Heritage

In October 2023, the City’s Heritage Consultant and Archaeological Consultant completed the Peelhurst Ruins Conservation Management Plan (CMP).

The City commissioned the Conservation Management Plan as an update to the first CMP for Peelhurst (ruins) produced in 2011. A CMP is the main guiding document for the conservation and management of a heritage place. Its objective is to ensure that decisions are made with regard to the cultural heritage significance of a heritage place.

A Public Archaeological Dig was a recommendation from over 10 years ago in the 2011 CMP, which was never forgotten.  It was a wonderful opportunity for the local community to be invited to participate and observe in an archaeological dig and learn about the processes involved and understand the local heritage significance of the place.  Read below for a separate news story on the three-day Public Archaeological Dig, which unearthed items of the past. The welcoming community response and support from neighbours kept the project going through some cold weather with lots of stories shared along the way.

The dig project was recognised with a Commendation at the Western Australia Heritage Awards held in October 2023 in the Contribution by a Public or Private Organisation category, as part of a three-way collaboration with the City, Heritage Consultant Element Advisory and Archaeology Consultant Terra Rosa.

Peelhurst (ruins) is the remnants of a stone cottage built by Thomas Peel Junior (Tom Peel) in the early 1860s. The cottage was within a large landholding which Tom Peel named ‘Peelhurst’.

The cottage was never completed but was occupied by Tom Peel and his housekeeper Mrs Spencer until approximately 1882, when the property was sold to brothers William and George Paterson.

In 1949 the lot on which the Peelhurst ruins were located was sold to engineer Cyril Robbins.  In the 1960s, the large landholding was subdivided for residential lots and sold under the name ‘Golden Bay’.  Since that time, Golden Bay has slowly developed from a holiday destination to being absorbed within the greater Perth Metropolitan area.

The lot on which Peelhurst (ruins) is located was transferred to the City of Rockingham in May 2008 and it has been maintained as a reserve since that time.

The City of Rockingham’s public archaeological dig at the Peelhurst Ruins in Golden Bay from Friday 5 May to Sunday 7 May has unearthed a number of items, with the community’s support of the dig making it an archaeological adventure to remember.

The Peelhurst ruins are located on Dampier Drive in Golden Bay and are the remnants of a stone cottage that was built in the 1860s for Thomas Peel Jr (Tom Peel), who was one of the first English settlers in Western Australia. The ruin is included in the City’s Municipal Heritage Inventory and the site was gifted to the City 1991. During the dig the City found several artefacts including a One Shilling coin from 1880, two fully intact bottles (including a Rosella sauce bottle made between 1900 and 1920), a broken table plate that was later able to be pieced together with lettering ‘J. Cromie Hall of Commerce’ we dated back to an advertisement to 1889, and a number of buttons. 

The majority of the artefacts at the ruins were found in a stone section, which archaeologists are still considering, but it may have been an old cellar or water well.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the archaeological dig was guided by the City’s Heritage Strategy and the Peelhurst Ruins Conservation Management Plan, delivered under the supervision of archaeologists and heritage specialists.

“Peelhurst Ruins are a significant heritage site in the City of Rockingham, and the public archaeological dig carried out with the help of volunteers from the community was held with the intent of unearthing potential historic artefacts,” Mayor Hamblin said.

“The City was delighted to see community members attend and observe the dig, which gave visitors the chance to see how an archaeological excavation is setup, what sampling strategies are implemented and the types of tools that are used."

“The level of community interest and the positivity surrounding this archaeological dig was exciting for the City, and it clearly shows local residents are passionate about heritage in their community.” 

In January 2022, the City’s Heritage Consultant completed the Rockingham Road Board Offices (fmr) Conservation Management Plan.

The former Rockingham Road Board Office is located on Kent Street, Rockingham. When the building was constructed in 1946, this area of Rockingham was the civic hub of the Rockingham district. The growth of the region in the second half of the 20th century saw the relocation of the administration offices of the City of Rockingham to larger offices south east of the original Rockingham Beach settlement.

The area of the new City of Rockingham administration offices is now largely the commercial and civic centre of the City with the earlier civic centre alongside the beach front taking on a retail, residential and tourism role.

Since the vacation of the former Rockingham Road Board administration team in 1971, the building had a number of occupants. In 1978, the building was offered to the Rockingham District Historical Society (RDHS) which continues to occupy the former Road Board Office and since 1998, the former library building located to the rear of offices. The RDHS established the Rockingham Museum within the building and it has offered a valuable service to the community as a repository of artefacts and displays that educate visitors about the history of the Rockingham district.

The former Rockingham Road Board Offices are in good condition with some alterations and additions since construction. The most significant addition occurred when a new building was constructed in 1988 to link the library and hall, built in 1962, to the former Rockingham Road Board Office.

The former Road Board Office was included on the City of Rockingham Local Heritage Survey in 2012 and designated as deserving the highest level of protection and management. The former offices are maintained by the City of Rockingham and at present it is envisaged the museum will continue to occupy the building into the future.

The preparation of the conservation management plan will assist in the future management of the built structures on the site through the preparation of policy to guide future development and ongoing maintenance.

In December 2022, the City’s Heritage Consultant completed the East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery Conservation Management Plan.

