***Warning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this statement contains the name of a deceased indigenous person***
- Registration finalised of significant Mid-West building in State Register of Heritage Places
- Bundi Club recognised for important role in Aboriginal history
- The building is one of a few public buildings from the early twentieth century intact in Meekatharra
Registration of a former State Government building in Meekatharra, rich in Aboriginal history has today been finalised in the State Register of Heritage Places.
Established in 1963, the Bundi Club was a centre for social, welfare, educational opportunities and support, including as a Legal Aid office for local Aboriginal people.
The Bundi Club was founded through the work of Mrs Avy Curley OAM, a prominent local Aboriginal activist and community leader responsible for considerable advances in the welfare of Aboriginal people.
However, the club played a more symbolic role in Aboriginal history in 1944 as the location where local Aboriginal people relinquished their traditional cultural ties in order to gain Australian citizenship rights.
Originally constructed in 1911, the place was built under the direction of the Chief Architect of the Public Works Department of the Western Australian Government for use as the Courthouse and Mining Registrar's Office until the establishment of the Bundi Club in 1963.
The building demonstrated the early development of Government infrastructure in a small Mid-West settlement and is one of only a few courthouses and mining registrar's offices dating from the early twentieth century.
The place was interim registered in 1992 and is one of many unique heritage places that have been finalised in accordance with the Heritage Act 2018.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"This building is the only one in the region, excluding places of worship, where both Aboriginal and mixed social and community gatherings took place over 30 years, from the early 1960s until the mid-1990s.
"Although in poor condition, the Bundi Club has the potential to be conserved so that it can continue to serve the community.
"I am pleased to finalise the registration of this important place in the register and look forward to seeing it reused in a manner that continues the legacy of social support and community use for residents of Meekatharra and visitors alike."
Comments to be attributed to Mining and Pastoral MLC Kyle McGinn:
"I am glad to see the Bundi Club is being preserved for future generations to remember and enjoy.
"As one of the only historic buildings in Meekatharra, it is an important reminder of the work by a prominent and respected Aboriginal activist."
