State Government grant helps preserves Greenhills history

30/8/02
Urgent conservation works for Greenhills' most significant historical site have been completed thanks to a $10,000 grant from the State Government's 2001-02 Heritage Grants Program.
Acting Environment and Heritage Minister Jim McGinty said the Korrawilla Homestead Group, previously known as Green Hills Farm, was the first farm in the district to be established, and for a number of years was the centre of the growing settlement.
"Green Hills Farm, located on the corner of York and Quairading Roads, was established by Henry Penny, who travelled to Western Australia from England in 1854," Mr McGinty said.
"The farm was the social centre of the Greenhills district from 1865 to 1920, with the store, post office, Anglican Church services, social events and tennis all carried out at the Green Hills property until the town became established."
It is therefore no surprise that the town of Greenhills took its name from Green Hills Farm, and that Henry Penny was the inaugural chairperson of the Greenhills Roads Board, which was established in 1892.
Henry Penny was also prominent in the movement for the establishment of an Anglican Church and agricultural hall for the Greenhills settlement, and he facilitated the extension of the railway to Greenhills.
"The Korrawilla Homestead Group comprises the original 1867 dwelling, the homestead east and north wings, stables and barn, homestead ruins (1880), smoke house and shearing shed," Mr McGinty said.
"The farm is a rare remaining example of an 1870s agricultural settlement in WA and the two wings of the 1870s homestead are excellent examples of the Victorian Georgian style in a rural setting."
Since its establishment, Korrawilla has been developed and sustained by five generations of the Penny family. In 2000, the farm comprised 3,200ha, with 1,200ha under crop.
"The Heritage Council's annual grants program aims to encourage private owners to conserve places of heritage significance," Mr McGinty said.
"The recently completed conservation works have allowed for the long-term conservation of the homestead's east wing, and will enable continued use of the place."
The Acting Minister said conservation works undertaken over the years had left the homestead in good condition.
"The current generation of Pennys occupy the north wing of the homestead, and the east wing is used for occasional accommodation, with the owners of the Greenhills Inn having an arrangement with Korrawilla to provide accommodation for guests when the hotel is full," he said.
"The stables, barn and smokehouse are used for farm storage, and the shearing shed is vacant.
"In addition, the ruins on the south side of the road have become a significant tourist attraction."
Minister's office: 9220 5050