Launch of John Hawes Foundation aims to conserve and repurpose Mid West’s unique architectural gems

A foundation has been launched, named after the man behind many of the Mid West’s biggest architectural treasures to help revitalise and repurpose the region’s built heritage for generations to come.

More than 120 people, including Nationals WA leader Shane Love and Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton as well as leaders of local and Federal agencies, gathered at St Francis Xavier Cathedral on Friday, September 1 to ring in a new initiative, the John Hawes Foundation.

John Cyril Hawes was a renowned priest architect, with one of his biggest gems being the Cathedral that hosted the foundation’s launch.

Geraldton Diocese priest Father Robert Cross, who is also chair of the foundation, said the initiative was the first of its kind for this region.

“The foundation is on a mission to revitalise the region by leveraging its unique built heritage,” Father Cross said.

“Through our Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre, we know that Hawes’ work in the region makes an ongoing contribution to the vibrancy of our community and that of the wider State through tourism, accommodation, employment and local events that enhance local and wider community wellbeing.”

Father Cross said a key role for the foundation was to also take leadership to ensure conservation efforts were sustainable and deliver positive outcomes for everyone.

“It is now incumbent upon this generation to not only conserve this heritage but to strategically revitalise it to empower desirable, stronger, sustainable and vibrant regional communities. The John Hawes Foundation will focus on leading the charge on this front,” Father Cross said.

The foundation aims to find and build partnerships with businesses, government agencies, tourism bodies, not for profit groups and the community.

Successful previous efforts have included transforming the old Hermitage building into a short-stay bed and breakfast, and the opening of the Hawes Heritage Centre, which attracts about 5000 tourists from around the world.

Father Cross said the Geraldton Diocese and Archdiocese of Nassau in the Bahamas — where Monsignor Hawes continued his architectural work after the Mid West — have started the initial process of nominating him as a saint. If successful, it would make Monsignor Hawes WA’s only saint and only the second Australian.

University of Notre Dame chancellor Christopher Ellison was the guest speaker at the launch.

“Our obligation extends beyond the physical preservation of walls; it is a commitment to safeguard the stories, emotions, and dreams encapsulated within,” Mr Ellison said.

“By upholding our heritage, we ensure that the generations yet to come can stand on the shoulders of our history, gleaning wisdom and inspiration that will propel them toward building even stronger and more vibrant communities.”