Restoring Broome's History - Lachie Fraser
RESTORING BROOMEâS HISTORY - Lachie Fraser
Lachie Fraser is a builder and artisan who has lived in Broome for over 40 years and has a genuine interest in history and restoration. He was right-at-home here - Broomeâs fascinating history of European settlement goes back to the 1880s when the town emerged as a hub for the pearling industry.
âBroome had numerous different structures made from timber and corrugated iron. In Dampier Terrace, they used to be smaller stand-alone buildings with little gaps between. Down in Johnny Chi Lane, there were many facing the street, looking like legitimate businesses. But in behind, they were gambling dens and opium housesâ.
Whilst âprogressâ overs the years saw many of the original buildings and shanties demolished, there has been a conscious effort by some to retain and restore those still standing and Lachie has been involved in most of them.
Lachie has been untrusted by the Shire of Broome, Yaruwu, Broome Historical Museum and the WA Heritage Commission, to authentically restore many local historical buildings due to his meticulous work and attention to detail. âI recycle timber from demolished buildings, although I do use stainless steel and conceal it whenever I can, so the restoration lasts another 100+ yearsâ.
 âJust like the Sailmakerâs Shed. Thatâs one I did. Itâs become the bible for restorationists within WA. The Heritage Commission referred to it as âCorrect Restorationâ and it won many accolades - it was 2nd in the State for âRestoration of the Yearâ and received a letter of âHigh Commendationâ from the United Nations - Heritage Restorationâ.
 Lachieâs work is not just restricted to old Broome buildings and Pearling houses. He has worked on the Entrance to Broomeâs Chinese Cemetery and is currently working on Morganâs Camp near Chinatown (built in the 1910s). He has worked on Broomeâs Pearl Luggers a few times. âNow, thereâs just two in town and sadly, the D.McD is beyond total repair. Iâve been doing bits on the B4 Sam Male which was built in the Dampier Terrace sheds in 1957. It was on Male Oval and there was talk of it going into Paspaley Plaza, but it is now located in the Willie Creek Pearl Luggers Museum. I would like to see a plan for regular maintenance so it can last 150 yearsâ.
In October 2024, Lachie was privileged to be part of an official group (Dutch Ambassador Ardi Stoios-Braken, her cultural party, Norforce and Aboriginal Elders) who travelled to the site in Carnot Bay where the âPelikaanâ, a Dutch DC-3 âDiamondâ Dakota plane was intercepted by the Japanese in 1942. It was an historical moment that revived a little-known part of Australian and Dutch history for the official handover from local Henry Augustine, on behalf of his family, of a âdrift meterâ - a small navigation instrument, which was found decades ago. Whilst there, Lachie inspected the current monument and is hoping to get funding to replace the cross, redo the stone housing and add a third plaque.
âI have all sorts of fun. Thereâs a little bit of Lachie all over the place. I like to make things last.â When asked what his favourite project was, he replies, âBroome! The whole lot! I have many, many proud jobs. Iâm very proud of what Iâve done in Beagle Bayâ.
âIâve never been good at recording my own work. Iâm not one to sing my own praises but itâs important, because my use-by-date will come. I need to invoke others, younger ones to take over. Iâd like to get an upswell of interest in heritage, how to look after it and the correct procedures required. Maybe I ca keep making models for a few years, but I canât go up ladders - I have to look after my healthâ.
Images : Robyn Bailey
