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Shire of Mount Magnet lands Lotterywest grant for school preservation

Headshot of Elise Van Aken
Elise Van AkenMidwest Times
South frontage of the Mount Magnet 1898 classroom (central-gable) and 1910 classroom (right).
Camera IconSouth frontage of the Mount Magnet 1898 classroom (central-gable) and 1910 classroom (right). Credit: Shire of Mount Magnet

A Mid West town’s lotto dreams have been answered, bolstering its efforts to preserve the town’s rich history.

The Shire of Mount Magnet has received a grant of $100,000 from Lotterywest for the restoration and conservation of the Mount Magnet 1898 and 1910 school classrooms on Naughton Street.

Shire chief executive Kelvin Matthews said the former classrooms were a significant and valuable heritage place that reflected the economic and social development stages of the town.

“This is great news and council thanks Lotterywest for recognising the value of this project with providing funding towards the restoration and conservation of this very valuable building,” he said.

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When completed the building will be known as the Geo Rock Community Reference Centre, replacing the now-closed Rural Transaction Centre to support the growing popularity of the Murchison Geo Region among tourists.

Mr Matthews said the building would complement the Mount Magnet Mining and Pastoral Museum by showcasing geological features of the region and incorporate Indigenous links, such as significant rock art site The Granites, strengthening the town’s connection to country.

The project was also expected to provide an opportunity for local Aboriginal community members through the Mount Magnet Yulella Aboriginal Corporation to develop skills, boosting self-confidence and retention of locally skilled people. Work on the building should start later this month.

The council has appointed a project manager and completed the architectural design, heritage conservation plan and structural engineering design work.

The council made an allocation in its 2021-2022 budget to contribute funds towards the project and is also hopeful its application to the Federal Building Better Regions Fund round five, which should be announced soon, will also be successful.

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