Missions Connect

Architecture students and staff from Curtin University visited the Carollup-Marribank Mission site and collected information, compiling an in-depth condition report on every structure at the site. Based on this information, intensive research and a number of interviews with Survivors of the Stolen Generations, a master plan was developed taking into account community desires, requirements and safety. Some key phases of the masterplan were proposed:

Phase 1 – stabilize:

The Carollup-Marribank Mission site has been in disrepair for a number of years. Many of the buildings are completely dilapidated and will need extensive repair work, some will need to be demolished. This phase focuses on the extensive task of making the site safe and secure for habitation. An asbestos management plan will need to be developed and some buildings that the community has deemed low priority will need to removed. Of the buildings that are planned for refurbishment most will need to be fenced off for safety and all rubble should be cleared. This phase also requires services to be maintained and possibly restored to areas.

Phase 2 – inhabit:
Once the site has been made safe, community members and workers can begin inhabiting the area. A small number of the high priority and good condition buildings will be the first to be restored. This phase also sees the commencement of a number of possible commercial ventures to make the restoration of the site sustainable economically. These ventures will depend on the community desires and available expertise but some recommended ideas are food production, sports, arts, manufacturing and education.

Phase 3 – expand:

This phase focuses on facilitating indigenous cultural education and preservation, expanding commercial activity, maximizing accommodation options on site. All medium priority and medium condition buildings are to be refurbished. Longer term community and economic activities will be undertaken such as agriculture, tourism or manufacturing.