House of horrific WA murder to be demolished to help Tambellup community recover

The house is in a prominent location on Garrity Street at the northern entry to Tambellup. Its windows and fences have since been vandalised. (ABC Great Southern: Tom Edwards)

A house in the Great Southern that was the scene of one of the state's most horrific murders will be demolished to help the community move on from the tragedy.

In August 2019, Gregory John William Quartermaine murdered his close friend Wilfred Williams, 60, in a meth-fuelled attack with a machete and other sharp weapons.

In March last year, Quartermaine received a life sentence with an 18-year minimum.

Gregory John William Quartermaine is serving a life sentence for the murder. (Facebook)

House a constant reminder

Since the murder, locals have called for the demolition of the house, saying its presence is a reminder of the gruesome incident which shocked the town.

Tambellup resident Kayleen Pickett led the community call for the demolition.

The Department of Communities has now confirmed the house will be demolished out of "recognition of the significant trauma" associated with the Garrity Street property.

Kayleen Pickett says a weight has been lifted off her shoulders after hearing the news. (ABC Great Southern: Tom Edwards)

"This decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with both the community and local stakeholders," Department of Communities regional executive director Neila Williams said.

The land will be transferred to the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup.

While no demolition date has been set, it is expected to be completed by the end of July 2022.

Huge relief

A petition calling for the removal, led by Ms Pickett, gained more than 1,000 signatures.

"Hearing the news about the house getting demolished was the outcome that we all wanted," Ms Pickett said.

"When I told the people that were directly affected, they too felt like a weight was lifted.

Sergeant Humble says he has moved on but the incident's memory will always be there. (ABC Great Southern: Tom Edwards)

The memories of that day are also with one of the first responders — then officer-in-charge (OIC) of Tambellup Police, Sergeant Josh Humble.

Sergeant Humble, now OIC at Kellerberrin in the Wheatbelt, said he was pleased with the news.

"I think it'll give the community some ability to move on," he said.

"Its prominent position in town was one of the biggest issues."

While Sergeant Humble is no longer receiving counselling over the incident he said it would be hard to forget the past. 

The property's future

Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup Shire president Michael White said no decision had been made on what will go on the block.

"That decision will be made after consultation with the community and it won't be made in a hurry," Mr White said. 

"I think for the community it's a move that had to happen."