Town Walk
Explanation & Significance of Town Walk
The Warooka Town Walk is a self-guided walking trail designed to showcase the history, heritage and development of Warooka. Spread across key locations within the township, the walk invites visitors and locals to explore the stories, places and people that have shaped the community over time.
Formerly known as the Heritage Walk, the Town Walk reflects a refreshed approach to presenting Warooka’s history in a way that is accessible, engaging and relevant today.
Why the Town Walk Matters
The Town Walk is designed to guide visitors through Warooka’s rich history, connecting them with important sites, stories, and landmarks. It helps locals and visitors alike understand how the town has grown and evolved over the years.
- Preserve and share Warooka’s local history and heritage
- Educate visitors and residents about important sites and stories
- Encourage exploration of the township
- Strengthen community pride and identity
- Enhance the visitor experience in Warooka
Town Walk Signs
The Top Shop
Built by Baker Bros. in the early 1900s and known as the “Top Shop” by reason of position, not status! It was run in conjunction with the “Corner Shop” by the family. The premises passed to Mrs.M.Baker in 1935. She remodelled the shop front, converted the adjoining garage into a butcher shop and opened the original section as “Distingue” fashions. From 1946 the shop changed hands a number of times and for many years was a drapery and chemist agency. The shop once housed the “Barley Bin” craft studio and more recently “The Paper Nymph” producing items made from recycled paper. Perc Hayes was the first to run the butcher shop. Of course, it, too, has had several owners over the years and recently hosted its 10th butcher in residence!
The Top Shop
Built by Baker Bros. in the early 1900s and known as the “Top Shop” by reason of position, not status! It was run in conjunction with the “Corner Shop” by the family. The premises passed to Mrs.M.Baker in 1935. She remodelled the shop front, converted the adjoining garage into a butcher shop and opened the original section as “Distingue” fashions. From 1946 the shop changed hands a number of times and for many years was a drapery and chemist agency. The shop once housed the “Barley Bin” craft studio and more recently “The Paper Nymph” producing items made from recycled paper. Perc Hayes was the first to run the butcher shop. Of course, it, too, has had several owners over the years and recently hosted its 10th butcher in residence!
Warooka Primary School
The first official school in the area commenced at James Murdock’s house, Point Turton. A ‘public’ school in the Wesleyan Chapel (Warooka Uniting Church) was commenced by Eliza Parkins in the middle of 1879, although not officially recognised by the Council of Education until the end of the same year. 31 children were enrolled at the time. The stone building here was completed late in 1882 and was ready for use in 1883. The students marched to their new school with their head teacher, Mr. Cunningham. From 1892 the head teacher was helped by monitors, paid and unpaid, who were only 13 years old. Monitors were used until 1926, after this the junior teacher’s position was introduced.
The Hannay Prize – unique to Warooka.
The Hannay prize was first awarded to a student of Warooka School in 1939. J. Frederich Johnson gave this award in memory of his late grandmother, Rosetta French Hannay, (daughter of George Fife Angas) and grandfather, Reverend John Hannay. Prior to Warooka becoming a township, the Johnson family managed the large parcel of land known as Orrie Cowie Station. The Angas and Johnson families had a strong tradition of integrity, religious faith, service to the community and respect for learning. Thus, it was a fitting gesture when the family departed from the Warooka district to leave this memorial to link their belief in learning for the future.
Museum
The Museum is housed in the original Warooka Police Station. The first Trooper, J.P.Dowling, arrived with his dray load of supplies in February 1879. The two front rooms were built in 1883, but the “moveable cell” and rear four rooms had been built before that. Unfortunately not much is known of the building as a police station, however reference to the existing constabulary is often seen in snippets such as the following: After the Warooka Sports of 1901 an evening concert was held in the Institute, attracting a large crowd. It was reported in the local paper that “the presence of a Police Officer had a salutary effect on the gallery element, the trooper’s statement that ‘You pay to come in, but you can go out for nothing’, nipping incipient rowdyism in the bud”.
