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KOOKABURRA CAFÉ

Other Name PRICE'S RAILWAY CAFÉ Location Brown Street Elm Street, BRANXHOLME VIC 3302 - Property No 7610 File Number 565 Level Stage 2 study complete

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Kookaburra Café and residence are located at the corner of Brown and Elm Streets, Branxholme and opposite the former railway station, was established in the 1920s. It was established by the Price family, who were local bakers and who also owned a guest house. It operated until the 1970s when the business had declined. The café was associated in particular with Mrs. Margaret Price, the wife of the baker, Joseph Richard Price. The shop is a simple timber structure with a simple verandah. The attached weatherboard house is a well detailed example of the Californian Bungalow style. The buildings are substantially intact externally and internally. They are in fair condition. The Privet hedge at the front of the residence dates from the 1920s, and is typical of the period. It is also in good condition.

How is it significant?
The Kookaburra Café is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Branxholme and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Kookaburra Café is of historical significance for its association with the Price family, a large and important family in the Branxholme community. Of further historical significance is the snapshot that the cafe, residence and privet hedge give of a typical small country town business and home from the 1920s. It is of social significance for demonstrating a past way of life and the shifting fortunes of those who serve a passing trade. It is of architectural significance for its relatively sophisticated use of the Californian Bungalow style.