A children’s health clinic that has been serving the Bunbury community for 66 years has been state heritage listed.
Heritage minister Albert Jacob said Bunbury’s Lady Mitchell Memorial Child Health Centre had been recognised through its inclusion in the state register of heritage places.
“The care of our children is an integral component of the growth and wellbeing of communities, and this building is significant for the continued service it has provided as a health clinic for the women and children of Bunbury and surrounding areas,” Mr Jacob said.
The clinic was built in the 1950s post-war era in response to a major government initiative to establish a network of maternal and infant welfare services in the state.
“This network of infant health centres was one of the most significant public health initiatives in the 20th century, playing an important role in reducing infant mortality and improving the quality of life for children and parents,” the minister said.
The Lady Mitchell building was officially opened in February 1952 and was named after Lady Clara Mitchell, former wife of premier and Governor of Western Australia Sir James Mitchell, who had strong links with Bunbury and the South-West.
“Lady Clara Mitchell was a woman who devoted herself to her community, so it was appropriate that this building was named after in her honour,” Mr Jacob said.
“Many local people may also remember the late long-serving infant health nurse Rosalind (Rose) Blanche Lewin, who worked at the clinic from the 1950s and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1978 for services to the community.
“The Lady Mitchell Memorial Child Health Centre has provided an essential service to mothers and children over the decades.
“Generations of women continue to use this centre and it will remain an important resource in the Bunbury region.”
