Published on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 1:40:36 PM
The City of Busselton has been honoured with the Judges’ Award at the 2024 WA Heritage Awards.
“From reimagining the Old Courthouse Complex to bringing the Ballaarat Engine’s history to life with augmented reality, the City of Busselton sets the bar for heritage interpretation,” said Minister for Heritage, Hon David Templeman MLA.
“These initiatives celebrate local stories, preserve historical sites and foster community pride. Bravo Busselton for your commitment to preserving your city’s rich cultural tapestry!”
City of Busselton Mayor, Phill Cronin said: “Congratulations to the Busselton Cultural Precinct team on receiving this prestigious award for recent enhancements at the Old Courthouse Complex, including installation of two new heritage exhibitions and a facelift for the Gallery Store.”
“I applaud the team’s passion and commitment in researching and presenting factual accounts of local historical events from the region’s pioneering days and beyond.”
“Forgotten Voyages – Rediscovering the S.S. Georgette shares previously untold accounts from survivors and other sources about the heartbreak and heroism surrounding this infamous shipwreck in nearby waters in 1876.”
“While Stories from the Gaol Cells presents true stories about the lived experiences of prisoners and law enforcement officials during the Old Gaol’s operational years.”
“We are committed to preserving City managed heritage-listed buildings and I commend the City’s Facilities team for their support in performing regular maintenance work to ensure these important, historically significant buildings will stand the test of time for future generations to enjoy.”
“In addition to the new exhibitions and enhancements at the Old Courthouse Complex, the Judges’ Award also recognised other local historical projects, including the Ballaarat Engine restoration and interpretation, as well as conducting extensive research on burials at the Old Busselton Cemetery and restoring pioneer plaques.”
“I’d like to thank our local community for providing information and stories for us to share at the Old Courthouse Complex and I acknowledge the Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta Historical Societies for the contributions they have made.”
Old Courthouse Complex - Free admission
Busselton Cultural Precinct, 4 Queen Street, Busselton
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 4pm
Information from the Heritage Council
About the Judges’ Award
This award is offered to an individual/organisation who has displayed consistent and exceptional contribution heritage.
Why the City of Busselton won the Judges’ Award
The City of Busselton has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preserving and interpreting local heritage. Recent projects include revitalising the State-registered Old Courthouse Complex into a cultural hub with new interpretive elements, exhibitions and educational programs.
The City also celebrated the Ballaarat Engine with an augmented reality experience, allowing visitors to explore the locomotive both online and in person. Additionally, the Old Busselton Cemetery project restored pioneer plaques and recognised more than more than 700 new names following extensive community engagement.
Through these initiatives, Busselton continues to weave local heritage into the fabric of community life.
Photo L-R: Jacquie Happ OAM (City of Busselton Cultural Development Officer) and Carol Mulhearn (City of Busselton Cultural Precinct Officer) accepting the Judges’ Award.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Lifestyle – Our community is safe, welcoming and inclusive, with access to services and facilities to support good health and wellbeing.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jodie Darragh – jodie.darragh@busselton.wa.gov.au
www.busseltonculturalprecinct.com.au
@oldcourthousecomplex
Back to All News