The East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery was first surveyed in 1866 for use by the small community at East Rockingham consisting of traditional burials, lawned burials and niche walls.

The first internment was in 1867, when Joseph Broughton was buried in the East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery.

Aerial views clearly illustrate the formality of the arrangement of the early graves.  The graves are laid out in regular rows, with the first three rows along the western edge being on an angle following the alignment of Mandurah Road.

The East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery is associated with many of the first settlers who moved to East Rockingham during the 1840s to establish their farms and with the second wave of settlers who consolidated the small community established by those earlier settlers.

There is also a group of graves belonging to soldiers of the Australian Imperial Forces dating from 1918.  The headstone contains the name, rank, number and date of death as bearing the badge of the Australian Imperial Forces.  The place has associations with the Spanish Flu epidemic which swept around the world at the end of 1918 through the burial of 11 soldiers who died at Woodman Point from this illness.

The cemetery is now managed by the City of Rockingham with some administrative and operational tasks relating to internment activities undertaken by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board.

The Conservation Management Plan has been prepared to guide routine maintenance and planned development works for this place with reference to the cultural heritage significance of the place.

The City of Rockingham's efforts in contributing to heritage across the community were formally recognised at the 2021 Western Australian Heritage Awards, with the City crowned as the winner in the Contribution by a Public Organisation category.

Held at the Art Gallery of WA on Friday 19 November 2021, the awards shone a light on the exemplary work being done within the heritage sector by volunteers, heritage professionals, local governments, and community groups as well as public and private organisations.

The City received the award from the Heritage Council of Western Australia for extensive heritage focused efforts in the community, which are guided by the City’s Heritage Strategy 2020 – 2025. The award was presented to the City by Heritage Minister David Templeman and Heritage Council Chair John Cowdell AM.

In winning the award, the City was commended for protecting and celebrating the unique cultural heritage and stunning environment of the region to facilitate an inclusive and contemporary community.

The judges also noted that the award winning Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation had led to a better appreciation and recognition of heritage values in the community.

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said the award was a testament to the collaborative efforts the City had engaged in with several community groups to deliver heritage related projects.  

“The City is a community that is proud of its Aboriginal, European, natural and maritime heritage – and we are thrilled to receive this level of recognition from the Western Australian Heritage Council,” Mayor Hamblin said.

“The Heritage Strategy 2020-2025 has been integral to the City fulfilling its strategic aspiration of planning for future generations. It is particularly pleasing to see how well received the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation has been in relation to boosting heritage values.”

Other significant projects contributing to the City’s recognition at the awards include the restoration of the historic abattoir roof and walls in Hillman, the installation of the Houtman and Dedel Commemorative Plaque at St Ives Cove in Warnbro, the Founders’ Memorial 2019, and the City’s support for the replica 155mm M1917/18 Gun at Point Peron.

“We have focused on working closely with groups including the Rockingham District Historical Society (via the City’s Heritage Reference Group) and the Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association. “Through the Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee we have also worked with the Rotary Club of Palm Beach, Royal Australian Artillery History Association (WA), Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions and the South West Group to help deliver these important projects. This award also recognises their outstanding efforts in celebrating the City’s heritage values and stories for existing and future generations.”

The City would also like to recognise the contribution of Stephen Carrick, from Stephen Carrick Architects for his role as the City's Heritage Advisor and for his expertise and guidance on the City's heritage projects.

2021 Western Australian Heritage Award Winnersopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

Image: Mike Ross (centre - City of Rockingham Manager Statutory Planning) collected the award on behalf of the City from Heritage Minister David Templeman (left) and Heritage Council Chair John Cowdell AM (right). Picture: Courtesy Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

This 1920s house was built on a farm property for the Saw family and seven of their nine children. The farm was a large parcel of land which extended to Lake Richmond to the south. The family originally lived in a small timber cottage before building this substantial stone home which they named 'Lakeside' as it was the closest building to the lake on this northern side.

William Saw built eight holiday cottages on the property and the farm was a valuable resource for visitors and local residents.

One of the Saw children, Lucy Harriet Saw (1888-1969), was a trained nurse and her services were regularly used by the community especially since the nearest doctor was in Fremantle. Lucy Saw was recognised when the Women's and Children Refuge Centre was established in the district and named in her honour.

Lucy and her sister Edith Frances Saw lived at the house until the late 1950s. Since then the house has had a series of occupants and the building had undergone alterations and additions including the enclosure of the verandas.

The residence was the venue for Serentity Lodge in Rockingham in the late 1970s. Serenity Lodge provided accommodation and counselling and their services continue today in Rockingham in a different location.

In 2020, the City received an application to demolish the building and outbuildings. The City subsequently sought independent engineering and heritage advice and decided on review not to support the application for demolition following consideration of the community response, heritage significance of the place, and feasability to retain and restore. The property was subsequently sold and the new owners who approached the City, were keen to fully restore the building to its former glory.

What transpired during the past 12 months is a faithful, sympathetic and skilful restoration and extension of the Lucy Saw Home, guided by engineering, building and heritage advice. The City has worked collaboratively with the new owners and the results are outstanding and are testimony to their vision and passion for the property.

