List of State Register of Heritage Places in the Shire of Coolgardie facts for kids

The Shire of Coolgardie is home to many important historical sites. These special places are looked after by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, which keeps a list called the State Register of Heritage Places. As of 2023, there are 161 places in the Shire of Coolgardie that are considered heritage-listed. Out of these, 27 are so important that they are on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Coolgardie's Special Places

The State Register of Heritage Places is like a special list of buildings, sites, and areas that are very important to Western Australia's history and culture. The Heritage Council of Western Australia is the group that decides which places get added to this list. When a place is on the State Register, it means it's officially recognized for its historical value and efforts are made to protect it for future generations. These places help us understand what life was like long ago and the stories of the people who lived there.

Discovering Coolgardie's Past

Coolgardie and the surrounding areas have a rich history, especially from the gold rush days. Many of the places on the State Register tell stories of this exciting time. Let's explore some of them:

Important Water Sources

Water was incredibly important during the gold rush. Places like the Gnarlbine Soaks (Well No.22) were vital water sources for early explorers and miners. Another key site is the Bullabulling Rock Water Catchment and Dams, which helped collect and store precious water. The Woolgangie Catchment, Reservoirs and Railway Settlement (ruin) also shows how people managed water and lived in remote areas.

Gold Rush Industry and Infrastructure

The gold rush brought many changes and new buildings. The State Battery, Coolgardie was a place where gold ore was crushed to extract the gold. This was a crucial part of the mining process. The Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed reminds us how important trains were for bringing supplies and people to the goldfields. The Old Pumping Station (also known as No 8 Pumping Station) was part of the massive effort to bring water to the goldfields through the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. This huge project, which also includes the Toorak Hill, Goldfields Water Supply Reservoir, brought water all the way from Perth to the goldfields, changing the region forever.

Community Life and Buildings

Coolgardie was a bustling town, and many of its old buildings still stand, telling tales of daily life. The Coolgardie Post Office & Associated Buildings served as the hub for communication, and also included the old gaol and police station. The Warden's Court (former) was where legal matters and mining disputes were handled.

Hotels were central to social life. The Marvel Bar Hotel (former) and the Railway Hotel (former) were popular spots where miners and residents gathered.

Education and religion were also important. St Anthony's Convent of Mercy (former) and the Convent School (former) were places where children received an education, often run by nuns. The Coolgardie Primary School continues to educate students today, carrying on a long tradition.

Other community buildings include the Coolgardie Fire Station, which protected the town, and the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion, a place for recreation. The Coolgardie Drill Hall was used for military training and community events.

Remembering the Past

Cemeteries are important places for remembering those who came before us. The Original Pioneer Cemetery and the New Coolgardie Pioneer Cemetery are resting places for many of Coolgardie's early residents. The Coolgardie Sub-Branch RSL Memorial, RSL Hall honors those who served in wars.

Some buildings have changed their purpose over time. The Museum - Ben Prior's is now a museum, showing how old buildings can be given new life. The House & Trees (former Warden Finnerty's House) was once home to an important official, and Peter Pan (also known as Leighton House) is another historic home.

Images

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  The gates of the New Coolgardie Pioneer Cemetery.

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  The former Marvel Bar Hotel, now the RSL building.

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  The historic Warden's Court building.

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  The Coolgardie Post Office and nearby heritage buildings.

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  The former St Anthony's Convent of Mercy.

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  Mundaring Weir, part of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.