Contribution towards Rottnest Chapel restoration

27/3/94

The State Government is to contribute more than $7,000 towards the restoration of the historic Rottnest Island chapel.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis today launched a $50,000 appeal to restore the over 130 year-old chapel at a special Palm Sunday ceremony at Rottnest.

Mr Lewis said the State Government would contribute $5,000 to the restoration through a Heritage Council conservation incentives program grant and a $2,500 donation from the Western Australian Tourism Commission.

"This is the Government's way of putting its money where its mouth is regarding heritage conservation," he said.

"The Rottnest chapel, which provides Sunday services on behalf of all denominations, is one of the island's most enduring landmarks and has been an important place of refuge and worship for residents and visitors for many years.

"As one of Rottnest's oldest buildings, the chapel is also an important tourist attraction because of its links with the island's colonial past."

Mr Lewis said Government funding for the chapel restoration was in addition to a similar $5,000 grant from the Heritage Council towards a conservation plan for the restoration of the pilot boatshed, sea wall and surrounds.

During today's launch, the Minister also called on visitors to Rottnest to support the appeal, which is a community-based initiative, co-ordinated by the Rottnest Island chapel restoration committee.

"It is encouraging to see more and more people taking an active part in preserving our heritage, and I call on all visitors to Rottnest to support this very important and worthwhile cause," he said.

"Funding for such locally-inspired initiatives in heritage conservation is seeing a lot of talk about heritage appreciation actually put into practice."

The Rottnest Island chapel is believed to have been built in 1858 by gaol superintendent Henry Vincent.

Built from stone quarried on the island, the chapel has also been used as a school, store and accommodation for island staff.

However, the chapel has started to deteriorate with some fretting of the limestone walls.

In addition to repairing damage, it is hoped the restoration will also include fixtures and fittings more appropriate to its origins and consistent with its current use.

So far this year, the State Government has made available more than $78,000 through the Heritage Council's conservation incentives program to a wide variety of heritage projects.

Tax deductible donations can be made to the Rottnest Island Authority marked to the attention of the Rottnest Chapel Restoration Appeal.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377