The City is pleased to advise of the successful installation of a replica 155mm M1917/18 Gun at Point Peron on 8 December 2020.

Rotary Club of Palm Beach of WA Inc. with support from the Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee, commissioned the construction of a 7 metre long 155mm M1917/18 Gun, which is as close as possible match to the original World War II guns that were placed at Point Peron.

In 2019 the City awarded a $10,000 Community Grant to Rotary Club of Palm Beach of WA Inc. for the project, which was recently matched by $10,000 funding from the Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee via South West Corridor Development Foundation Incorporated. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage also support the project including installation of the gun.

Chairperson of the Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee Phil Edman said: “Finally since the end of WWII, one of the guns is finally being brought back to its original foundation.  This site will be to remember more than 3000 Australians that lost their lives on Australian soil and its waters during one of the world’s saddest and ugliest conflicts.”

Club President Ms Donna McDonald said: “Rotary Club of Palm Beach is proud to be associated with Point Peron Restoration Project and the Replica Gun Memorial. We see it as a great way to honour the memories of those men and women who served to defend our coastline in the dark days of WWII and to preserve the history of the area for the generations to come."

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was delighted to be able to support the project through its Community Grants Program.

“The Community Grants Program assists with the delivery of programs, projects and events that benefit the community, and in this case the City was very happy to support a project with historical significance to Rockingham,” Mayor Sammels said.

“This project will help highlight how Point Peron played an important role in the defence of Western Australia during World War II, and will closely resemble the original guns that were placed at Point Peron more than 70 years ago.

“I congratulate the Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee and the Rotary Club of Palm Beach for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition.” 

Point Peron ‘Cape’ was an integral part of the coastal defence strategy of Western Australia during World War II.  Built in 1942, Peron Battery was one of a string of heavy coastal batteries located on Garden Island and Rottnest Island and on the mainland to Swanbourne.  These batteries known as the Fremantle Fortress, defended the Port of Fremantle.  The Battery was decommissioned in December 1944 when the guns were removed.

In the highest afforded recognition at the State level, based on the cultural heritage significance of the Cape Peron Battery Complex, it was entered in the Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis under the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 on 28 June 2019.

Four hundred years ago, on 19 July 1619, Frederick de Houtman and Jacob Dedel encountered the Rockingham coastline and anchored off Safety Bay. They stayed a few days and made sail towards what is now Geraldton.

In a letter dated 7 October, 1619 to Prince Alaurice, Dutch explorer Frederick De Houtman identified the sighting of the new land (Australia) at latitude 32^o 20’S, which is in the vicinity of Warnbro Sound:

"Now as regards my subsequent progress I would inform Your Excellency that on the 8th of June we set sail from the Tafelbay with a fair wind with the ships Dordrecht and Amsterdam add that on the 19th of July following we suddenly came upon the Southland of Beach in 32 degrees 20 minutes. We spend a few days there in order to get some knowledge of the same, but the inconvenience of being unable to make a landing, together with the heavy gales, prevented us from effecting our purpose, upon which shaping our course for Java..."

Four hundred years later, the Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association Inc. held the Balayi - Open Your Eyes! Houtman 400 Festival on 20 July 2019 at the Gary Holland Community Centre. The association's festival program was sponsored by the City of Rockingham and corresponded with the same festival being held in the City of Geraldton. During those celebrations, Mayor Sammels said:

"European discovery of the south west corner in 1619 is a fascinating topic, particularly for us here in the City of Rockingham as the coastline of Safety Bay has had such an important part to play.

"Frederick de Houtman's ventures along our coastline came only a few years after Dirk Hartog explored the area around what is now known as Shark Bay.

"While Houtman and all those aboard both the Dordecht and the Amsterdam may not have been able to come ashore at Safety Bay 400 years ago due to fierce winter gales, their presence off our coastline is an important part of maritime history that we are excited to acknowledge today."

Artist Karen Hethey delivered a two-week project where community members made a sea monster sculpture, learnt about unchartered waters and the history of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The Batavia Longboat was to be displayed with the Duyken but weather and logistics meant it was not possible at the time. A exhibition was held exploring the life of Commander Frederic de Houtman, Captain of the Dordrecht. The exhibition has been to Adelaide and Alkmaar in the Netherlands with lots of exposure and sharing of our history.

In October 2020, the Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association Inc. delivered the Houtman and Dedel Plaque to the City of Rockingham as a gift transported from Geraldton. Its sister plaque can be found on the Geraldton foreshore. The Houtman and Dedel Plaque was recently erected by the City overlooking Safety Bay. We hope you take a moment to appreciate this commemorative plaque and imagine what it was like 400 years ago after travelling for months at sea to arrive at Safety Bay.

An historic heritage building in Hillman has been restored to its former glory, with the City recently completing restoration works on the Old Abattoir located on Darile Street.

The Old Abattoir has been a feature of the Hillman landscape since the early 1940s, and is associated with former owner Oliver (Crom) Wilson, who constructed the building during World War Two.

War time restrictions made fresh meat difficult to acquire, so Mr Wilson and his partner Sydney Dixon, who operated two butcher shops locally, built the abattoir and arranged for their own supplies of stock. The abattoir was later converted into a dairy in 1952.