The station closed in 1924, and was used as a private residence until 1980 when it was purchased by the Warooka Historical and Museum Society, a volunteer group, and the building has been restored by voluntary labour. Most of the exhibits have been donated by the people of the district. A successful grant application and the tireless dedicated work of Gerry Hough, the then Clerk of the Warooka District Council, plus many hours of fundraising made the purchase possible. Funds for the maintenance of the building were raised primarily by the introduction of the Warooka Art & Craft Fair in 1981, held for many years in the Warooka Memorial Hall. In 2016 the Warooka Progress Association Inc. received transfer of ownership from the Yorke Peninsula Council.
Museum
The Museum is housed in the original Warooka Police Station. The first Trooper, J.P.Dowling, arrived with his dray load of supplies in February 1879. The two front rooms were built in 1883, but the “moveable cell” and rear four rooms had been built before that. Unfortunately not much is known of the building as a police station, however reference to the existing constabulary is often seen in snippets such as the following: After the Warooka Sports of 1901 an evening concert was held in the Institute, attracting a large crowd. It was reported in the local paper that “the presence of a Police Officer had a salutary effect on the gallery element, the trooper’s statement that ‘You pay to come in, but you can go out for nothing’, nipping incipient rowdyism in the bud”.
The station closed in 1924, and was used as a private residence until 1980 when it was purchased by the Warooka Historical and Museum Society, a volunteer group, and the building has been restored by voluntary labour. Most of the exhibits have been donated by the people of the district. A successful grant application and the tireless dedicated work of Gerry Hough, the then Clerk of the Warooka District Council, plus many hours of fundraising made the purchase possible. Funds for the maintenance of the building were raised primarily by the introduction of the Warooka Art & Craft Fair in 1981, held for many years in the Warooka Memorial Hall. In 2016 the Warooka Progress Association Inc. received transfer of ownership from the Yorke Peninsula Council.
Murdock’s Motor Garage
Brothers Elford Edwin (Elf) and Charles William (Chook) Murdock’s business became known as Murdock Brothers, commencing operation at Point Turton in 1909 as contractors, cutting chaff and cleaning wheat. Elf and Chook purchased this block on the Main Street in June 1916. Elf, who had been discharged from the army as medically unfit in October 1915, built the shed you see now. The garage at Warooka became the base of the Murdock Brothers. On August 31st, 1917 a celebration was held in the new building for the unveiling of the town’s “Roll of Honour”. Stock troughs and water tanks were made at the premises and the brothers commenced the sale of farm machinery, motor cars, petrol, oil and even provided motor cars for hire.
The youngest two brothers Samuel (Sam) and Daniel (Dan) Murdock joined Elf and Chook in partnership upon their return from service. The garage at Yorketown was opened in this period and is still operated by Elf’s grandson. In the years to follow further branches were opened in Kadina, Crystal Brook and Port Pirie. The Murdock Brothers sold over 200 cars, trucks and tractors as well as other farm machinery in 1924. This same year Sam decided to separate from the partnership with his brothers and began operating the Warooka garage on his own behalf. In 1950 Sam relinquished the Ford agency, ending an association started at Warooka in 1919. Jim Koennecke took over the operation of the garage after WW2 and Sam continued to run the adjacent hardware store until his retirement in 1974. Sam Murdock, Uncle Sam or Sammy to many, lived a quiet unassuming life, although he was always prepared to help anyone in need. Sam became a JP in 1937 and acted as the Coroner for the Warooka district for many years. A local legend in the Warooka community. He passed away in October 1986.
Warooka Institute & Memorial Hall
From 1884 when the first Institute Hall was opened, it was the centre of entertainment for the near Warooka area. Dances and concerts were held regularly, and concert parties of variable worth toured country areas. Control of the Institute was passed to Council in 1892, and from then the school held its break-up concert there each year. By 1908 moving pictures were regular entertainment at the Hall, held on Wednesdays and dances on Saturdays. Harry Porter from Minlaton had a big Overland car to generate power for the pictures, jacking up the rear wheels and running the generator from the car engine.
