty and was used to load and unload ships moored alongside the jetty. The Bunbury Timber Jetty was originally constructed in 1864 by convict labour employed by local contractor, William Forrest, and was the first harbour loading facility in Bunbury. The building of the jetty marked the first stage of growth in the Bunbury area. The jetty was extended 11 times between 1865 and 1957 to help meet demand and to overcome silting problems. The jetty was decommissioned in 1982 and since that time has been subject to vandalism and fires, resulting in substantial portions of the structure being removed. The Jetty Crane is the last remaining crane on the jetty, as is representative of a time when the Bunbury Jetty was dominated by the movement of cargo. This history is partly based on the Documentary Evidence in Heritage Council of Western Australia, ‘Register of Heritage Places: Bunbury Timber Jetty’, prepared by Natasha Georgio, 1999.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).

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