Over the years, the building's condition slowly began to deteriorate, with the roof collapsing and graffiti covering both internal and external walls.

However, with the on-going support of the City's Heritage Reference Group, which includes representation from the Rockingham District Historical Society, as well as support from Council, the City embarked on a project to reconstruct the building.

"The historic building represents a link to Rockingham's history that is still visible to this day," City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said.

"Without intervention to help repair the building, there was a risk of further deterioration and a piece of the City's heritage could have been lost forever."

"Thankfully, with support from the City's Heritage Reference Group, Council and expert advice from a range of stakeholders, the City has been able to retain the remnany vuggy limestone walls and faithfully reconstruct the original roof to preserve this important piece of Rockingham's history.

Vuggy limestone is an unusual stone for building construction in Western Australia, but was a common stone used for buildings in the East Rockingham area."

The Old Abattoir is located in the Dixon Road Precinct. The Precinct is a Crown Reserve vested in the City of Rockingham for conservation and public recreation and it is a place that has been included on the City's Heritage Survey and Heritage List.

"The City is committed to preserving our heritage assets, and recently began development of the Draft Heritage Strategy. This strategy will further strengthen the City's approach to conservation, management and the promotion of heritage, ensuring iconic structures like the Old Abattoir can be appreciated for generations to come," Mayor Sammels said.

The historic Chesterfield Inn has been restored through urgent conservation works by DevelopmentWA.

The building has its origins dating back to 1855, when the inn and surrounding lands was used as a hotel, farmhouse, and encampment for the 10th Light Horse Regiment from 1912, and later a dairy farm. The inn was also used as Chesterfield House youth hostel from 1979 until 1992, when fire damage forced the building's closure. James Herbert established 'Rockingham Arms' in 1857, but it wasn't until 1876 when the Rockingham Arms was transferred to John Chester (1839-1918) and in the 1890s he changed the name of the premises to Chesterfield Inn.

As part of an agreement with the Heritage Council, DevelopmentWA was required to retain, conserve and interpret the former Chesterfield Inn, and undertake works to stabilise the walls and roof, and re-roof and secure the building, which occurred in 2017.

Chesterfield Inn is tangible evidence of the district's early history and its association with a number of pioneering families of the district.

It was one of the earliest stopping places for travellers on the road between Fremantle and Mandurah, and is one of the few remaining wayside inns in Western Australia that was established during the first 50 years of this state.

View from road of Chesterfield Inn before and after urgent conservation works.

Places of Pride, is a National Register of War Memorials, which is an Australian War Memorial initiative to record the location and photo of every publicly accessible war memorial in Australia.

We have included reflections and photographs of the Naval Memorial Park, Village Green War Memorial and Remembrance Flame (Village Green War Memorial), and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Port Kennedy, in honour of those Australians who have died in war. The City is investigating other sites within the district to include on the National Register.

• Village Green War Memorialopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Remembrance Flameopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Naval Memorial Parkopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Vietnam Veterans Memorialopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Site of the Totally and Partially Disabled Veterans of WA. Incopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Rockingham Z Force Memorialopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Rockingham RSLopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The Rockingham District Historical Society Inc. website includes a tribute to sons of Rockingham pioneering families who served in World War One.

Rockingham's Serving Sonsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

In winter of 2019, the Seaside Camp Alfred Hines Hall facade was severely storm damaged.

It was found the lintels had rusted and expanded and cracked the masonry facade. The storm took its toll, toppling the upper facade. Thankfully this occurred during winter when the Alfred Hines Hall was not in use.

The Alfred Hines Seaside Home (fmr) is on the City's Municipal Heritage Inventory (Heritage Survey) for its association with the provision of services to children with disabilities and their families since 1956. The place has social value to the many family members of the community who have attended the place or have been associated with individuals or groups who have made use of the facilities. The main hall is a landmark in the community and has a strong form and detailing. In 1959, the front entry facade was added with some simple art deco detailing.

The Crippled Children's Seaside Home Society Inc. was formed in 1937 with Alfred Hines (1882-1963) the main instigator. He worked tirelessly to help improve the life of children who had crippling diseases. Families back then had no direct assistance from the state or federal government to care for these children. The first camp was held in 1942, and for 15 years a search was undertaken for a permanent home. In late 1954 or early 1955 the society settled on Point Peron, with the first camp in 1957.

The application to reinstate the facade was supported by the City on expert heritage advice and was granted Development Approval by the Western Australian Planning Commission in November 2019.

The facade work has recently been completed in sympathy to the original simple are deco fecade by the Seaside Camp for Children. The facade lettering now reads "Seaside Camp for Children The Alfred Hines Hall".

Seaside Camp for Childrenopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The Founders' Memorial stood at the intersection of Railway Terrace and Kent Street since 1979.

The 1979 Founders' Memorial had an attractive and distinctive form, featured a series of bronze colour relief panels on each face and was adorned with a stylised bronze colour sculpture in the form of a sailing boat. The 1979 Founders' Memorial Sesqui Centenary was a gift to the Shire of Rockingham by the Apex Club of Rockingham. Local artist Daryl Jane designed and created the frieze and sails.

