Local Government
Augusta/Margaret River
Region
South West
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
10418 Bussell Hwy Witchcliffe
Location Details
Other Name(s)
Druids Hall
Witchcliffe Hall
Construction Date
Constructed from 1922
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 08 Aug 2012 |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 17 Jun 1996 | Criterion 2 |
Criterion 2 |
|
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 01 Jul 2012 | Moderate Significance |
Moderate Significance |
|
Statement of Significance
Samworth’s Shop (former) is of significance:
• As one of only a few recorded surviving examples of the local stores established to serve the needs of the Group Settlements in the 1920s.
• As evidence of the small local community centres that were established in the various Group Settlements throughout the region.
• As a long-standing focal gathering point for the members the community.
Physical Description
Moderate - Contributes to the heritage of the locality.
History
In the early 1920s this area was closely settled as part of the Group Settlement Scheme (Group 57 – Witchcliffe and Group 72 - Walgine). During the same period a sawmill and mill settlement were established at Walgine (East Witchcliffe).This building was originally erected in 1922 by the Samworth family as a shop to service the local group settlers.On the 20th of October, 1924, the government extended the railway from Margaret River to Witchcliffe to help service the saw mill. At first the siding was named Narawary but, as there was already a Post Office named Witchcliffe, the siding was renamed in February 1925.In 1924 interest had been shown in blocks of land at Witchcliffe Siding, and after investigation a scheme of subdivision was planned, lots surveyed, and a townsite gazetted in 1926 (including the site of the shop).By the early 1940s the shop had become too small and the place was briefly utilised for living accommodation.The Druid’s Lodge bought the former store in 1945 and stayed there until it was given to the Shire Council in return for the council taking over debts totalling $1366.50. The council also agreed to use the site for community purposes.
Other users of the hall have included The Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Red Cross for their opportunity shop.The hall was renovated in the mid 2000s and continues to be offered for community use in 2012.
Integrity/Authenticity
Medium: The use has been altered, but the original use is still clearly evident through interpretation of the fabric.
Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident.
Condition
Good *Assessed from streetscape survey only
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Heritage Inventory | 1996 | ||
| Cresswell, Gail J,The Light of Leeuwin:the Augusta/Margaret River Shire History | 1989 |
Other Reference Numbers
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| A1792 | LGA Site No. |
| WI-04 | MI Place No. |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other Community Hall\Centre |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Shop\Retail Store {single} |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Inter-War Functionalist |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Other | PLASTER | Plasterboard |
| Wall | TIMBER | Weatherboard |
| Other | TIMBER | Weatherboard |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Commercial & service industries |
Creation Date
04 Nov 1996Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Apr 2021Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.