Northam's rich heritage celebrated

• Former Premier's house, State school and fire station included in State Register of Heritage Places

• Northam has the third highest number of State Registered buildings in regional WA

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob today celebrated the rich heritage of Northam by announcing the addition of two new buildings in the interim State Register of Heritage Places and a third permanent addition.

"Northam is one of Western Australia's regional heritage gems and it has the third highest number of places on the State Register of any regional town in WA - behind only Albany and Kalgoorlie-Boulder," Mr Jacob said.

Fermoy House (former) and Northam State School (former) have been interim listed and the Northam Fire Station No. 2 and Quarters has been permanently recognised in the State Register of Heritage Places.

"Northam was one of the first towns to be founded in WA and it became a major regional centre and 'gateway' to the Goldfields when the railway linking Fremantle to the Eastern Goldfields was built though the town during the gold rush," the Minister said.

"These latest additions mean Northam now boasts 28 places on the register."

The grand hilltop residence Fermoy House was built in 1897 for WA's second Premier, George Throssell, also known as the 'Lion of Northam', and is one of only a few Premiers' residences still in existence in the State.

"The size, grandeur and hilltop location of the house are a visual statement of the wealth, power and socio-economic status held by Throssell at the time," Mr Jacob said.

Fermoy House was used as a private hospital between 1913 and 1947, and as a school since 1947. Today it houses St Joseph's School.

Northam State School opened in 1878 and is one of the earliest purpose-built State schools still existing.  It continues to be used as a community arts centre.

Northam Fire Station No. 2 was built in 1929 and was one of the last individually designed stations in the State.  It is now used by a number of Northam's local community groups.

"That these significant buildings are still used today illustrates their value to the community and their new uses will be part of the ongoing story of these heritage places," the Minister said.

      Fact File

• Pictures of Northam State School, Fermoy House and Northam Fire Station No. 2 & Quarters below

• More information at http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5800

 Fermoy House

 Northam Fire Station No. 2 & Quarters