Search underway for the state’s oldest buildings

Department for Environment and Water Heritage Officer Dr Louise Bird said the department is looking for old hidden gems to better understand our earliest buildings, especially those not heritage listed.

“We think it’s highly likely that there are some old farm out-buildings or barns, perhaps even some mining infrastructure or other buildings like early churches, which may have gone under the radar.

“That’s why we are calling on members of the public, who may have some local knowledge about historic buildings or infrastructure, to help us.

“The Colony of South Australia was founded on 28 December 1836, so we are very keen to see if there is anything that’s been overlooked that dates back to the period between 1837 and 1855.

“In particular we want to identify built fabric that remains from that period of time.”

“Anyone who thinks they may know of an old hidden gem, can email us details at dewheritage@sa.gov.au

“We would need to know the location and street address of the building and any information that can be provided about its age and history, and also a photo if possible.

“Once a place is identified, we would investigate it further to see if it may be suitable for listing on the South Australian Heritage Register.

“There are already 216 places on the SA Heritage Register that were built between 1837 and 1855 with Holy Trinity Church on North Terrace acknowledged as one of the oldest buildings in the state.

“Houghton Union Chapel that was built only a few years later in 1845, was recently entered on the State Heritage Register and is an example of what may have been overlooked.

“It will be very interesting to see, with the public’s help, what we can find.”