Snapshot in Time: From convict depot to jail and hospital - the evolution of the Geraldton Heritage Precinct

With many of the original buildings still standing, the site now known as the Geraldton Heritage Precinct or Ngurra Barlunggu, has a unique history, evolving from a convict depot originally built in 1857, to a long serving jail and hospital site. In 1886, the first purpose-built hospital building was commenced under government architect Richard R. Jewell and completed by George T. Poole. The opening of Geraldton’s new hospital in 1887 — the Victoria District Hospital — was an occasion of great celebration in the town, coinciding as it did with Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrations that year. In 1904, the east block of the hospital opened as a home for elderly Geraldton men who were previously sent to the Mount Eliza Invalid Depot. However, by 1924, the old men were relocated away from the site, and the precinct reverted back to being a fully commissioned hospital, and renamed the Geraldton Public Hospital. During the 1930s, the front section of the hospital was renovated and used to house the X-ray plant and provide accommodation for nurses. In 1938, a children’s ward was constructed at the end of the east wing. This wing was used by servicemen during the World War 11. By the early 1960s, the hospital buildings could no longer accommodate upgrades in medical services readily or adapt to the complexity of modern healthcare. The new Geraldton Regional Hospital was completed in 1966, and the old hospital closed. This is an excerpt from the new CBD Walk Trails Booklet, released in June 2022. It is available from the Geraldton Regional Library, Geraldton Visitor Centre and online. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au