Media Statement: Shire of Dundas Leads Holy Trinity Church Relocation to Norseman Museum

Published on Friday, 25 September 2026 at 7:30:00 AM

MEDIA STATEMENT

SHIRE OF DUNDAS LEADS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH RELOCATION TO NORSEMAN MUSEUM

The Shire of Dundas is progressing plans to reassemble the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church at the Norseman Museum grounds in partnership with the Norseman Historical Society.

The church’s components have been dismantled and salvaged. Its stumps were affected by termites and dry rot, meaning the building could not safely remain on its original foundations. The Diocese has advised that it will not donate the land, and the church would have needed to be removed from the site. Rebuilding it at the museum offers an opportunity to preserve the building for community use.

Reassembly presents significant design challenges. To open the 1898 building for public use, the Shire must assess its structural condition and address current requirements for foundations, wind resistance, fire safety and accessibility. The design must meet those requirements while retaining as much of the church’s historic character as possible.

The Shire is leading the design and site planning following confirmation that state heritage bodies will not actively participate in or fund the project. Council has allocated capital works funding towards refurbishment. Progress has also been affected by the availability of specialist consultants, who are experiencing delays due to demand across the building industry.

Shire President Cr Laurene Bonza reaffirmed Council’s commitment to preserving the church and making it safe for the community to use.

“The church is an important part of Norseman’s history. Its deteriorated stumps meant it needed to be moved regardless of the future of the original site. Rebuilding a 128-year-old church for public use is complex, and we want to get the foundations, safety and access right while respecting the building’s character."

“We understand the community is keen to see it rebuilt. The specialist design work is taking longer than anticipated, but Council remains committed to getting the project right.”

The Shire will share revised project milestones once the design and compliance work are further advanced. It will continue working with the Norseman Historical Society and keep the community informed as plans progress.

For media enquiries, contact:
Cr Laurene Bonza
Shire President, Shire of Dundas
Phone: (08) 9039 1205
Email: president@dundas.wa.gov.au