Derelict Thursday - The Commissioner's Shack

There was a meeting of the Heritage Committee this afternoon, at the Commissioner's Shack in the Belair National Park. This is a cute little building, slap bang in the middle of one of the most popular areas of the Park, all fenced off with a white picket fence.

When you open the door, it's a different matter.  The interior has all been eaten out by white ants and it truly is derelict.

Here's a quote from the Park's history book:

It appears that it was firstly an iron sleeping room for the Park blacksmith, and was erected in 1926, measuring 12' x 10'. In 1934, the Commissioners decided to add another room, a verandah, and brick fire place, and use it for their weekend shack. They planted a hedge of Acacia Decurrens, hung historic pictures in it, and had a luncheon at the shack during each Park inspection in the l930'sand 1940's.

It was used by the Commissioners who wanted to spend weekends at the Park, walking, inspecting and planning for the future. Mr. Womersley was one of the Commissioners who stayed in the "Hut" very often, and was well known by the staff.

The "Hut" used to be fully furnished with bunks, wood stove, cutlery, crockery and utensils. As recently as 1970 it was being used as a dwelling for a Ranger and family during times of housing shortages. Tales told by such people describe the sound of possums on the roof, the gushing stream nearby, and the eerie silence of nightfall.

In recent years it has been used as a storage shed for office records, and as a lunch room for Park staff. Its future usage is unknown.


The meeting was to determine how it could be restored and to what use the building should be put.  The Rower and I were merely observers - and we both wanted to get a look inside, the Rower having blipped the building from the outside last year.

It would make a great place for children's parties, we think. 

One thing's for sure, it won't be pulled down, because the Government Department is committed to keeping it upright as a heritage building - but that doesn't extend to the interior.  So if it's to be used for something positive, it will be the volunteers to the rescue - again!


I think it would be rather nice if we did a Derelict Thursday Challenge again - I think it's most likely fallen by the wayside which is a shame.  Nothing formal, but if you've no inspiration of a Thursday find yourself some dereliction.  All you have to do is tag it Derelict Thursday.  Nothing else will happen, because it won't be judged or formally curated. 

Just a bit of fun.