Speaker's Chair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with dignitaries in the early days of the development of Wongan Hills, and subsequent associations with generations of people in the area, as a landmark and lookout place of natural beauty.

Physical Description

Speaker's Chair is a natural rock formation in the highest ridge of the Wongan Hills range.

History

Landmark. In 1908, a Parliamentary party visited the Wongan Hills area to inspect the country for the best route of the proposed railway northwards from Goomalling. The party travelled north from Goomalling, through Lake Ninan to Lake Hinds. Members of the party included TH Wilding, V Hammersley MLC, TF Quinlan MLA, and James Mitchell. After lunching at Hancey's farm, members of the party climbed the hills to gain a view over the area. The second highest point was at that time named "Speaker's Chair" in honour of TF Quinlan who was the Speaker of the House of Assembly at that time

Condition

Site

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Sandalwood Tracks - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents associations with an occupation prior to agriculture.

Condition

Site

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Army Camp - site

Parent Place or Precinct

12466 Wongan Hills Research Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents associations with war.

Condition

Site

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Wongan Hills Golf Course - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with the earliest organised recreational activities in Wongan Hills, and subsequent sport and recreation.

History

In 1912, the Progress Association requested land for the purposes of a recreation ground. They were subsequently given 20 acres west of the Railway line. A sports day on new years day in 1914, was held to contribute to the Agricultural hall building fund, but only £8 was raised. 20 acres of land. The Golf Club was active in 1931, when it offered to fund work relief in the Wongan Hills town. The first site of the golf club was the Railway Water Reserve. In 1939, the Golf Club relocated the course to this site (Race Course reserve).

Condition

Site

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Wongan Hills Stockyards - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with the development of the stock industry in the 1950s, in Wongan Hills and the surrounding district.

History

The merchants joint stock yards were opened on 21 January 1956

Condition

Site

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St Peters Anglican Church

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates customs and a way of life associated with the Anglican church. It is a landmark in the town of Wongan Hills, with a commanding aspect. It is a memorial to the perseverance and faith of the early settlers, and the ongoing Christian traditions.

Physical Description

The concrete block rendered building has a corrugated iron gable roof. The frontage is gabled with a gabled entry portico. The site is terraced with rock walls. The reredos (mosaic panels behind the altar) is from Salisbury Cathedral.

History

The Parish of Wongan Hills came into being with the induction of Reverend Mearing on 30 October 1929. A meeting in 1930 resolved that a block of land would be acquired for the purpose of constructing a church. The Parish hall was constructed at the instigation of Reverend Hall, who came to Wongan Hills in 1931. Funds for the church were a gift from Reverend Hall's friends in England after he told them of the Depression conditions in the wheatbelt. The concrete blocks were made on site by Roger Brown, and men of the parish carted the sand and gravel. The foundation stone was laid by Archdeacon Riley on 7 February 1932. Outstanding site. Reverend Hall opened the Church. Before there was a resident Minister, the area was worked by Ministers from Northam and Goomalling, and services were held in settlers' homes.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Good

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.303 Rifle Club - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with sport and recreation and a way of life associated with early settlers

History

The .303 Rifle Club was officially approved and gazetted in November 1910. O Ganzer was the Captain. The earliest rifle range was at John Lee's, but wasn't used for long. They applied for land which subsequently became airport road. The tennis courts were opened on 20 February 1932

Condition

Site

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Blacksmith Shop - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with pioneers.

Physical Description

Plaque marks the site.

History

Frank Randell Moore established one of the first businesses in the district when he established his blacksmith shop on the corner adjacent to T Elliott's block. It became a rendezvous for settlers, and the Moore's home was a place for the ladies to rest and have a cup of tea when visiting town. Moore later made rainwater tanks.

Condition

Site

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Stonestreet's Bakery - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has associations with Mr Stonestreet, one of the early bakers in Wongan Hills.

History

Mr Stonestreet built the house and adjoining bakery in Wongan Hills.

Condition

Site

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Dr Lovegrove's House (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has significant associations with Dr Lovegrove.

Physical Description

Timber framed and fibro clad with a weatherboard dado. The hipped roof forms a large gable at the front which is detailed in timber. The roof extends in a skillion over a side verandah.

History

It was very important for a developing town to have the services of a Doctor, and appropriate residence for the doctor is critical to that end

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact or redeemable Authenticity: medium degree

Condition

Good

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Wongan Hills Drive In - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with a way of life no longer practiced.

History

The Wongan Hills Drive in was opened in February 1959 by the Roads Board Chairperson HL Shields. It had provision for 152 vehicles in addition to a seated area with canvas deck chairs. T Wilmot ran the drive in for some years, as did Vic Basham, until it closed in ?? c1990?? and was subsequently demolished. Vic Basham continues to regularly screen movies at the Wongan Hills Community Centre.

Condition

Site

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Red Shed - Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with a social way of life no longer practised.