It was erected by students of Rockingham Senior High School, supported by APEX and the community. It commemorates the pioneers of the district and the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Captain James Stirling in the vessel Parmelia bringing colonists to Western Australia.

In 2015, the City adopted a Foreshore Revitalisation Masterplan which included changes to Railway Terrace to realign parking from the centre to the road edges and create a wider alfresco dining area. The Founders' Memorial was intended to remain in place (or slightly moved), but in the final design it was unable to be retained due to the road alignment. Various options were considered but a new contemporary memorial design was derived which pays tribute to the original distinctive form as an artistic inspiration for the final design.

The Artist's Statement explains the essence and inspiration for the design. John Flower Architect did the design concept for TBuilt Constructions Pty Ltd. Daryl Jane kindly guided the restoration of the sails and friezes.

The new location of the Founders' Memorial erected in 2019 maintains its prominent position on Railway Terrace and continues to be accessible to community members and visitors. The wall sides are adorned with significant dates and history from 1829, 1830 and 1979. The key elements from the original memorial have been retained, including some of the bricks.

Please take some time to admire the 2019 Founders' Memorial and the enduring legacy of Rockingham's pioneer families and early settlers.

The Bungaree Kindergarten building was designed by Paul Ritter FRIB (1925-2010).

Ritter was the first City planner of the State’s capital, Perth and spent two decades serving as a Councillor for East Perth.  Ritter was a brilliant, eccentric and at times controversial figure who fought to preserve and enhance the character and vitality of the Perth City Centre. He helped save many of Perth’s heritage buildings during rapid development. 

The Bungaree Kindergarten was selected on a site within the first section of the New Town of Rockingham, planned by Clarke-Gazzard Partners, for 10,000 dwellings with traffic segregation on separate path and road systems.  In 1970, the kindergarten was alongside a delightful major path of the first residential area, which lead to the primary school, new town shopping centre and playgrounds.  The developer asked for a ‘showpiece’, costing no more than the normal kindergarten.

Ritter coined the term Educreation: An approach which unifies learning and teaching, thinking and doing, with a therapeutic attitude. Ritter was also fascinated with the seemingly endless possibilities for the use of concrete and he developed material processes. The system that was created with Ralph Hibble used polystyrene as the mould form and carving and cutting into it then fitting the finished form. This method of construction was used to build the Bungaree Kindergarten. 

The kindergarten design is a pavilion-like building form: six hexagonal shapes, forming one-seventh at their centre, all unified under one roof, with three facets, each a flat hyperbolic paraboloid, pitched upwards to the centre and crowned with a 9m high slim spire.

The entry reads:

'Shire of Rockingham, Rockingham Park Kindergarten Welcome! We love you. Designed by Paul Ritter with the staff of the Planned Environment and Education Research Institute Perth 1969 1970."

The ship Rockingham was built at Sunderland in 1818 and was a second class ship of 427 tons, sheathed with copper over felt and boards. The Rockingham, commanded by Captain E. Haliburton, departed London in January 1830 with approximately 180 passengers and general cargo assigned to Thomas Peel. She had four guns and a crew of 25. On Peel's behalf, a financial backer to Peel chartered the ship Rockingham . Peel had also purchased the ship Gilmore (500 tons) and chartered the ship Hooghly (465 tons) and the brig Industry (87 tons). The Rockingham arrived at Garden Island after months at sea in May 1830, but was met with a storm, an impatient Peel and chaos with the ship drifting out of control and being capsized and beached. This was just the start of the ill-fated colonisation scheme of Thomas Peel. To find out what happened next please read the short booklet below.

Rockingham model on display at the City's Administration Building (first floor near the Reception Room).

When we use the word "heritage", we are talking about natural heritage, Aboriginal heritage, European heritage; and tangible (i.e. an old map) and intangible heritage (i.e. traditional custodians of Lake Richmond).

We define Aboriginal heritage as Aboriginal sites of immense cultural, scientific, educational and historic interest and provide Aboriginal people with an important link to their present and past culture.

We define historic sites as aspects of our past that we want to keep: a site which has played an important part in our history; a building which is special because of its architectural style or association with a person; or a natural feature such as a rock formation, fossil site or landscape – things which we would like future generations to enjoy. 

Heritage is important in understanding the story of both Western Australia and the local community, its history, identity and diversity. We wish to protect these places so that future generations will be able to enjoy a rich and diverse cultural environment and to understand what came before them.

An Aboriginal site can be an object associated with the traditional cultural life of the Aboriginal people, past or present, any sacred, ritual or ceremonial site, or any place which is of historical, anthropological, archaeological or ethnographical interest of importance and significance to the cultural heritage of the State. We have a variety of Aboriginal sites in Rockingham such as Lake Richmond and scar trees in reserves.

An historic site can be a place of "cultural heritage significance" which has aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance as a place for present and future generations. These are derived from the Burra Charteropens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window adopted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as a way of developing an understanding of the theory and practice of cultural heritage management.

These values have been applied in the preparation of the City's Local Heritage Survey, an assessment criteria to evaluate the importance of a place for the local government area.

