- Buildings of the former St Andrew’s Hostel in Katanning to be demolished
- Land to be disposed of through established Government land disposal processes
- Consideration being given to an appropriate acknowledgement of historical abuse that occurred at the hostel
Former St Andrew’s Hostel buildings at Katanning Residential College is to be demolished following an extensive community and stakeholder consultation process to determine the future of the site.
The vacated land will be disposed of through established Government land divestment processes following demolition, which will be completed as soon as possible.
With the support of survivors, their families and community members who participated in the consultation process, consideration is being given to a physical acknowledgement in Katanning of the abuse that occurred at the hostel during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
The hostel was governed by the Country High School Hostels Authority and transferred to the Department of Education in 2017 as a recommendation of the Blaxell inquiry.
An assessment of buildings adjacent to the site, which do not form part of the St Andrew’s Hostel complex, will be undertaken to determine possible future use.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“I thank the survivors, their families and everyone else who participated in the consultation process and helped to inform this decision.
“This was a very sensitive process, but it was vital that we listened to those most affected by the harrowing history of this site. I thank everyone for their understanding as this process was finalised.
“The survivors and their families were strongly in favour of demolition of the buildings and this decision will deliver that outcome in their best interests.”