History

Roger Brown's shed opening onto the laneway near the Agricultural Hall became the venue for men to drink alcohol, as it was strictly prohibited at the dances. There was no licensed premises in the town, so the site was popular. It was men only. Brown was an enterprising business man from the early days of the town's development, and after the 1930s was a builder of some repute in the town. The site was later occupied by a boarding house, and now a private residence.

Condition

Site

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Town Well - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents associations with the establishment of Wongan Hills town.

History

During 1910 and 1911 as the area was being settled in the north and the town was establishing, the need for water supplies was critical to the existance and continued development. The government bought in a team of well sinkers who worked in three shifts to establish water supplies. The townsite well was one of the first, and although the water was not fit for human consumption, it was patronised excessively for stock supplies. In 1913, the School was located in close proximity to the well, and after a railway construction worker was drowned, the well was filled in. The well sinkers were employed in the district for some time.

Condition

Site

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Wongan Hills Post Office

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place represents the development that was taking place in the 1950s in Wongan Hill, associations with postal communications.

Physical Description

Cream face brick with a red brick foundation, and a low pitched gable roof. the street facade is the gable brick wall, and the entry and a verandah extends along the south side of the building.

History

This purpose built post office opened on 17 January 1959, replaced the Post Office in Wilson St.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Good

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CWA Rooms (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place represents associations with the Wongan Hills Branch of the Country Women's Association

Physical Description

Cream brick construction with a hip tiled roof.

History

the(c1915) CWA in Wongan Hills met at a house at Lot 67 Mitchell Street, until this place was purpose built. CWA history ?? Telecentre beginnings?? Other involvements??

Condition

Good

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Wongan-Ballidu Shire Administration Offices

Child Places

• 13748 Goomalling, Dowerin & Wongan Hills & Shire of Wongan-Ballidu Rolls of Honour

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 13748 Goomalling, Dowerin & Wongan Hills & Shire of Wongan-Ballidu Rolls of Honour

Statement of Significance

The school site represents associations with early education in Wongan Hills. The place represents the progressive spirit of the Wongan-Ballidu Shire, and associations with civic leaders.

Physical Description

The 1913 school which has since been demolished was timber framed weatherboard clad, interior unlined, tin chimney. The Shire office are contemporaneously modern architecture with cream brick construction, low pitched roofs, open plan interior, and cranked wings of the plan.

History

EDUCATION The site of the original 1913 school is marked with a plaque. As early as 1910 the local Progress Association forwarded a petition to the Education Department, and the school was completed by June 1913 with the first fifteen students attending on 4 July 1913. The student numbers were assisted by the Railway construction workers who were centred in Wongan Hills for the construction of the Mullewa line. After they left in February 1915, the number of children dropped from 30 to 10. However by 1923, the school was overcrowded, and was replaced by a larger one transported from the Goldfields. This subsequently became the infants class room at the new location. The Shire Council was formed in 1961 when state legislation converted all Roads Boards to Shire Councils. Civic administration responsibilities expanded to encompass community facilities. In line with the new responsibilities, the new Wongan Ballidu Shire administration offices and Council Chambers represented a new image for the progressive Shire.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Good

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Goomalling, Dowerin & Wongan Hills & Shire of Wongan-Ballidu Rolls of Honour

Parent Place or Precinct

12456 Wongan-Ballidu Shire Administration Offices

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Wongan Hills Gaol - site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with the beginnings of law and order in Wongan Hills.

History

The first gaol in Wongan Hills was built by Mr Gammal, and the Police Officer from Goomalling was the only officer in the district, visiting at regular intervals and as required. The horse paddocks were located behind the gaol. The horse trough has been relocated to the park in Fenton St.

Condition

Site

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State Hotel (fmr)

Values

· The place is an important example of a State and community owned establishment. The place preserves its importance within the community and contributes to their sense of place.
· The place has aesthetic significance and is a landmark within the township. The place is a fine example of the work of PWD architect A.E. Clare and a rare example of the Nautical/Streamline Moderne Version of Art Deco Architecture.
· The place was built on the site and used the bricks from the first hotel established in Wongan Hills.
· The place was converted to a hospital during WW2.
· The place was built by Brown & Norman.

Physical Description

Substantial two-storey brick construction on corner location. Two street fronts feature horizontal rendered balustrade contrasted by corner block (vertical) and sweeping corner curves.

