Venue Hire

Enjoy one of the most prestigious river front areas in the Metropolitan area. Spectacular views, landscaped grounds, unique children’s playground, barbeque facilities. Venues are suitable for small group meetings, seminars, workshops and small functions.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Point Heathcote is named after one of Captain James Stirling’s crew members (exploration of Swan River in 1827), Midshipman G.C Heathcote. Said to be the first European settlement, the site was also a significant Aboriginal initiation area. (City of Melville, 2003).

Because of the need for a new mental institution, in 1923 Point Heathcote was purchased from the Catholic Church. It was considered to be “most suitable for patients as it offered peace, tranquillity and beneficial sea breezes”. (City of Melville, 2003).

The centre was used as a home for ‘mildly’ affected patients. Originally, the site consisted of men and women blocks, an administration block, staff quarters, kitchen block, storage rooms and boiler rooms.

In 1991 the Heathcote site was classified by the National Trust and in 1993 placed on the state register of heritage places. After extensive restoration, the Premier opened the Heathcote Heritage Precinct as a community facility in March 2000. The restoration and landscaping has won widespread acclaim, receiving several major architectural, landscaping and building awards (Department of Housing and Works, Government of Western Australia, 2003)

The Kitchen Block is one of the original buildings at the Heathcote site. In 1957 and 1970 alterations were conducted with modifications in 1973 including amendments to the preparation & dining areas to include change rooms. The Kitchen was used for food preparation, which was then distributed to the dining rooms in Canning, Murray, Swan and Administration House. The dining area was for staff only.

The Administration Building is also one of the original buildings of the 1926 plan for the Point Heathcote Reception Home. In 1954 and 1963, extensions to the building were made to include offices, waiting rooms, surgery and a new free standing building which was linked by a covered walkway. This extension required the removal of a chimney & changes were implemented to the roof structure.

Murray House (formerly Male Ward Block), also one of the original buildings in the 1926 plan for the Point Heathcote Reception Home. Several minor changes back in 1979 included: enclosing the verandahs, removing walls to create space for a chapel and installing new walls with additional openings.

The Swan House (formerly Treatment Block) was added to the site in 1940, this marked a change in the style and pattern of the original development.

Please Note that all rooms in both the Administration Building & Murray House are only available for hire during office hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Click here for the full venue hire pack and brochure

Click here for the Heathcote room hire booking sheet

For further information please contact the Venue Coordinator

Challenger TAFE’s Centre for Adult Education
Phone: 1300 300252 or  Fax: (08) 9237 4599
Email:adulteducation@challengertafe.wa.edu.au
Post: PO BOX 124, APPLECROSS WA 6953

In Person: 58—60 Duncraig Road, APPLECROSS WA 6153

Room viewings are by appointment only, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm