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GOSPEL MINISTRIES- AOG
PO Box 105 BATCHELOR NT 0845
St
Barbara Catholic Church
Lot 123, 6 Awilla Road, Town of Batchelor.
Statement of Heritage Value
Built in 1954, St. Barbara’s Catholic Church is significant to the
Territory as its origin is historically connected with the uranium
mining industry at Rum Jungle. The church, which was built on the site
of the former 1940s Royal Australian Air Force Chapel, was constructed
by Irish miners employed at Rum Jungle by the British firm George
Wimpey and Co. Pty. Ltd. The church still retains much of its original
features and fabric and demonstrates economic design principles. The
method and materials used in constructing the church walls (recycled
timber and prefabricated steel) are considered unique and
architecturally significant.
St. Barbara’s was named after the patron saint for architects,
builders, carpenters, construction workers, explosives workers,
geologists and miners, all of whom worked on the Rum Jungle uranium
project. St. Barbara also protects against explosions and against mine
collapse. The church represents the provision of worship for the past
and present community in and around Batchelor.
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