Tuxworth Fullwood House facts for kids
Tuxworth Fullwood House is a special old building in Tennant Creek, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It played an important role during World War II as the No. 55 Australian Camp Hospital. After the war, it became the Tennant Creek Hospital Outpatients Department. This building was the very first made of brick in Tennant Creek. It is also one of the last military buildings left in the Barkly region.
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Building a Wartime Hospital
Why Was Tuxworth Fullwood House Built?
Tuxworth Fullwood House was built in 1942. It was originally meant to be a hospital for the Commonwealth Department of Health. However, it was quickly given to the Australian Army. It then became known as the 55 Army Camp Hospital.
Who Designed This Important Building?
A famous architect from the Northern Territory, Beni Burnett, designed the hospital. This was his first design for a dry, desert-like area. He made sure the building could handle the hot conditions.
From Army Hospital to Town Clinic
After World War II ended, the hospital was no longer needed for the army. In June 1945, it stopped being a military hospital. It then became the Tennant Creek Hospital Outpatients Department. This meant it served the local people of Tennant Creek. It helped the community until 1978.
Becoming a Museum and Its New Name
Later, the building changed again. It became a museum, holding old records and items from Tennant Creek's past. Inside, you could find a police cell from the 1930s and an old steam engine. The building was eventually named Tuxworth Fullwood House. This name honors two important people: Hilda Tuxworth and Bill Fullwood.
Protecting a Piece of History
Recognizing Its Historical Value
Tuxworth Fullwood House is a very important historical site. It was added to the Northern Territory Heritage Register on October 25, 1995. This listing helps protect the building for future generations. It was also listed on the now-closed Register of the National Estate after 1980.
Who Looks After Tuxworth Fullwood House?
The building is cared for by the National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory). This group works to protect Australia's heritage. They made sure the building was restored in 2009. This restoration helped keep the old building in good condition.
