Greenbushes District Hall

Statement of Significance

The Greenbushes District Hall is significant to the social history and the development of Greenbushes and helps to illustrate the government support provided for the development of mining and mechanics institutes in the period around the turn of the century. Primarily this was seen as a means of supporting workers through education and improvement, as well as a means for providing community meeting places. Aesthetic Value The building has aesthetic value for the local community as a major landmark of Greenbushes, at what was once the entry point of the town. Historic Value The Greenbushes District Hall has historic value for its original development as the Greenbushes Miner’s Institute, which played a significant role as a meeting and educational venue for its members. It was also important for its more general use as a community hall for many important social and formal occasions, including the visit of Prime Minister Billy Hughes in 1922. Research Value NA Social Value The Greenbushes Hall is of social value as the first substantial meeting place for the community of Greenbushes, and continues to be the main place of communal and cultural gathering for the people of Greenbushes and surrounding localities.

Physical Description

The original hall is rectangular in shape and of jarrah weatherboard and iron gable roof construction, (now zincalume), and is largely unchanged aside from additions. Around 1959 a brick and tile addition was made across the front of the building creating extra toilets, a community room, foyer and upper cinema box. In the early 1980’s a kitchen and bar (also of weatherboard construction) were added to the northern side, with serveries opening directly into the hall. At some stage an addition was made to the rear of the building, increasing the holding and storage area back stage.

History

In September 1894 a list of Government funding for new works (The West Australian 26 September 1894 p 2) included a sum of £250 for the Greenbushes Miners Institute. In May 1895, the Public Works Department announced that the lowest tender for the new Institute had been submitted by Mr Parker. The opening of the new Miners institute was celebrated with “an amateur performance and ball” in December 1895 (Bunbury Herald 21 December 1895 p 3) (The West Australian 2 May 1895 p 4). A further £250 Grant in Aid was advertised in October 1900 (presumably for further works or facilities). The Miner’s Institute (District Hall) was regularly used as a Dance Hall and Picture Theatre. It was also used as a school when the original ‘Assembly Room’ school had to be vacated by Public Health Order due to the ‘nuisance’ of the ablutions in 1899. The use of the Miner’s Institute at this time was extended due to the new school being built. By 1918 the Miners Institute had an associated Tennis Court and Bowling Green. The hall structure has been upgraded a number of times since those early days and was vested to the Greenbushes Road Board in 1935.In 1960 the new brick section was officially opened as part of the Greenbushes Road Board Jubilee. The room to the right of the foyer has been used as the Doctors Consult room where Dr Nigel Jones has run a weekly surgery one day a week since c.1974. During consult hours the hall is used by those socialising while waiting to see the Doctor. The Greenbushes Hall continues to be used for dances, community events, private functions, school performances and the Doctor’s Clinic

Integrity/Authenticity

High Although the Hall began as the Miners’ Institute, its main purpose remains, for the gathering and recreation of the local town’s people. Medium The original building remains with additions to the front, rear and northern side.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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