In 1948 the power station was sold to the State Electricity Commission. Building was made vacant when the SEC built their new site on Wilmott Street and in 1977 Laurie and Dianne Praed bought the land for $2500 and this is now the Wooditchup shopping centre containing the OPSM optometrist, Urban Bean Wholesale Commercial Kitchen and Coffee Cafe, Centrelink Office and State Parliamentary Office.If you would like to learn more about the local history of Margaret River, visit The Old Settlement Museum down the river.
The old school, the group settlement house, the blacksmith workshop, and many other buildings with household items, tools and machinery offer an insight into the history of early life in the district and the families that once lived and worked the land.
For opening hours and information, visit mrdhs.com.au
References
Margaret River Town 1894-1984 by Mavis Wise
Margaret River Stories by Guy Jennings, ISBN 9780646575346
A History of the Catholic Community of Margaret River District by Merilyn Hutton
Margaret River & District Historical Society photo collection
John Alferink from my recollections of the town after being in the area for over 68 years, John Alferink 2021