Published on Tuesday, 9 March 2021 at 4:08:00 AM
Geraldton Construction Boom by Tanya Henkel
Mt Scott has afforded visitors to Geraldton panoramic views of the changing townscape for many years. The 1960s were a particular standout in terms of the evolving built fabric of the growing coastal town. Coming off the back of the previous decade which witnessed productive years for the fishing industry and surrounding agricultural region, the 1960s bore the fruit of the economic successes of the district in terms of construction, development and infrastructure.
The Western Australian Premier David Brand made multiple visits to Geraldton to officiate at openings and celebrations during the boom decade, marking important and landmark milestones for the town. Including the opening of Wharf No. 4 at the Geraldton Harbour in 1966 and the launch of the Allannooka Water Supply in 1967, another key event Premier Brand presided over was the official opening of the new $3.5 million Geraldton Regional Hospital on 1 October 1966.
Two years earlier the foundation stone for the hospital had been laid by the Minister for Health, Ross Hutchinson on 4 December 1964, in the shadow of the recently opened Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross and a stone’s throw from the new Geraldton Civic Centre opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963.
The 1960s certainly left their mark on Geraldton.
Caption: View from Mt Scott over the Anglican Cathedral to the Geraldton Regional Hospital under construction, 1965. Image courtesy of Joe Glass.
Caption by Tanya Henkel.
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