Locomotive, grinding grooves and homestead make ACT Heritage Register

Released 06/10/2016

A locomotive train custom-built associated with the early development of Canberra, the remains of an early settler home, grinding grooves in Latham and a rare account of Canberra from 1926 to 1931 are among the newest parts of our history to be entered on the ACT Heritage Register.

“The latest additions to the ACT Heritage Register reflect the diversity of Canberra’s history, ranging from Aboriginal culture and history to early European settlement through to the formative years of the nation’s capital,” said David Flannery, Chair of the ACT Heritage Council (the Council)

“The remains of an early settler’s home have also been added. The Greenhills ruin in Stromlo has been heritage registered as one of the last few stone buildings made from locally available materials.

“The John Fowler Locomotive 16161 has been heritage registered for its special association with the development of Canberra between 1925 to 1927. As a ‘B6’ class road locomotive it was among the most powerful of its class ever built and was capable of hauling large amounts of material. The engine has survived largely unaltered and with minor servicing has been brought up to operational standards. The Locomotive is currently held at Lanyon Homestead.

“Another fascinating addition to the ACT Heritage Register are the three volumes that comprise the Jefferis and Whelen historical documentation of Canberra covering the period from 1926 to 1931. They provide a unique and wide-ranging overview of life during the early years of Canberra, its people, stories, history and environment. The photographic, painted and written accounts record the cultural and social lives of Canberrans ranging from those living in the developing civic centre to those in the more remote areas of the ACT.

“The Umbagong district park grinding grooves have been provisionally registered as important evidence of Aboriginal culture and history in the ACT. The grooves were used to sharpen stone axes and digging sticks and are evidence that the local Aboriginal people were at Ginninderra Creek, grinding material from the surrounding region. The Council is seeking comments on the provisional registration by 25 October 2016.

“Two new nomination applications have also been accepted, for St Joseph’s Catholic Church in O’Connor and ‘Lands End,’ a late 19^th century homestead site located near the Weetangera cemetery. The Church is nominated for being a notable example of the late-20^th century ecclesiastical style of church design and for being one of the most outstanding ecclesiastical designs by architect Kevin J Curtin.”

The Council is responsible for keeping a register of places and objects in the ACT which have heritage significance. The ACT Heritage Register can be viewed at www.environment.act.gov.au

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