In 1920 the matter of a War Memorial was raised, some residents favouring the building of a Memorial Hall. A committee was formed with Mr.F.Taheny as president, Mr.W.Baker, secretary, and Mr.G.Player, treasurer. There were no government subsidies in those days with the huge task of raising the money left entirely up to the community. In 1927 the annual St.Patrick’s Day Sports proceeds were donated to the hall. A tender of £2,399 for the new hall was accepted, and on February 15th 1928, the new Memorial Hall was opened by Brigadier Price-Weir, with high tea and a concert rounding off the occasion. Sadly, the secretary of the Committee, Will Baker, was not there. He died just 6 months before the opening of the hall that he had worked for during almost 7 years. ‘WHB’ was carved on a stone as a memorial tribute and can be seen high up on the wall to the left of the foyer entrance. The old Institute had it’s porch removed and remained as ‘The Supper Room’ where meetings are still held today. The new hall continued to be used for entertainment, including roller-skating & gymnasium in the 1930s, and in the late 1940s Benbow Amusements started weekly pictures. There are two small rooms at the front of the hall one of which was built as a Council committee room, the other a Library, with books originally provided by the Institutes Association. The Library still operates today as a depot to the Yorketown Library. In 1983 the foyer and new toilets were added between the Memorial Hall and R.S.L. room, connecting the buildings and creating a more versatile space.
Warooka Institute & Memorial Hall
From 1884 when the first Institute Hall was opened, it was the centre of entertainment for the near Warooka area. Dances and concerts were held regularly, and concert parties of variable worth toured country areas. Control of the Institute was passed to Council in 1892, and from then the school held its break-up concert there each year. By 1908 moving pictures were regular entertainment at the Hall, held on Wednesdays and dances on Saturdays. Harry Porter from Minlaton had a big Overland car to generate power for the pictures, jacking up the rear wheels and running the generator from the car engine.
In 1920 the matter of a War Memorial was raised, some residents favouring the building of a Memorial Hall. A committee was formed with Mr.F.Taheny as president, Mr.W.Baker, secretary, and Mr.G.Player, treasurer. There were no government subsidies in those days with the huge task of raising the money left entirely up to the community. In 1927 the annual St.Patrick’s Day Sports proceeds were donated to the hall. A tender of £2,399 for the new hall was accepted, and on February 15th 1928, the new Memorial Hall was opened by Brigadier Price-Weir, with high tea and a concert rounding off the occasion. Sadly, the secretary of the Committee, Will Baker, was not there. He died just 6 months before the opening of the hall that he had worked for during almost 7 years. ‘WHB’ was carved on a stone as a memorial tribute and can be seen high up on the wall to the left of the foyer entrance. The old Institute had it’s porch removed and remained as ‘The Supper Room’ where meetings are still held today. The new hall continued to be used for entertainment, including roller-skating & gymnasium in the 1930s, and in the late 1940s Benbow Amusements started weekly pictures. There are two small rooms at the front of the hall one of which was built as a Council committee room, the other a Library, with books originally provided by the Institutes Association. The Library still operates today as a depot to the Yorketown Library. In 1983 the foyer and new toilets were added between the Memorial Hall and R.S.L. room, connecting the buildings and creating a more versatile space.
Warooka Council & R.S.L.
The area covered by the District Council of Warooka was 146,890 hectares (362,690 acres), bounded by the Peesey Swamp to the East, and by the sea on all other sides – 177km of coastline. The first chairman was Thomas Robertson and the first clerk was Joseph Vigar. Meetings were first held at the home of Mrs.Baker until 1890, and later Mr.Keightley, until a council office and reading room were built at the rear of the Institute in 1898. When the Memorial Hall was built in 1928 a council office and library were incorporated at the front of the new hall. In 1947 a ratepayers poll gave council the power to borrow to build a new office and R.S.L. Clubrooms. Planning began in 1953 and the building opened in 1956. Since the amalgamation of the District Councils of Warooka, Yorketown, Minlaton and Central Yorke Peninsula in 1997, this office has become a branch of the Yorke Peninsula Council.
Until the end of World War 2 returned servicemen of the Warooka district belonged to the Yorketown sub-branch of the R.S.L. In January 1946 a sub-branch was formed at Warooka with President F.G.S.Ball, secretary W.H.Baker and 21 members present at the first meeting. At the February meeting a move was made to approach council for assistance with clubrooms. In 1956 the new clubrooms and council offices were opened and the sub-branch moved into its own quarters. For many years the Warooka R.S.L. organised the ANZAC services. At first these were held on the afternoon of the Sunday nearest ANZAC Day in the Memorial Hall, but since the late 1960s have been held at dawn on ANZAC Day in front of the council office, followed by a march to the memorial gates at the oval – these being the district’s World War 2 Memorial. Like many sub-branches with dwindling members, Warooka R.S.L no longer exists, however the clubrooms still house next-of-kin Memorial Photographs, and are used for community meetings and other activities.
