Heritage buildings on cusp of ruin as stonemasons retire
Unless a new generation takes up the trade, the craft will be lost to time, and the buildings with it.
Western Australian stonemasons warn that many experienced workers are nearing retirement, threatening the preservation of the country's heritage buildings. These structures, constructed using local stone and traditional techniques, are vital to Australia's colonial-era architecture. Duncan Moon, a veteran heritage stonemason who immigrated from Wales, expresses concern over the dwindling number of skilled workers.
He fears that without new apprentices, these buildings will decay and become costly to restore. The Heritage Skills Association is pushing for a project-based intergenerational model to address the skills gap, but current certification options are limited. Evan Zlnay, a young stonemason, emphasizes the importance of traditional techniques and the need for greater awareness of the trade.
Despite the challenges, Zlnay finds fulfillment in preserving Western Australia's historic buildings.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
