Harvey Western Australian Bank Historic Site 1908

Harvey’s first bank was established in 1908. With the growing number of orchardists in the Korijekup Fruit Settlement and about 70 farmers taking up property in the surrounding agricultural areas, there was a need for a local bank.

The Western Australian Bank (which amalgamated with the Bank of New South Wales in 1927) first opened an agency in small wooden premises near the corner of Herbert Road, on 16 August 1909. The agency was converted to a branch in 1910 and shortly afterwards the bank purchased the site of the current building for £150.

Bank of New South Wales

A timber building with a tiled roof was erected at this site, across the road from the original Western Australian Bank, in 1921 and served as bank chambers and staff residence until it was destroyed by fire in 1937.

The following day the bank re-opened for business in temporary premises in Markham’s Buildings where it remained until the first stage of the current Art Deco-inspired structure was built in 1938.

Designed by architects Hobbs, Smith and Forbes, the new building included premises for the manager and cost £4000.

It later became the Westpac Bank.