Permanent heritage listing for Busselton's Wonnerup precinct

27/10/96

The historical Wonnerup precinct in Busselton is to be permanently protected under the State's heritage laws.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the Wonnerup precinct would be permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places following a recommendation by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

Mr Lewis said Wonnerup, which included a number of homestead houses, school room, warden's cottage and tearooms, was established by the pioneering Layman family.

He said the site marked the spot where George Layman was speared to death by Aborigines after an argument in 1841.

"Wonnerup demonstrates the principal characteristics of the nineteenth century homesteads associated with the spread of European settlement throughout the South-West," the Minister said.

"The place is associated with the opening of the Ballarat timber line in 1871 and the railway link to Busselton in 1895, events which had great impact on the development of the local farming and timber industries.

"Also the school room and teacher's house demonstrate Government involvement in education in the district between 1872 and 1912."

On February 22, 1841, Layman was speared to death after an argument over the distribution of rations given by Layman to the Aborigines in return for their labour.

Mr Lewis said the spearing highlighted the mixed nature of the relationship between the Aborigines and the European settlers at the time.

It has been alleged there were numerous killings of Aborigines after the death of Layman.

Wonnerup precinct is significant for its close historical association with three generations of the Layman family, with Robert Heppinstone and with the Molloy family.

"The homestead and the school room precincts have landmark qualities as viewed from Layman Road," Mr Lewis said.

"The beauty of the Tuart forest to the south, along with the cultivated gardens surrounding the homestead, also adds to the aesthetic value of Wonnerup.

"Wonnerup is highly valued by the Busselton community and is significant to the Aboriginal people of the area owing to the repercussions of the spearing of George Layman."

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377