Heritage lists occur on a world, national and state level. The Federal Government lists places at the national level, and the State Government lists places at the state level. In Western Australia, state-significant places are entered onto the Heritage Council of Western Australia's State Register of Heritage Places.

The Australian Government Heritage websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window includes the following lists:

• World Heritage List
• National Heritage List
• Commonwealth Heritage List
• Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database
• List of Overseas Places of Historic Significance to Australia
• Register of the National Estate

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritageopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window website includes details on Aboriginal heritage.

The State Heritage Office has a useful webpage called inHerit, which is a one-stop portal for information about heritage places and listings in Western Australia. inHerit includes comprehensive information about cultural heritage places listed in the State Register of Heritage Places, the City of Rockingham and other Local Government inventories and other lists, the Australian Government heritage list and others.

Search Heritage Places (inHerit)opens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

There are 10 registered Aboriginal sites in the City of Rockingham, all of which are included on the City's Heritage Survey 2018, as follows:

There are also other lodged but not assessed places which also have the same protection under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritageopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window website includes details on the State Register of Heritage Places and other types of heritage listings used in WA.

Of the 2,366 State-registered places in Western Australia, seven of these are within the City of Rockingham:

(source: Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, December 2019)

The Western Australian Museumopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window includes maritime archaeology.

The Heritage Act 2018 requires all local government authorities in Western Australia to prepare a survey of places in its district which in its opinion are of cultural heritage significance. The former Heritage Act 1990 used the term "Municipal Heritage Inventory". In 1995, the City's Municipal Heritage Inventory was adopted. The inventory was prepared by a qualified Heritage Advisor in consultation with the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee and was reviewed in 1998, 2008, 2012 and reviewed in 2018.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the Act, the City's Local Heritage Survey assists us to:

• provide a cultural and historic record of the local district
• determine our heritage conservation policies
• provide information about local heritage that may be required under our Town Planning Scheme No.2
• achieve the heritage conservation objectives of town planning in the City.

The City of Rockingham Local Heritage Survey simply provides recognition of a place's importance to the local community. Places entered in the Local Heritage Survey do not have legal protection, unless they are listed in the City’s Heritage List under Town Planning Scheme No.2, or have been entered in the State Register of Heritage Places, or are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, whether registered, lodged but not assessed, or not yet identified.

All places identified on the City's Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List are of cultural heritage significance. Some places may be more important to the community than others and some places have been lost over time, with only the site remaining. Management Categories recognise the levels of significance and intactness of heritage places and provide recommendations to us as to the kind of care that should be taken for each place.

Each place entered into the Local Heritage Survey is afforded a Management Category between A and E, with A being the most significant, D being the least significant, and E being an historic site only (i.e. with no remaining structures).

There are 20 places on the City's Local Heritage Survey that are on freehold or reserved land managed by the City of Rockingham, as follows:

Note: Historic Sites are on the City's Heritage Survey but not Heritage List.

The City's Local Heritage Survey link is above or you can access it at any City library or at the City's Administration Offices. 

You can also search the State Heritage Office's Places databaseopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window available on its website, which provides information on places entered on the State Register of Heritage Places, Local Heritage Survey, National Trust List of Classified Places and other heritage lists.

Anyone can nominate a place onto the City's Local Heritage Survey at any time. However, the City will usually advertise in the local newspapers calling for nominations from the public for entry onto the City's Local Heritage Survey as this is more coordinated and cost effective to assess nominations at the same time. If you are nominating a place, please make sure you put your nomination in writing to the City and include as much information as possible, including information sources, photographs with dates and anything you think might be relevant. To assess nominations, the City engages a qualified Heritage Consultant to inspect, assess, and research the place to then make recommendations to the City on whether a place is of cultural heritage significance.

During a Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List review, the City follows a process of consultation with owners of nominated places and invites public submissions and also considers advice from its Heritage Reference Group. The Council will then consider any public submissions received and make a decision on whether to include a place on the Local Heritage Survey. If an owner objects to a heritage listing it does not guarantee that a place won't be heritage listed. Heritage listing will be determined by Council based on whether a place has cultural heritage significance.

No. The place remains the sole property of the owner. Normal access arrangements will remain in place; that is, any person accessing the property without the owner’s consent will be a trespasser.

The Burra Charter was first adopted in 1979, at the historic South Australian mining town of Burra.

The Burra Charter has been reviewed a number of times since, with the current version adopted by ICOMOS in October 2013.

ICOMOS stands for International Council on Monuments and Sites, which is a non-governmental professional organisation formed in 1965, with its headquarters in Paris.

The Burra Charter provides guidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural significance (cultural heritage places), and is based on the knowledge and experience of Australian ICOMOS members.

The Charter is an excellent document for owners of heritage listed properties within the City, as it sets a standard practice for those who provide advice and make decisions, or undertake works to places of cultural heritage significance.  The Charter includes definitions, conservation principles, conservation processes, conservation practices and the Burra Charter Process Flow Chart.

When owners engage a Heritage Consultant they should advise they are familiar with and work within the parameters of the Burra Charter.  The Burra Charter and its guidelines are considered the best practice standard for cultural heritage management in Australia.

