Former Power Station Precinct 1931

Built to house the Manager of the Brunswick Electric Lighting Company, this residence played a key role in bringing electricity to the town, with the original power station operating just behind the building.

The first concessionaire was Marcus Barlow.

Before electricity arrived, Brunswick depended entirely on the railway for both water and power. An electrical generator installed in Harvey in 1924 proved too small for local needs and was relocated here to meet Brunswick’s growing requirements.

Electricity was officially switched on in October 1931 and marked with a grand ‘Electric Ball’.

The Harvey–Waroona Mail reported that Mrs Heppingstone, daughter of pioneer David Eedle, “stepped to the switchboard, pressed a lever and the assemblage became bathed in the tinted glow of 150 diffusely coloured electric lights.”

Harvey-Waroona Mail, Friday, 16 October 1931, page 2

The power station was disconnected in 1950 when Brunswick Junction was linked to the State Electricity Commission grid from Collie. The premises were then leased by Norman ‘Nobby’ Dorsett and used for car sales and servicing.

Locals remember Dorsett Motors as the Mobil fuel outlet. Local resident, Wendy Dickinson, recalls Norm Dorsett driving the latest model cars around nearby farms, encouraging farmers to purchase new vehicles in time for the Brunswick Show.