10/3/04
The Cottesloe Post Office and Telephone Exchange and the Claremont Council Offices are permanent additions to the State Register of Heritage Places.
Heritage Minister Tom Stephens said both places were prominent landmarks and had played an important part in the early development of their suburbs.
"The former Cottesloe Post Office and Telephone Exchange at 81 Forrest Street, was built in 1897 and served in that role until 1964," Mr Stephens said.
"It was one of a number of Government buildings built in the late 1800s to meet the growing demand for public facilities as the gold boom boosted Western Australia's population.
"Its exchange was part of the State's first telephone system built around a line linking Perth and Fremantle."
The Minister said during World War Two it was the local communication centre for Prime Minister John Curtin, when in his Fremantle electorate.
"The building continues to play an invaluable community role as the Aged Persons Support Services centre for people in Cottesloe, Claremont, Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove," he said.
The National Trust of Australia classified the former Cottesloe Post Office and Telephone Exchange having heritage value in 1988.
Mr Stephens said the Claremont Town Council offices, library, war memorial and trees were prominent landmarks, valued by the local community as a heart of local administrative activity since 1932.
"In 2002 the Town of Claremont was awarded the Heritage Award of the Art Deco Society of WA for its conservation of the buildings," he said.
The Minister encouraged all Western Australians to seek out heritage activities or visit a historical place during the Year of the Built Environment.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
