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One hundred years ago in the western Victorian town of Warracknabeal, families would come to town from local farms to do their shopping.
The men would buy provisions, then head to the pub to drink with mates and use the toilet.
The Warracknabeal Ladies Rest Rooms Committee president Eileen Sholl says the restrooms are a treasured community centre – not just toilets.Credit: Jason South
But their wives, literally, had nowhere to “go”, with no public toilets for women. They were not welcome in pubs.
And so, a committee of women from Warracknabeal and hamlets all around, from Brim to Beulah and Bangerang, raised a whopping 680 pounds to build the stately brick Warracknabeal Ladies’ Rest Rooms.
It was opened in 1928 on the main drag called Scott Street. Ninety-five years later, it is still volunteer-run, and is much more than its three loos out the back.
Inside, there are two cosy sitting rooms, with dark wooden wall partitions and high ceilings, ornate sideboards, comfy chairs, sofas and even a portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II over the fireplace.
The Warracknabeal Ladies Rest Rooms opened in 1928.Credit: Jason South
There are lemons in a bowl, homemade preserves to buy and toys for children. There’s a baby change room, and a kitchen where an untold number of cuppas have been made.
“When you walk in, it does feel like it’s your grandma’s house, always immaculate and so well-kept,” says Shire of Yarriambiack mayor Kylie Zanker.
Zanker, a Warracknabeal resident, is pleased that the restrooms have been recommended for listing on the Victorian Heritage Register.
A report compiled by Heritage Victoria and submitted to the Victorian Heritage Council recommends that the building be recognised for its cultural and heritage significance to the state of Victoria.
“It’s an amazing piece of history, an iconic part of our town,” Zanker said. “We all love the restrooms. I’ve never heard anyone say they’ll not go there.”
“It’s a social meeting place. I have friends who live on farms and their teenage kids will sit in there with their iPads or read books. It hasn’t lost that attraction, to everybody in the community.”
The report says during the 1920s and 1930s, perhaps over 200 women’s restrooms were set up across Australia, of which very few survive.
Then, as now, Warracknabeal’s version is run by volunteers, who pop into tidy up and chat to visitors. It’s funded by raffles, cake stalls, over 90 locals who pay an annual subscription of $10 each, and by visitors’ $2 gold coin donations.
Members of the Warracknabeal Ladies Rest Rooms Committee: Wendy Lovel, Val Wardle, Eileen Sholl and Rhonda Glare.Credit: Jason South
From the start, men were not allowed in. A historic sign on the wall says: “boys admitted up to age of six years”.
The restrooms are still used mostly by women – except on Easter Saturdays after the town’s annual parade, when men join the long queues for the volunteers’ famous scones with jam and cream.
Eileen Sholl, president of the Warracknabeal Ladies Rest Rooms committee, says that in 2023, it’s sometimes the dad who changes baby’s nappy in the restrooms, while mum goes shopping.
“I’m sure the founding ladies would be horrified that the men can come in and use the changing room,” she said. “It’s a revolutionary change.”
The centre has visitors’ books dating back 95 years. The 2023 visitors’ comments rave about the place.
“So nice to have a warm, comfortable place for baby, to change and feed,” writes Chris and May, of Rainbow.
Lauren, from Maldon, says: “My favourite ladies’ restroom in the world. I go out of my way to visit Warracknabeal because of it.”
Lisa, of Kangaroo Ground, simply says: “The most memorable wee I’ve had.”
The restrooms boast baby change areas, a lounge, a garden, a meeting area and visitor books going back 95 years.Credit: Jason South
Sholl, originally from Canada, said the charming building helped her decide to settle in Warracknabeal eight years ago, after her husband, Uniting Church minister Walter Sholl, retired from full-time ministry.
“I thought the restrooms [were] so beautiful and unique. It’s a special place,” Sholl said. “I wanted to get involved in the restrooms to contribute, and meet people.”
The Warracknabeal Ladies Rest Rooms have provided a haven for travellers and locals alike for generations.Credit: Jason South
The heritage council is expected to decide on the heritage register listing in October. Submissions can be made in the next five weeks at heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au
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