New Norcia Things to Do Tips by keeweechic

Monks Cell

Within this monks cell are the contents of Dom James Carrasco, one of the last Spanish monks of New Norcia. He resided at the monastery for 65 years. In his resume he described himself as a ‘helping hand’ (1931-32), gardener (1932-37), driver (1936-42), refectory caretaker (1942 - ). His special leisure activity was watch and clock repairs and in his room were over 100 different clocks, tools and parts. He died in 1996 at the age of 82. The Monks Cell is on the first level of the museum.

Address: New Norcia Museum, Gt Northern Highway

St Josephs

St Josephs was loosely termed an orphanage as the majority of girls had parents Over its history between 600 and 1,000 Aboriginal girls attended the school and at any one time, around 50 were in residence and largely from the New Norcia area. It was a tradition of local families to put their girls into St Josephs to be trained and educated and sometimes for short-term emergency care to relieve family pressure. From 1945 to 1958 about 20% of the girls were sent to the school by the Native Welfare Dept, the Child Welfare Dept or by the courts or police. Girls who stayed until their mid to late teens usually left to take a position working in the home of a country family. If a girl wasn’t happy, they were allowed to return to St Josephs. Those with families, often just left to go back to their families.

Address: Gt Northern Highway, New Norcia

The Abbey Press

The Abbey Press is printing department of the monastery and began during the late 1940’s. After using a Platen Press, flat-bed presses and a Linotype machine, a decision was make to move to offset printing during the 1960’s. Throughout much of the years, only one monk operated the Press and it was his full time job. In 1994, the Press decided to go electronic and started Desktop Printing. Once a year the New Norcia Studies journal are set up at the Press with the printing done in Perth.

Address: Gt Northern Highway, New Norcia

The New Flour Mill

This newer flour mill was built in 1879 when the old mill became too small and is supposed to be the oldest working flour mill in Western Australia. The mill was partially restored in 1988 and there is a display on the first floor. The mill is still operational today and the flour from the mill is used to produce the bread baked in the monastery ovens. The bread can be purchased in the Museum shop and the Trading Post.

Address: New Norcia

The Old Flour Mill

The old flour mill was built in the 1850 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in New Norcia. The original wooden shingles can be seen under the eaves. During the early days of New Norcia, the old flour mill was surrounded by shearing sheds, stables, storehouses and workshops although they were all destroyed during this century.

Address: Gt Northern Highway, New Norcia

19th Century Sundial

On the north side wall is a fine 19th century sundial. The building is still today used by the police of New Norcia and they cover a total area of 2,500 sq kms which includes the small towns of Calingiri, Yerecoin, Mogumber and Piawaning.

Address: The Police Station - Old Novitiate, New Norcia

The Old Novitiate

When the community of New Norcia started to expand during the 1870’s, the Novitiate was constructed in 1876 to provide separate accommodation for the Novices. The building was then used for accommodation for guests and visiting workmen. During the 1950’s the building was used as a Police Station. The interior is largely intact but the original shingled roof has been covered with corrugated iron.

Address: Across from the Monastery, New Norcia

Incredible Artist

Again, Spanish Fr Lesmes Lopez was responsible for the large beautiful painting over the altar in St Ildephonsus chapel.

Address: St Ildephonsus Chapel, New Norcia

St Ildephonsus Chapel

The small Chapel in St Ildephonsus is just beautiful. There are wonderful frescoes which adorn the walls and the ceilings. Every inch is covered with crafted woodwork and artworks.

Address: St Ildephonsus Chapel, New Norcia

The Memorabilia Room

The Memorabilia Room is off to the left of the entrance and has displays in it of the early years of St Ildephonsus and the boys that resided there. There is a sample of the old school uniform as well as sporting trophies and pendants.

Address: St Ildephonsus, New Norcia