Toodyay's Old Gaol and Police Station given heritage listing

30/7/95

Western Australia's first regional museum has been recognised for its heritage value.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis announced today that the Old Gaol and Police Station at Toodyay had been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis.

Mr Lewis said the complex was a fine example of convict-built architecture and formed part of an important civic precinct in the town of Toodyay.

"The Old Gaol and Police Station were the town's third lock-up," he said.

"The first was built in 1852 at the old townsite and the second lock-up, which was a cell at the town's hiring depot, soon became inadequate.

"In 1861, Moondyne Joe broke out of the lock-up and stole the magistrate's horse, saddle and bridle to make good his escape.  It was promptly decided to build a stronger facility."

Colonial Clerk of Works Richard Roach Jewell, who was responsible for the architecture of Government buildings between 1853 and 1884 and contributed greatly to Perth's colonial character, drew up plans for the new complex in 1862.

Convict labour was used and it took two years to complete the single-storey stone building.

The Minister said the buildings were used as a lock-up and police headquarters until around the turn of the century.

"After World War II the complex fell into disrepair, but in the 1960s a concerted effort was made by the local council and the tourist development authority to use the buildings as the State's first regional museum," he said.

"The museum was officially opened in July 1962 by Industrial Development Minister Charles Court and incorporated a courtroom scene, turn-of-the-century artefacts and various historical records.

"It is a fine example of convict-built architecture and the manner in which law and order were maintained at the time.

"The conditions for prisoners in the lock-up during that period are still evident and the complex continues to draw visitors and tourists."

Mr Lewis said the Old Goal and Police Station were a major source of historical information and a potential teaching site for architects, historians and students.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377