Site of the Mullgarnup Aboriginal Mission

Statement of Significance

Mullgarnup Aboriginal Mission has cultural heritage significance as a historic site that illustrates how the Government implemented the policy of assimilating Aboriginal groups within the local community.

Physical Description

There is minimal evidence of the former structure with only a few remnant timbers and bricks on the site

History

An institution of the training of 'Natives and Half-Castes' was first established in Perth for 'industrial training' of Aboriginal children. A branch institution was first established at Coventry Farm in the Vasse before relocating to Pigeon Grove under the supervision of Mr and Mrs C. Layman and Miss Guerin. In 1889, there were 10 children at the Vasse institute, an item in the West Australian in August 1889 describes the program: The Committee have decided to retain children until they are about sixteen years of age, with a view to their more throrough preparation in character and habits for the duties of their after life, and their better training for domestic and industrial work. The Institution depends mainly for its support upon the Government subsidy of £750 per annum, and receives but little aid from private subscriptions and donations. It is not clear when the mission was moved to this site named Mullgarnup but is likely to be in the early 1900s. The name is said to derive from the Aboriginal word ‘Mullgarnup’ meaning place of medicine, however A. W. Reed’s ‘Aboriginal Place Names’ (p63) says that the name means ‘a cold place.’ Previously, the area was occupied by members of the Wardandi tribe that ranged the coastal strip between Augusta and Bunbury. The mission was apparently subsidised by the government and the church, and children were brought from as far away as Esperance to the mission and christened. The original house was built of mud bricks. The second house was a four‐roomed brick construction with verandahs on three sides. The remains of this building, minus the verandahs, is still evident. Other buildings on the site including a school room and first house, have been removed. Many goods were produced at the mission, such as wine, butter, fruit and vegetables, and cattle and sheep were run on the property. The mission ran for about 10 years, it is not clear what purpose the buildings served after this time however the physical evidence suggests they have been in decline for many decades.

Integrity/Authenticity

N/A/N/A

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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