We Care Life Centre

Statement of Significance

The building has historical significance as one of the earliest stores and butchers in Roebourne. The original form of the building is intact, despite deteriorating condition. The building has aesthetic value, contributing to the historic streetscape of the Roebourne. The vaulted roof is characteristic of Northwest architecture’s adaptation to environmental conditions such as cyclones. The building has social significance because of its connection with the Pilbara Aboriginal Church.

Physical Description

This stone building is plastered and painted and has a vaulted corrugated iron roof. The main room accesses directly from the footpath. It occupies over half the building and has two windows fronting to the main street. The rear consists of a smaller room with an iron addition at the back. The building is in deteriorating condition.

History

The building is located on Lot 176 in Roebourne and is associated with the early phase of settlement and construction of the town. An 1885 map of Roebourne Townsite indicates a building on lot 176 at this time. The stone building was evidently built as a shop. Classified advertisements for properties for sale in the West Australian in March 1887 indicate that a stone and cement butcher’s shop, along with two small wooden outbuildings, were located on Lot 176. It seems likely that the building mentioned is the same as the one currently extant on the site, as the current building appears in photographs dated to 1895. At the time of being built it fronted onto the main street with the rail to Cossack running past the front. It is unclear how long the building functioned as a butcher shop or other retail establishment, but in the mid 20th century it became ‘The We Care Life Centre’ run by members of the Pilbara Aboriginal Church, which was started by Pastor Dave Stevens in 1960. This centre provided an outreach service and counselling services for the Indigenous community as well as a second hand clothing store. It also served as a workshop for Northern Trading Company. In May 2011 a number of changes were proposed to the building as part of the redevelopment of the site to accommodate a 23 room motel building. The proposed use of the building is for the motel reception, office and caretakers residence. Intended alterations include exposing the original exterior masonry and replacing window and door frames. The interior would be fitted out with plasterboard and interior dividing walls constructed. No alterations to the interior structural walls are intended.

Archaeology

This site has archaeological potential in relation to functioning as one of the earliest stores and butchers in Roebourne. As the original fabric is largely intact, the building can provide information about the organisation and operation of retail establishments in the early period of the town.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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