History

In 1910, the Progress Association, with support from the Attorney General and the police, opposed the original plans for a Hotel in Wongan Hills. The Railway was officially opened in Wongan Hills on 22nd August, 1911. The subsequent development of the town made the lack of amenities increasingly apparent. Calls for the construction of a hotel continued. By 1913, the Progress Association retracted its previous disapproval. The original State Hotel was constructed during 1914. Development of the town and its surrounding areas quickly demonstrated the inadequacy of the Hotel. By 1939, plans for a new State Hotel were being prepared by architects in the Public Works Department under the supervision of A.E. Clare. The building was designed in the Nautical/Streamline Moderne Version of Art Deco architecture, built in a unique V shape. Demolition of the original building began in 1940. The builders for the project were Brown and Norman of Albany, who oversaw the salvaging, cleaning and recycling of the old bricks for the new Hotel. In 1940, the C.W.A requested the Roads Board divert Hotel fundraising towards the war effort and the conversion of the Hotel into hospital facilities was made possible. The Hotel was officially opened with a luncheon party on 14th November, 1941. In 1958 the Roads Board purchased the Hotel from State Cabinet. On 17th July, 1959, the Wongan Hills was officially declared a community owned establishment, by the Minister for Industrial Development. Mr. Brown was one of the original shareholders in the Hotel that he had built. Mr Stan Sadler chaired the committee that ran the Hotel until 1979. The Hotel underwent several alterations, including the construction of 10 motel units alongside in 1965, and a 1975 extension to enlarge the bar areas and incorporate a function room. The Hotel continues to run in this capacity.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Sound

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents a way of life no longer practiced. The place demonstrates ways of life and associations with war, the development of Wongan Hills, and civic identities. The place represents a "sense of place". It is a critical element in the main street streetscape of Wongan Hills, and is integral within the townscape and character of Wongan Hills. It is a fine and rare example of 1940s hotel architecture designed by the Public Works Department. The integrity and authenticity of the place which demonstrates the design ethos and details of the art deco influence of the period is significant.

Physical Description

Brick construction with a terracotta hip tiled roof. The double storey building has verandahs along the first floor of both street frontages. Rendered with horizontal incised banding, they replicate the parapet. The corner of the hotel is curved and the parapet detail continues around the curve which is balanced by the vertical red brick block over the entry of the guest accomodation.

History

HOSPITALITY In December 1910, the first move was made to have a hotel in Wongan Hills, with the attempt to transfer the licence from the "Clackline Arms" to Wongan Hills. There was a community objection to a hotel in Wongan Hills, and the Progress Association resolved to disallow a hotel until such time that the townsite was surveyed. They were supported by the Attorney General who had been advised by the Police, who had been instructed to oppose the Hotel. WH Ackland was secretary of the Melbourne Roads Board, and he forwarded information to his son RRB Ackland in Northam, to enlist support in the form of a petition from the Northam residents against the Wongan Hills Hotel. Ackland found that the three solicitors in town had been briefed for the transfer applicants, but was fortunate enough to retain a York solicitor who subsequently determined that Wongan Hills was in the jurisdiction of the Northam Court. With the Railway reaching Wongan Hills in 1911, the town developed and a shortage of amenities was apparent. The Progress Association requested a State Hotel and the town survey included blocks for a hotel. By 1913 the need was critical and it was a concern that if no State Hotel was constructed, the land may become available to private enterprise. During 1914 the hotel was built at a cost of £2800 (at that time the Agricultural Hall was being constructed for £300). It was built on lots 133 and 134, and a billiard saloon operated by J Bennett, occupied lot 135. With the rapid development of the town and the land north of town, there was an influx of travellers, and the hotel proved to be inadequate in a short time. The Roads Board constantly requested improvements and extensions to the State Hotel, and in desperation suggested that the hotel be leased. In September 1939 plans for the new State Hotel were being prepared by the Architects in the Public Works Department, and the Roads Board was asked to guarantee the water and sewerage supplies. In 1940 the CWA asked the Roads Board to divert hotel fundraising to the war effort. In 1940 arrangements were put in place should the hotel be needed as a hospital, and in 1941 blackouts were introduced. When water shortages occurred in the late 1940s the hotel was forced to rely on a bore and water carted by the Railway Department. In May 1958 State Cabinet offered to sell the State Hotel to a proper civic authority. The Roads Board was accepted and a Committee of management was appointed. On 17 July 1959, the Wongan Hills Civic Hotel was officially declared a community owned establishment, by the then Minister for Industrial Development, Charles Court. In 1980, the hotel was acquired by private interests.

Condition

Good

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Wongan Newsagency

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates ways of life and occupations in the developing town of Wongan Hills. The shops from a streetscape representation of the main street of Wongan Hills. They are integral within the townscape and character of Wongan Hills.

Physical Description

Brick rendered frontages with triple parapets, two stepped and the centre one curved. A bullnose verandah has been added with slender timber posts.

History

A Tearooms, grocery shop and Drapers were built for EJ Rogers whose daughter Mrs Reynoldson, later took over. In December 1931, MR WF Williams took over a lease on the premises, and left in 1935, when the lease expired. During his time, a fundraising dance was held in a "barn" at the back of the shops, for the Anglican Church. The newsagency was sold to Mr Stonestreet jnr. During the depression the Tearooms went broke, and Stonestreet set up his bakery in the rear of the building. The bakehouse & ovens are still in evidence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: redeemable Authenticity: medium degree

Condition

Good

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