Interim heritage listing for the Station Master's House, Leonora

25/6/03
The only remaining example of early railway accommodation in Leonora, the Station Master's House, has been interim listed in the State Government's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said the listing recognised the social and historical qualities associated with the site.
"The Station Master's House, in Kurrajong Street, Leonora, is a 1902 timber and iron dwelling in the Federation Bungalow style and is one of the longest serving station masters' residences in the State," Dr Edwards said.
"The place was part of a railway complex constructed by the Public Works Department as a result of the extension of the narrow gauge Eastern Goldfields line from Menzies during the gold boom period of the early 1900s.
"The complex continued to operate throughout the 20th century, due to ongoing and changing mineral exploration in the region and increased the importance of Leonora as the region's railhead and centre of administration.
"The Station Master's House has been continually occupied by rail workers since its construction more than 100 years ago. It is the only remaining example of early railway accommodation in the town, which was once home to a large community of railway employees.
"During the 1950s, the Station Master's House was used to accommodate part of Leonora's large community of railway workers, including post-World War Two European migrants working as part of bonded immigration arrangements.
"The place was occupied by the station master at Leonora until 1975, when a transportable house was provided for him in the town.
"It represents a way of life no longer practised, when the station master was required to live in close proximity to the railway station and contrasts with the modern operation of the Kalgoorlie-Leonora line, which was replaced with standard gauge track in 1974."
Minister's office: 9220 5050