Consulting Rooms
The Warooka Consulting Rooms Committee was formed in July 1934 as the Warooka Auxiliary of Yorketown Hospital. In 1938 the question of a doctor’s consulting room at Warooka was raised. Until then the doctor had consulted at the Memorial Hall in the Committee Room on his weekly visits – a venue not really comfortable for doctor or patient. A public meeting to discuss the issue was held on September 3rd 1938, when the ladies of the Auxiliary received the district’s approval to carry on with the project. The foundation stone was laid in February 1939 by Mr.Otto Klem, of Corny Point and the rooms were opened by the President, Mrs.E.S.Baker. In 1957 the financial management of the rooms became the responsibility of the Ladies Auxiliary, at the request of the four remaining trustees. Red Cross had continued to operate after World War 1 and meetings were eventually held in the Consulting Rooms. A small club continues to operate helping raise funds when needed.
The Warooka branch of the Mothers & Babies Association was formed in 1967, with clinics being held in the Consulting Rooms. The Warooka & District Parents Group continue to use the rooms today with monthly visits from a clinic nurse. 1968 it was felt it would be sensible to invest the property in the District Council of Warooka, as belonging to the people of the district. Since the amalgamation of the District Councils of Warooka, Yorketown, Minlaton and Central Yorke Peninsula in 1997, the Consulting Rooms were owned by the YP Council, but still administered by the Committee. In 2010 a Community Garden was established at the back of the property. With numbers dwindling, the Warooka Consulting Rooms Committee became a sub-committee of the Warooka Progress Association Inc., and is now administered by them. In 2016 the WPA Inc. received transfer of ownership from the YP Council, handing the building back to the people of the Warooka area once again.
Consulting Rooms
The Warooka Consulting Rooms Committee was formed in July 1934 as the Warooka Auxiliary of Yorketown Hospital. In 1938 the question of a doctor’s consulting room at Warooka was raised. Until then the doctor had consulted at the Memorial Hall in the Committee Room on his weekly visits – a venue not really comfortable for doctor or patient. A public meeting to discuss the issue was held on September 3rd 1938, when the ladies of the Auxiliary received the district’s approval to carry on with the project. The foundation stone was laid in February 1939 by Mr.Otto Klem, of Corny Point and the rooms were opened by the President, Mrs.E.S.Baker. In 1957 the financial management of the rooms became the responsibility of the Ladies Auxiliary, at the request of the four remaining trustees. Red Cross had continued to operate after World War 1 and meetings were eventually held in the Consulting Rooms. A small club continues to operate helping raise funds when needed.
The Warooka branch of the Mothers & Babies Association was formed in 1967, with clinics being held in the Consulting Rooms. The Warooka & District Parents Group continue to use the rooms today with monthly visits from a clinic nurse. 1968 it was felt it would be sensible to invest the property in the District Council of Warooka, as belonging to the people of the district. Since the amalgamation of the District Councils of Warooka, Yorketown, Minlaton and Central Yorke Peninsula in 1997, the Consulting Rooms were owned by the YP Council, but still administered by the Committee. In 2010 a Community Garden was established at the back of the property. With numbers dwindling, the Warooka Consulting Rooms Committee became a sub-committee of the Warooka Progress Association Inc., and is now administered by them. In 2016 the WPA Inc. received transfer of ownership from the YP Council, handing the building back to the people of the Warooka area once again.
Catholic Church
On 30th April 1876, about 8 years after the new settlers arrived in the Warooka district, the foundation stone of St. Brigid’s Church was laid by Dr. Reynolds, Bishop and later, Archbishop of Adelaide. The cost of the original building was £500 and the builder was local tradesman Mr. J. McCabe. The material used was mostly swamp flagstone, which was easily risen and easily cut, facilitating quick building. The new church was used as a Catholic school from 1877 to 1879, with staff provided by the Sisters of St. Joseph. A Vestry and a porch were added to the building in later years, and over the years several beautiful gifts have been made as memorials. The church building is still in excellent condition, a silent tribute to a small band of parishioners who have kept the building repaired and painted.
