Koojan

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates significant associations with a pioneer of Western Australia, Walter Padbury. The place represents ways of life assocated with early settlement, education, relisgion, socila gatherings and working the land.

Physical Description

Stone cottage and outbuildings. Some ruins of stone school room built 1901.

History

Koojan was originally part of the Glentromie holdings a pastoral lease held by a groups known as the Scottish Shepherds. Included among them were brothers Donald and John McPherson, Ewen McIntosh and two Davidson brothers. By 1848, the groups was independant of eachother and it was Ewen McIntosh who had the Koojan lease. In 1887, Walter padbury took over the Glentromie lease and in 1892, after three years working on 'Koojan' with his uncle, Matthew Padbury took over 'Koojan'. Walter Padbury had arrived in the colony in 1830, aged 10 years, with his father who died shortly after, leaving the young boy to fend for himself. He worked at anything, but droving led him to buy and sell stock and open a butcher shop in King Street perth in 1845. With financial resource he established his interests in cattle, pastoralism, shipping and marchant business. In 1855, Padbury purchased 'Yatheroo' and developed a showplace, selling to E Roberts in 1892. In 1863, Padbury looked to the northwest to establish a sheep station and settlement. He subsequently became the first pastoralist in the northwest when he leased the 'de Grey' from the government in 1864. The undertaking included ships and much planning, expense and suitable staff. After the loss of a ship in 1866, with all hands lost and low wool prices, he removed all his stock from the northwest. Edward Roberts drove the sheep from 'de Grey' to Berkshire Valley in 1868. In 1871, Walter Padbury was elected to the inaugural Victoria Plains Roads Board. He was associated with and President at various times of the Agricultural Society. In 1888, he secured the leasehold and freehold of Glentromie, followed by Koojan in 1892. Chinese workers cleared the flats along the river on 'Koojan' and 'Warrengabbie' properties. Paddocks were named after the chinese workers; Suey's, Hong Kong and Shang-hai. Church services were held at the Padbury homestead, conducted by Rector Gunning from Gingin. A provisional school opened on 5th May 1897, in one of the farm cottages. The Education Department agreed to establish a school if the building was supplied. Residents built a school room from local materials, under the supervision of Walter Padbury. It opend in 1901, with 25 students. Reverend Gunning then held church services in the school room and services were often conducted by Walter Padbury. District social functions were also held in the school room. Padbury died in 1907. The St James Church in Moora is a commemoration of Walter Padbury. By 1918, the farm had a reputation for breeding Clydesdales. With the introduction of the telephone in the 1920's, a small exchange was established at the homestead, in the small post office depot, to serve the local community. When demand increased in the late 1930's, another building was consructed for the post office/exchange. In 1943 Matthew Padbury sold Koojan.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or Redeemable

Uses

Creation Date

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