Bruce Rock’s living memorial and garden heritage listed

Bruce Rock’s living memorial and garden heritage listed
Tuesday 9 June 2020

Bruce Rock's Memorial House and Coronation Rose Garden are now secured in the State Register of Heritage Places with registration becoming final this week.

Conceived as a 'living memorial' to soldiers who fought in the First World War, the almost century-old building exemplifies the utilitarian war memorials built throughout Western Australia during the inter-war years.

The place was designed, built and operated with funds raised by the local community, embodying the country philosophy of self-reliance and resilience.

Flower-selling, dances and socials were organised by the Bruce Rock community to raise money for the project, with the State Government matching community-raised funds dollar for dollar (or 'pound for pound' back in the day).

The brick and iron Californian Bungalow style building is representative of rural hospital facilities constructed in 1920s WA. Memorial House is a well-preserved example of how this typically residential building style could be adapted for a health facility.

The rose garden, also included in the registration, was planted in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The memorial hospital operated as a health facility for many years until being converted to an aged care facility, and renamed Memorial House, in 1978.

Read the media statement.

Page last reviewed 24 June 2020
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