Katanning’s Premier Mill Hotel in the former Roller Flour Mill and Kalgoorlie’s Exchange Hotel are among the finalists in the 2019 Western Australian Heritage Awards.
The conservation of these heritage buildings has been a catalyst for attracting new visitors to the area and providing unique heritage tourism experiences.
The Heritage Awards, now in their 27th year, recognise outstanding contributions to heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation.
More information on the finalists can be found at https://stateheritage.wa.gov.au/awards
As noted by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“Visitors to Katanning can now stay overnight in the once dilapidated Roller Flour Mill, now one of regional WA’s finest luxury hotels, where cutting-edge design and technology sits alongside a sensitive heritage restoration.
“Reactivating the Roller Flour Mill has breathed new life into the regional town of Katanning, creating a thriving community hub and new employment opportunities. The hotel also makes a valuable contribution to the region’s tourism industry, acting as a base for guests to explore the area.
“The restored Exchange Hotel occupies a landmark position on Hannan Street in the heart of Kalgoorlie and is popular with both Goldfields locals and visitors alike. One of Kalgoorlie’s first hotels, and undoubtably its busiest, the popular Exchange Hotel has been in continuous operation since 1901, evoking memories of the gold boom that changed the face of our State.
“The critical conservation work undertaken by the owners has given the hotel a new lease of life, ensuring it will continue to be used and enjoyed by the community for many more generations.
“The high calibre of this year’s finalists illustrates the exemplary work being undertaken by individuals and organisations working in the heritage sector.
“Patsy Vizents, the Heritage Officer on Rottnest Island for 11 years, has been recognised as a finalist for establishing the Oral History Program on the island, unlocking a treasure trove of stories that have been used in interpretation projects and exhibitions.
“While the Shire of Leonora stands out for the dedication they have shown to the Gwalia Upgrade Project, the Shire has not let their remote location stop them from undertaking a comprehensive conservation project that has put Gwalia back on the map as a place to visit.
“I congratulate all the finalists and I wish them the best of luck at the 2019 WA Heritage Awards which will be held on March 29, 2019.”
2019 Western Australian Heritage Awards – Finalists
Voluntary Individual Contribution
Peter Snow, Kingsley
Tom Wenman, Margaret River
Professional Contribution – Individual
Patsy Vizents, Heritage Officer, Rottnest Island
Professional Contribution – Organisation
RPS Australia (for Fitzroy Crossing Pioneer Cemetery Relocation Project)
Contribution by a Community-based Organisation
Busselton Jetty Inc
Chapman Valley Historical Society
Jaycees Community Foundation
Pickering Brook Heritage Group
Rail Heritage WA
Contribution by a Public or Private Organisation
Town of East Fremantle (for Town Hall conservation)
Shire of Leonora (for Gwalia conservation)
Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA)
Heritage Practices by a Local Government
City of Wanneroo
Interpretation Project
Gwalia Townsite Leonora (Gwalia’s Gold – it’s people and places)
Perth Railway Precinct (Yagan Square)
Swanbourne Hospital Conservation Area (Montgomery House interpretation)
Woodman Point (Woodman Point Quarantine Station Heritage Trail)
Heritage Tourism Product
Heritage Perth Weekend
Premier Mill Hotel, Katanning
Conservation or Adaptive Reuse of a State Registered Place
Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie
Hibernian Hall (The Westin Perth)
Katanning Roller Flour Mill (The Premier Mill Hotel)
Rottnest Island Limestone Sea Wall
Swanbourne Hospital Conservation Area (Montgomery House)
