Welcome to the Midland Junction Lotteries House (MJLH), at the Old Post Office on Great Eastern Highway. The Eastern Region Community Development Council commenced the process of developing the concept for a Lotteries House in the region in 1989. The Council recognised the need for a low cost, user friendly and secure community venue, which provided long term accommodation. Many community meetings and consultations have taken place since that time, demonstrating the need for the facility.
A Feasibility Study in 1993 showed that on the grounds of demographics and projected future growth a Lotteries House was well supported. At that time 15 community organisations indicated an interest in becoming tenants in the House; most were in a co-ordinating, advisory or care giving role. The major hurdle to overcome was lack of suitable building sites in the Midland area. It was not until the City of Swan negotiated the sale of the Post Office that the possibility of developing the House plan became a reality. The Post Office is classified as a “heritage site” and has many qualities which enhances its affinity with the community; but this listing put constraints on the alterations that could be implemented.
The Steering Committee moved towards incorporation and on April 26, 1995 the incorporated body formed its first Management Committee; elected working parties and adopted the Constitution thereby taking over the management from the Eastern Region Community Development Council, the original sponsoring body since 1989. The Lotteries Commission was well aware of the Management Committee’s lack of resources and assisted by funding a consultant to draw together the material into a funding proposal to set up the Midland Junction Lotteries House. Funds sought to refurbish the Post Office totalled $889,015. A grant of $895,060.00 was received and the development of Lotteries House commenced in mid 1996 and was completed early in 1997.
Midland Junction Lotteries House was opened in 1997 with the support of Lotterywest and the City of Swan and is located in the same precinct as the Midland Library and the Town Hall.
The initial steering committee was:
- Lorraine Ethell (Chairperson)
- Tom Pavlos
- Ivan Zuvela
- Jopie Peetoom (Secretary)
- Jaquie Thomsom
- Jeff Considine (Architect)
- Iver Paez (Treasurer)
- Margaret Holland
Midland Junction Lotteries House continues to receive support from LotteryWest, City of Swan and digital support from volunteers. MJLH leases office premises to NFP organisations providing social, disability, environmental and community services to the WA community. Our tenants are listed here.