Manjimup Infant Health Centre awarded heritage listing

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The State Government has listed the Manjimup Infant Health Centre on the State's Register of Heritage Places.
Built on the corner of Rutherford and Moore streets, the single-storey brick and tile building was home to child health services in the Manjimup District until its closure in 2000.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the centre's registration recognised the important role played by community nursing throughout Western Australia.
"The construction of the centre, in 1946, reflected the ongoing growth of the Infant Health Association of WA, which formed in response to the need for better maternal and infant welfare services in the State," Dr Edwards said.
The expansion of services was part due to the work of Dr Eleanor Stang, the medical supervisor for WA's Infant Health Centres from 1929 to 1954.
A strong and committed advocate of pre-natal, infant and maternal health, it was under her direction that the infant health movement in WA reached its potential.
"In January 1944, Dr Stang visited Manjimup to meet with the local Infant Health Committee, and among the issues discussed was the building of an infant health centre for the town," Dr Edwards said.

"The community indicated their support for the project, with locals organising a baby competition to raise ?1,431 to fund construction costs.
"Further funding was secured from the Manjimup Road Board."
The centre was designed by Nancy Allen, believed to have been the first woman to pass the examination of the Architects Board of Western Australia in 1932, and first female member of the WA branch of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Dr Edwards said the centre's design was distinguished by a semi-circular rendered portico to the front facade - representative of Inter-war Stripped Classical style.
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