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

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The Shire of Irwin in Western Australia is home to many important historical sites. These special places are protected because they tell us about the past. The Heritage Council of Western Australia keeps a list of these sites called the State Register of Heritage Places. As of 2023, there are 16 places in the Shire of Irwin that are on this important State Register.

What is a Heritage Place?

A heritage place is a building, site, or area that is important because of its history, culture, or beauty. When a place is "heritage-listed," it means it's officially recognized and protected. This helps make sure these places are kept safe for future generations to learn from and enjoy. It's like a special badge of honor for old buildings and sites!

Exploring Irwin's Historic Treasures

The Shire of Irwin has many fascinating heritage places. Each one has a unique story to tell about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago. Let's discover some of these amazing sites.

Old Buildings with New Stories

Many of Irwin's heritage places are old buildings that once served important roles in the community.

  • Royal Steam Roller Flour Mill (Built 1894): Located in Dongara, this old mill used to turn wheat into flour. It was a very important building for the local farmers and residents. It was added to the State Register in 1993.
  • The Grange (Built 1850): Found in Yardarino, this is a very old building that has seen many changes over the years. It became heritage-listed in 2002.
  • Old East End (Built 1868): East of Dongara, this site has been known by several names over time, including Osborn's and Ridley's. It was registered in 2000.
  • Dr Bartlett's Residence (former) & Surrounds (Built 1860): In Port Denison, this building was once a doctor's home. It's also been called Benedictine Retreat and Denison House. It joined the register in 2003.
  • Irwin Roads Board Office (former) (Built 1910): This building in Dongara used to be where local decisions were made. It's now also known as the RSL Hall and has two large Moreton Bay Fig Trees nearby. It was listed in 2002.
  • Russ Cottage (Built 1867): Located in Port Denison, this charming cottage was once a shop. It became a heritage site in 2003.
  • Dongara Schoolmaster's House (former) (Built 1893): This house in Dongara was once home to the local schoolmaster. It's now sometimes used as staff quarters for the Shire. It was registered in 2002.
  • Dongara Post Office & Quarters (former) (Built 1894): This building in Dongara used to handle all the mail for the area. It's now known as the Dongara Public Library. It was listed in 1999.
  • Irwin House Group (Built 1850): This group of buildings in Milo includes Irwin House and other farm buildings. It's a very old site that became heritage-listed in 2002.

Places of Worship and Justice

Several churches and a former police station are also on the State Register, showing the importance of faith and law in early settlements.

  • St John the Baptist Anglican Church (Built 1884): This beautiful church in Dongara has been a place of worship for over a century. It was registered in 1998.
  • Dongara Uniting Church (Built 1884): Also in Dongara, this church was originally known as the Dongara Methodist Church. It joined the register in 1997.
  • Dongara Police Station, Courthouse & Gaol (former) (Built 1870): This building in Dongara once served as the local police station, courthouse, and even a jail! Today, it's used as a Tourist Centre. It was listed in 1994.
  • Seventh Day Adventist Church (former) (Built 1905): This old church in Bookara is another important religious site from the past. It was registered in 2003.

Unique Landmarks and Natural Heritage

Not all heritage places are buildings. Some are monuments or even special trees!

  • Two Obelisks and Commemorative Plaques (Built 1896): These monuments at Leander Point in Port Denison are also known as the Fishermen's Memorial. They became heritage-listed in 2003.
  • Yardarino School (ruin) (Built 1878): The ruins of this old school in Yardarino remind us of early education in the area. It was also known as Irwin School and was registered in 2005.
  • Moreton Terrace & Point Leander Drive Fig Trees (Planted 1906): These large, old fig trees in Dongara are considered heritage because of their age and importance to the landscape. They were listed in 2004.

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List of State Register of Heritage Places in the Shire of Irwin Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.