Historic Perth Girl's Orphanage given permanent heritage listing

September 12, 1996

The historic Perth Girls' Orphanage, the new offices of the Heritage Council of Western Australia, has been permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis announced the listing at the official opening of the council's new offices.

Mr Lewis said the building, at 108 Adelaide Terrace, had played an important role in WA's history as the State's first purpose built orphanage.

"Constructed in 1899, it had a close association with the treatment of orphans and the provision of social services in the second half of the nineteenth century and the early years of this century," he said.

"The need for an orphanage became apparent in 1864 when the murder of two men left destitute children.

"Four years later, St George's Church established the first orphanage on the site."

Two existing cottages were combined to provide the accommodation for the girls, while separate new facilities were constructed for the boys, along with a school room.

In 1876 the boys were transferred to the Swan Boys' Orphanage in Middle Swan, however, the girls orphanage remained.

Mr Lewis said the first stage of the building, which currently occupies the site, was opened in 1899.

"The red brick church-like structure with an adjoining wing, with an upper and ground floors was constructed at a cost of £1,580," he said.

"By 1902 the foundation stone for the second stage had been laid and included new dormitories, bathroom and dining rooms for the girls and similar areas for staff, and a kitchen pantry and scullery."

The buildings were part of a master plan developed by Wilkinson and Smith Architects.

Trenches were dug around the building in 1941 when it was feared the orphanage would be bombed by the Japanese and less than a year later the girls were moved to Swan View.

Mr Lewis said the building was an appropriate new home for the Heritage Council of WA.

"Over the past 50 years a number of State Government agencies have used the building for a range of different purposes," he said.

Once the orphanage was moved the Army took over and in 1945 the title was transferred to the Crown. In 1949 the Agricultural Department began its association with the building and the list of other occupants includes Fisheries, the Police Traffic Branch, the State Housing Commission and the Second Hand Car Dealers Authority. Fisheries expanded to fill the building before moving out 18 months ago.

"The building demonstrates that a heritage building can continue to fulfil a useful role in the community without compromising its heritage values," Mr Lewis said.

"Despite the changes in its use, and some internal modifications, the orphanage is still highly representative of the original building and it has a high degree of authenticity.

"It is one of the few remaining late nineteenth century buildings in the area and makes a major contribution to the streetscape.

"It is a visual reminder of life in Perth at the turn of the century."

Mr Lewis also congratulated the owners of the building, Homeswest, on its recognition of the building's heritage values.

"Approximately $400,000 has been spent in the past year on conservation and refurbishment of the building and Homeswest contributed a significant portion of the funding," he said.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595