World War I training site recognised as heritage treasure

23/04/05
Heritage Minister Francis Logan announced today that the State's biggest World War I training camp, Blackboy Hill in Greenmount, is to be included in the State Register of Heritage Places.
Mr Logan said Blackboy Hill was a significant part of the State's heritage, with more than 32,000 Diggers training at the site before serving overseas at places like Gallipoli and France.
It is recognised as the birthplace of the Western Australian AIF.
Nine of WA's 10 Victoria Cross Medal recipients trained at the site.
"While the only remains of the original camp are two concrete slabs, the site has enormous spiritual importance to veterans," the Minister said.
"It serves as a constant reminder of WA's involvement in World War I and commemorates the Anzac legend."
After the war, Blackboy Hill was used as a military hospital for soldiers who had contracted pneumonic influenza and later as a camp to accommodate the hundreds of unemployed single men who carried out sustenance work during the Great Depression.
The site is also of Aboriginal significance, having been used as camping place in historical times.
"The community's value and support for the site was evident in the 1950s, when there was a proposal to build public housing on the land," Mr Logan said.
"Following community opposition to the plans, the Returned Servicemen League campaigned to establish a memorial, which was built in 1962.
"The Gallop Government is determined to enhance WA's unique lifestyle and protecting key heritage sites like Blackboy Hill is an important part of this strategy."
Mr Logan said the memorial comprised a garden, commemorative seat and a sculpture.
"There is also a 35-year-old Canary Island Pine tree which is an off-shoot of the Lone Pine, a significant tree located at Anzac Cove in Turkey," he said.
The State President of the Returned Serviceman League, Mr Bill Gaynor, welcomed the heritage listing of the site.
"This is a great thing for WA and for all WA Diggers," Mr Gaynor said.
"The listing will ensure that the memory of those brave Western Australians who fought in World War I will be protected forever."
Local MLA Michelle Roberts welcomed the decision, saying it was a significant win for the local community.
The Blackboy Hill Memorial will be included in the interim heritage list, providing an opportunity for owners and stakeholders to comment on the assessment documentation. Submissions will be received until Friday, June 10.
For more information visit http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9222 8950