Avon’s history preserved with heritage grant funding

The Old York Hospital, Gwanbygine Homestead and Northam’s Duke’s Inn Stables have all received funding to secure their continued preservation.

“These places reflect the history of the region and the role it played in the ongoing economic survival of the Swan River Colony and later the development of the Eastern Goldfields,” Ms Davies said.

“The grants will help to ensure the buildings will be with us long into the future.”

The funding is a part of the 2012-13 Heritage Grants Program which will deliver more than $3.3 million to state heritage-listed builds across the state.

More than $18,000 has been allocated for roof repairs and the removal of moisture from the 176-year-old Gwambygine Homestead.

The 106-year-old Duke’s Inn Stables (formerly the Colonial Tavern) will receive almost $64,000 to restore its stables – a rare intact example of an early 20th century stable block.

The Old York Hospital, which operated as a hospital from 1896 to 1963, will also have $100,000 spent on roof restoration works.

Nationals WA candidate for the Agricultural Region, Paul Brown said the Old York Hospital was particularly special to his family.

“My grandmother was born in the Old York Hospital in 1916, so for our family historical buildings such as the Old York Hospital are much more than bricks and mortar,” he said.

“For local families they provide a sense of place and help put in context the community we are today.”