A copy of the Burra Charter is available to download from the Australian ICOMOS formed in 1976 as follows:

Burra Charter & Practice Notes, Australia ICOMOSopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) recognise that a place can become a ruin because it lacks a current purpose, is disused, has been abandoned or has been affected by disaster.

Ruins can be a challenge for heritage property owners and managers due to their deteriorated condition and location. Conserving a ruin often appears to be more expensive, time-consuming or requiring specialist skills than conserving other heritage places. The lack of a ‘use’ of a ruin or potential to generate income often makes conservation impractical.

The Australian Heritage Council Ruins, a guide to conservation and developmentopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window is designed to highlight a best practice approach to the management of ruins in Australia.

Ruins are potentially important heritage places and effective management is important to protect their heritage values. It is also recognised that the diversity of types of ruins means there are a variety of management options available.

The Burra Charter provides a sound approach to recognising the heritage significance of a place and how these values can be retained.

There are generally five different management approaches to heritage ruins, as follows:

• Coming alive again
• Returning it to its former state
• Simply maintain
• Letting nature take its course
• When removal is inevitable

There are different conservation management approaches deepending on the type of conservation action. The AHC recommend that a decision as to which approach to take must be guided by careful consideration of the significance of the place, analysis of its social, economic and environmental setting. The management approach where possible should be guided by a Conservation Management Plan.

When there is insufficient evidence to reinstate lost elements of the place, this lack of information about the design, materials and detailing would mean that rebuilding would involve guesswork which is not an acceptable practice based on the Burra Charter.

The City’s Municipal Heritage Inventory (Heritage Survey) 2018 includes the following ruins:

1. Peelhurs (ruin) - managed by the City as a ruin
2. Bell Cottage (ruin) - privately owned
3. Abattoir (ruin) - managed by the City and restored
4. Chesterfield Dairy (fmr) - DevelopmentWA owned

Yes, but development approval is required for alterations, extensions, change of use, external painting (if different colour), or demolition where the building is entered on the Heritage List under the City’s Town Planning Scheme No.2.  Our Heritage Conservation and Development Policy provides further information on making an application for works on a heritage-listed property along with the development incentives that may apply.

Where a place is entered on the Heritage List under the City's Town Planning Scheme No.2, development approval is required for demolition of a building. Our Heritage Conservation and Development Policy provides further information and guidance on the demolition of a heritage-listed place.

You can carry out maintenance work that does not involve removing or altering significant elements on your property or if you are simply replacing like-for-like materials.

General maintenance includes:

• cleaning gutters and downpipes
• repainting using the same colour scheme in accordance with the Heritage Council Policy and Practice Note for Painting Heritage Places as attached.
• cleaning that is low pressure, non-abrasive and non-chemical
• replacing missing or deteriorated fittings or building materials, such as loose roof sheeting, with like-for-like materials.

Maintenance can also involve replacing electrical wiring or other utility services.

Similarly, gardening or landscape maintenance does not need to be referred unless there is a danger of disturbing archeological sites.

Other minor works include installing electronic security systems as long as the works do not damage the building or place.

If you are unsure whether the work you propose to carry out needs to be referred, please contact the City's Planning Team for advice on 9528 0333.

Incentives provided by other organisations, such as grants and tax rebates, may apply for proposals to conserve heritage places. These are offered by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, the Federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Lotterywest and The National Trust of Australia (WA). Community groups may also be eligible for funding under our Community Grants Program. Information about the incentive programs is available from the following websites:

• City of Rockingham's Community Grants Program
• State Heritage Office's Heritage Grants Programopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Lotterywest's Conservation of Cultural Heritage Grantsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• DSEWPC's Your Community Heritage Grantsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• National Trust of Australia (WA)'s Heritage Appealsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The impact of a heritage listing on resale value is a common concern for owners and buyers of a heritage listed residential property.

Various studies have shown that heritage listing has no effect on property values in most cases and sometimes improve resale values, which rebuts the common perception. Heritage listed residences with well-maintained heritage features have at times been found to attract a premium price compared to equivalent non-listed places in independent studies. Property value could, however, be affected for a heritage listed building that is being used for a purpose well below the most commercially valuable use permitted by the zoning.

Property values generally for both heritage and non-heritage buildings are determined by many factors including:

• location and condition of property
• its unique features
• prevailing trends in the 'market cycle'
• its zoning and other planning requirements
• lot size
• types of surrounding properties
• level of amenities and services in the surrounding area
• tenancy opportunities
• social profile of the area and
• quality and maintenance of individual buildings.

No one factor determines property value either positively or negatively.

There is also an aspect of rarity and authenticity in heritage places that can't be recreated. Heritage listed buildings are often quality buildings with a special appeal.

Some links to Australian studies, study evaluations and case law has concluded listing has a positive or no effect on property values and economic viability.

The City's Heritage Reference Group is an advisory committee with the following terms of reference:

"To provide a Forum to discuss the conservation and preservation of natural and culturally significant heritage sites within the Rockingham district."

Current composition

• Mrs Sylvia Reed - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.) (Chair)
• Cr Rae Cottam , Cr Buchanan (Deputy)
• Mrs Wendy Durant - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.)

