Stonemason shortage in Australia threatens historic buildings — ABC News Australia
In Albany, Western Australia, the Scottish Church, built in 1892 from local granite and lime mortar, is being restored. At the same time, a shortage of specialists in restoring historic stonework threatens the preservation of such structures, as experienced craftspeople are nearing retirement age, ABC News Australia reports.
Shortage of restoration specialists
Stonemason Duncan Moon, who moved to Australia from Wales in 1983, has worked in restoration for nearly 40 years. He said that due to the shortage of specialists, he is constantly asked to take on work, making it difficult for him to retire.
According to Moon, restoring old buildings requires precise knowledge of materials and traditional techniques, as work is sometimes done incorrectly. Restoration requires skills in creating decorative elements and repairing joints between stones. Despite the use of power tools, craftspeople still use hand chisels and hammers. Moon makes the traditional tools he needs for work himself.
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Need for training
Australia has more than 100,000 buildings listed on heritage registers. Albany historian Malcolm Traill stressed that such structures have survived only thanks to continuous maintenance: without it, they deteriorate, and restoring them to their original condition becomes significantly more expensive.
About 5,000 stonemasons work in the country, but even fewer of them have the skills to work on historic sites. Heritage Skills Association chief executive Yolanda Cool said there is a need for formal training in restoration trades. According to her, Western Australia has nearly 20,000 buildings listed on heritage registers, including the state-level National Trust Register.
Young stonemason Evan Zlnay began his career at TAFE and later completed a specialized restoration apprenticeship. He is gaining practical skills from older colleagues, has worked at sites in Western Australia, including Rottnest Island, and believes young people should be told more about this profession.
