Heritage site owners throughout Western Australia will benefit from a share of more than $1.33 million in State Government funding to undertake vital conservation works of heritage places and deliver community projects that share stories of our past.
Through the State Heritage Grants stream, part of the Heritage Grants Program, 32 heritage owners have received funding to undertake conservation and heritage planning works.
This stream includes funding for three regional recipients, which have received $100,000 each to undertake major conservation projects, which support economic recovery, job creation or the reactivation of the heritage place.
Sutton Farm in Halls Head has received major conservation project funding, which will enable repairs to plaster, masonry and drainage works on the limestone buildings as part of larger plans to support the future development of the site.
The farm was established in the 1850s by John and Eleanor Sutton, a pioneering family in the Mandurah district who operated the Wayside Inn and the ferry service. The limestone barn, single men's quarters and the main homestead that remain today were built by Sutton's nephew Henry in the late 1800s when he owned and managed the farm.
In the Pilbara, the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Banjima people, will use the grant to complete re-roofing works on the Peedamulla Homestead. This will facilitate the use of the place as an interpretation centre as part of the Peedamulla Campground 'Camping with Custodians' offering. Peedamulla Homestead has played a major role in the lives of the Banjima people.
Newmarracarra, near Geraldton, will benefit from a variety of essential masonry and structural works, aimed at 'building back better' to ensure the home is resilient against future natural disasters following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Seroja in April 2021.
The home is an impressive stone and brick building with a rooftop viewing platform, which was commissioned by owner Walter Brown in 1910. In addition to being the centre of social activity in the area, Newmarracarra was also used by the army as a hospital during World War II and for school camps during the late 1970s.
Now in its second year, the Community Heritage Grants stream awarded six projects up to $20,000 to deliver community engagement and heritage interpretation projects to share the stories of the places listed on the State Heritage Register.
A grant will go towards the research, development and production of two short documentaries exploring the history of Dempster Homestead and the former Lynburn Station in the Esperance region. The documentaries are part of a larger series, aimed at increasing the wider Western Australian community's knowledge and awareness of the local Esperance history.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"Whether it's the homesteads on large pastoral properties in our regions or the variety of commercial buildings in our cities and town centres, all heritage places provide us with valuable connections to our history.
"That's why the McGowan Government is committed to investing in conserving, protecting and promoting our heritage places.
"Through the Heritage Grants Program, we are providing practical support for heritage owners so they can undertake vital conservation works for heritage sites and deliver community projects that help more Western Australians engage with the stories of our past.
"I am proud to oversee this program, which has provided more than $23 million in funding to 822 heritage projects over the past 25 years, to conserve and promote our heritage."
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
"The Sutton Farm homestead is a significant piece of Mandurah's history and is listed on Heritage Places. It was built in 1881 and initially used for social gatherings, and I know that this grant will help develop the property while also maintaining its heritage value.
"The McGowan Government is committed to investing and developing our beautiful Peel region, and I look forward to seeing Mr Oakey's work and the opportunities it provides to the surrounding area."
