State Government heritage lists historic hospital in Lake Grace

5/4/02
The Lake Grace Hospital site, including Western Australia's only remaining Australian Inland Mission (AIM) Hospital, has been listed by the State Government on WA's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the hospital site had significant historical and cultural value to the local community - as well as the surrounding region.
"The ability of Lake Grace Hospital to change according to community needs and population growth since 1926 has ensured its survival where other rural hospitals have failed," Dr Edwards said.
"While the existing AIM hospital is now a museum, the establishment of a new hospital building and facilities in 1952 ensured its continued operation and the hospital is still in use today."
Dr Edwards said heritage listing covered the hospital building, the AIM Museum, the nurse's quarters, the lattice drying shed and various outbuildings.
"The need for a hospital in Lake Grace was realised in 1925, following an increase in the local population," she said.
"Lake Grace was gazetted in 1916, and soldier settlement in the area following World War I boosted development - although it was an extension of the railway line to Newdegate in 1925 that led to a notable population increase."
The AIM hospital was established in 1926, although by 1937 hospital facilities were inadequate to meet the region's continued growth.
"Lake Grace was one of the first three hospital projects undertaken by the Health Department following World War II," the Minister said.
"The contract for the new hospital included a number of new facilities including a main hospital building, with the existing AIM being renovated for use as domestic quarters.
"At the opening, it was stated that Lake Grace was one of the two most modern and up-to-date hospitals in the State."
Dr Edwards said the AIM hospital had been marked for demolition in the late 1970s, but was instead restored as a museum when taken over the Lake Grace Shire Council in 1983.
A conservation plan for the AIM hospital was completed in December, 1998.
"The Lake Grace AIM Hospital is the only one remaining in WA, and one of only three in Australia," the Minister said.
"The hospital is also valued for its historical associations with the Reverend John Flynn of the Flying Doctor Service, and Dr Margaret Clark OBE."
Dr Clarke made a significant contribution to health care and the local community while resident doctor at the hospital from 1932 to 1960.
Minister's office: 9220 5050