Ballara
Ballara was built in 1910 for William Baker and his new wife Emilia (Millie) Schaefer. It is understood Millie would come to Warooka only after the house was completely finished and furnished! William met Millie when she came from Ballarat to visit her sister who lived at Warooka. They were married in 1911 and Millie named her new home ‘Ballara’ in memory of her home town. A feature of the house is its ornate ceilings, and story has it that visitors came from afar especially to view them. William ran a wheat agency from an office on the front verandah and was also a contact for World War 1 recruitment. For a time William was in charge of receiving and delivering payments for the workers at Inneston. William tended an orchard and vines on the western side of the house, drying sultanas on the roll out ceiling of a hut at the back of the property. He also built a small cellar for brining meat, plus dairy and fruit storage. The hut later became room and board for the school teacher.
William and Millie were both very much involved in community projects, often attending meetings many of which were held at Ballara. Millie became known as ‘the cup of tea lady’ regularly taking the large silver teapot across the road to the school. William enjoyed singing and playing piano, with musical evenings often held in the parlour. When entertaining guests the children were never allowed ‘past the archway’ in the hall. In 1927 William sadly died at only 50 years of age, leaving Millie on her own with their five children Doreen, Dulcie, William jr. (Bill), Ron, and Betsy. Millie died in 1965 and Ron continued living at Ballara until his death in 1988. Ron loved animals and had quite a collection. As well as chooks, ducks and geese there were kangaroos, emus, pheasants, turtles, a variety of small birds and a wombat! Having never married and no children of his own, Ron left the house and contents to his ten nieces and nephews. Although the Baker name has all but disappeared, Ballara still remains in the care of the family.
Ballara
Ballara was built in 1910 for William Baker and his new wife Emilia (Millie) Schaefer. It is understood Millie would come to Warooka only after the house was completely finished and furnished! William met Millie when she came from Ballarat to visit her sister who lived at Warooka. They were married in 1911 and Millie named her new home ‘Ballara’ in memory of her home town. A feature of the house is its ornate ceilings, and story has it that visitors came from afar especially to view them. William ran a wheat agency from an office on the front verandah and was also a contact for World War 1 recruitment. For a time William was in charge of receiving and delivering payments for the workers at Inneston. William tended an orchard and vines on the western side of the house, drying sultanas on the roll out ceiling of a hut at the back of the property. He also built a small cellar for brining meat, plus dairy and fruit storage. The hut later became room and board for the school teacher.
William and Millie were both very much involved in community projects, often attending meetings many of which were held at Ballara. Millie became known as ‘the cup of tea lady’ regularly taking the large silver teapot across the road to the school. William enjoyed singing and playing piano, with musical evenings often held in the parlour. When entertaining guests the children were never allowed ‘past the archway’ in the hall. In 1927 William sadly died at only 50 years of age, leaving Millie on her own with their five children Doreen, Dulcie, William jr. (Bill), Ron, and Betsy. Millie died in 1965 and Ron continued living at Ballara until his death in 1988. Ron loved animals and had quite a collection. As well as chooks, ducks and geese there were kangaroos, emus, pheasants, turtles, a variety of small birds and a wombat! Having never married and no children of his own, Ron left the house and contents to his ten nieces and nephews. Although the Baker name has all but disappeared, Ballara still remains in the care of the family.
Catholic Church
From the time of settlement the Anglican Community has been present in the Warooka and district area, and for many years services were held in the original Institute Hall. In 1890 Mr. James Day provided land for an Anglican Church building, however, his dream was not to be realised for 37 years. Plans eventually got under way for the erection of a white stone building with grey pillars, two side entrances and eight coloured glass windows. Mr. A.T. Bennett carted stone from his property north of Mt.Gore and Mr. Bert Kessner did the building. The foundation stone was laid on 28th September 1926. The Vestry was built later and dedicated on 25th February 1934 by the Rev. Raymond Walker.