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KILDARE HOMESTEAD & EARLY WOOLSHED

Location

Gibson's Road MOOREE, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

455

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Kildare Homestead and Woolshed are located at the end of Gibson's Road, Mooree, overlooking Sugarloaf Creek. The complex consists of two primitive structures constructed of timber slabs. A two roomed hut and a shed enclosed on three sides. There are various other less significant structures around these. Kildare was taken up by Thomas Kelly, as a selection in 1874, and was known as Sugarloaf for many years, the creek which meandered through the selection was named after the property. The slab hut which survives was built by the Kelly family, and is a rare surviving example of the first hut continuing in use. The property changed hands in the early twentieth century, and was owned by the Gibson family, who renamed it Kildare. There are links between the Gibson family and the adjacent property owners, the Gash's through intermarriage. The hut and the early woolshed are in fair condition, and retain a very high degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
Kildare is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Kildare is of historical significance as an unusual surviving example of a typical first selector's hut. Most selectors built a more substantial home within a few years of arriving on their selection. The hut and early woolshed which survive provide us with information about a previous way of life, and work, as they have changed very little since their construction in the 1870s. Of further significance is the location of the hut and woolshed, on a rise above the creek, traditionally favoured by those who were squatters, and later those pastoralists who came to the area. Most early home stations and selector's residences were moved to a more 'prestigious' location, and the original home removed - Kildare is of historical significance as it provides an example of the typical siting of an early residence in an isolated location, and exemplifies the early values associated with choosing a site on which to build a first hut.

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