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Totem Theatre Complex
Permanent Declaration
Place
The Totem Theatre Complex is situated on the western bank of the Todd River and consists of two Sidney Williams huts and associated extensions, a Wride and Abley shed and ablutions block. There are also two early concrete slabs that may be related to the WWII period, situated north of the ablutions block but outside the area bound by fencing. Within the Theatre Complex concrete paths link the huts and shed.
The Totem Theatre Complex includes two WWII Sidney Williams Huts, a Wride & Abley shed and ablutions facility. The WWII structures functioned as part of the military Regimental Aid Post & Dental Clinic. These buildings are of particular significance as the last surviving in-situ physical evidence associated with the `Anzac Hill Camp¿, Darwin Overland Maintenance Force (DOMF) and subsequent transport units. They are a reminder of the impact of WWII upon Alice Springs and the vital role the town and these units played as the command centre of the convoy system for the transport of personnel and supplies to the north. The DOMF was instrumental in the creation of the North-South Road, now known as the Stuart Highway, between Tennant Creek and Birdum (Larrimah), a feat that was completed in 90 days.

Collectively the existing buildings are of historical and social value for their associations with the post-war social and cultural development of Alice Springs and in particular the Alice Springs Theatre Group. The buildings also derive some significance from their associations with members of the theatre group who made an important contribution to the Territory; Agnes East and Mona Greatorex.

Despite some alterations to suit their function as a theatre venue, the Sidney Williams huts retain a substantial amount of their original fabric, including the fixings, and are good examples of this particular type of WWII structure.
15/06/2001
15/06/2001
24/09/2004
Comment sought
18/01/2006
H93/0018, 01/69
Historic
RG completed assessment 2004.

All that parcel of land in the Northern Territory of Australia containing an area of 1310 square metres more or less being part of Lot 678 Town of Alice Springs designated Lot 9466(A).
Photo
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewTotem Theatre.jpgTotem Theatre20/SEP/07
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Scan
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewInstrument.pdf - 11/FEB/09
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Further Information
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewTotem Theatre Complex.pdfBackground Historical Information26/MAY/11
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Approximate Location
   
LAIS KeyStreet NumberStreet NameSuburbLocation CodeLot NumberLTO PlanPartTenure
010 00678 7WILLSALICE SPRINGS010678 - - Freehold
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Status Explanations
   

Nomination Period - a nomination has been accepted by Heritage Branch, but has not yet been accepted by the Heritage Council; OR a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council but the place/object has not yet been subject to a heritage assessment.

Assessment Period - a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council and the place/object is in the process of being assessed.

Consultation Period - Heritage assessment has been completed and s24 of the Act has been instigated, ie comment has been sought on a proposal to declare the place/object.

Recommendation Period - the Heritage Council has made a recommendation to declare the place/object and the Minister's final decision is awaited.

Not Recommended - a decision has been made by the Heritage Council not to recommend to the Minister that a place/object be declared

Declared - the Minister has made a decision to declare the place/object

Refused - the Minister has refused to declare the place/object