The City of Busselton Council has been honoured with the Judges’ Award at the 2024 WA Heritage Awards.
The award is offered to an individual or organisation that has displayed consistent and
exceptional contribution heritage.
Judges found the City of Busselton had demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preserving and interpreting local heritage. Recent projects include the revitalisation of the State-registered Old Courthouse Complex into a cultural hub with new interpretive elements, exhibitions and educational programs.
“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 WA Minister for Heritage, David Templeman.
“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!”
Mayor, Phill Cronin congratulated the Busselton Cultural Precinct team on receiving the 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,” said Mayor Cronin.
“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,” he said.