Deputy Community Members

• Ms Linley Graham - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.) Deputy for Mrs Wendy Durant
• Mr Roger Allen - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.) Deputy for Mrs Sylvia Reed

Executive Support

• Stephen Carrick, City's Heritage Advisor (Stephen Carrick Architects)
• Mike Ross, Manager Statutory Planning (Secretary)

Minutes of each Heritage Reference Group are included in the Councillor Bulletins which are available on our website under Council and committee meetings (minutes).

Heritage Reference Group and former Heritage Advisory Committee Achievements

• Conservation Management Plan - fmr Rockingham Roads Board (Museum) 2022
• Heritage Strategy 2020-2025
• Houtman and Dedel Plaque (1619-2019) installed
• Updated Website Heritage Section (stories)
• Heritage Conservation Works of the Old Hillman Abattoir, which included re-roofing and stone repairs to its walls (2020)
• Founders' Memorial (2019)
• Review of the Municipal Heritage Inventory and Heritage List (2018)
• Planning Policy No.3.3.21 - Heritage Conservation and Development (2008)
• Municipal Heritage Inventory (1995; 1998; 2008; 2012)

Other Heritage Achievements - by Owners

• Lucy Saws House (c. 1920) restoration and extension and extension for use as a Single Dwelling; Local Heritage Survey
• Hymus House (1895-1905) restoration and repurposing as an office; State Register of Heritage Places
• Chesterfield House (c. 1855), wall and roof restoration works; State Register of Heritage Places
• Bell Cottage (1868, Ruin), Rockingham Conservation Management Plan (2019); State Register of Heritage Places

Current Heritage Projects 2023-2024

• Peelhurst Ruins Conservation Management Plan Review and Public Archaeological Dig (May 2023)
• Community Grants Program Policy Review - Heritage Assistance Grant (mid 2023) : Council Minutes 28 June 2022opens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• East Rockingham Heritage Area - Draft Local Planning Policy (under investigation)
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study (under investigation)
• Baldivis School Conservation Management Plan Review
• Municipal Heritage Inventory (Heritage Survey) and Heritage List Review

Future Heritage Projects include:

• Heritage Walking Trails and signage
• Heritage Awards and Plaques

The Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee is a non-Council committee which provides a forum for discussion, and input from key government stakeholders.

The Point Peron "K" Battery Restoration Project main goals are to:

1. Create a memorial "sanctuary for reflection" whilst preserving and maintaining the local Point Peron reserve, with upgraded local amenities and protect the history of the area;
2. Preserve the remaining WWII landmarks of the Coastal Defence System at Point Peron in a dedicated museum collection to tell the story of the Australian Coastal Defence network in World War II.

The Committee's terms of reference are:

1. Identify the significant and historical details of the Point Peron Battery.
2. Identify the key elements of this history to be restored/highlighted and the surrounding infrastructure upgrades needed to support this.
3. Oversee the creation of a Master Plan in line with the objectives and outcomes.
4. Advertise the Master Plan for public comment once completed.
5. Make amendments until the Master Plan is satisfactorily agreed upon.
6. Lobby for funds to enact the Master Plan

Current composition:

• Mr Phil Edman (Chair)
• Mr Laurie Smith JP OAM, Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA Inc.
• Cr Brett Wormall
• Mr Tim Fisher, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
• Dr Kathleen Brocerick, South West Corridor Development Foundation Inc. (SWCDeF Inc.)
• Mr Phil Rowson, Royal Australian Artillery History Society WA
• Department of Defence

Executive Support

• Mr Mike Ross, City of Rockingham

Achievements

• Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Secret Fleets and The Forgotten Battlefield books available
• 11/28th Battalion - operation "Sandy Shovel" - Operations Bunker
• Battle for Australia WWII 2017 Exhibition, last WA Museum exhibit and fundraiser gala dinner
• Point Peron Battery K Conservation Plan 2016
• DBCA major capital works including path upgrade, retaining walls, seating, drainage, balustrade and interpretive signage
• Collaboration project with Rotary Club of Palm Beach to reinstate a 155mm M1917/18 Gun.

Heritage Listing

• On 13 October 2019, the Cape Peron K Battery Complex was entered into the State Register of Heritage Places permanently.
• On 24 October 1995, the Cape Peron Battery Complex was entered into the City's Municipal Heritage Inventory

Images courtesy of Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The Heritage Council's Renewable Energy Systems in State Registered Places guideline has recently been revised to include new parameters for visible installations.

The guideline sets out basic principles on how to approach assessing the impact of new renewable energy systems on heritage places and precincts. It will be used by the Heritage Council, and can be used by other decision-making authorities, when considering such proposals.

Rockingham - The Visions Unfold

"The History of the Rockingham District to 1997" by Richard Draper

Rockingham: from Port 1872 to City 1988opens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

By Richard Draper and Dale Kerferd in consultation with Mary Davies

Rockopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowingham: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

By Mike Gee

The Sea and the Forest: A History of the Port of Rockingham, Western Australiaopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

By V.G. Vall

Rockingham Looks Back - A History of the Rockingham District

1829-1982 by Nora Taggart

On sale at the Rockingham Museum

Thomas Peel of Swan River

Alexandra Hasluck

The 'Letter' Batteries

The history of the 'letter' batteries in World War II

Reg Kidd and Ray Neal