A community-based or non-profit organisation whose contribution demonstrates a commitment to cultural heritage and/or heritage-related work, services or programs in Western Australia.
In its custodianship of the leading tourist experience in the South West, Busselton Jetty Inc has continued to grow this unique destination through forward business planning and the introduction of improved visitor experiences, in particular a world-class interpretation centre.
The jetty hosts over 400,000 visitors each year and the judges noted that without the passion of this dedicated group, the jetty would not be the heritage tourism icon that it is today.
When the Jaycees Foundation acquired Australia’s last whaling station, located in Albany’s Cheynes Beach in 1980, they set about transforming the neglected remains into a tourism drawcard that tells the story of Australia’s whaling history in a way that captivates audiences.
The Jaycees Community Foundation serves as a model for the successful development and operation of a quality community-owned asset. Albany’s Historic Whaling Station has been visited by more than two million people, delivered a $40 million boost to the local economy and employs 20 staff and 13 volunteers. Its success is a tribute to the vision and persistence of the Board of the Perth-based Foundation.
The judges were impressed by the passion, dedication and drive demonstrated by the Chapman Valley Historical Society. Managed by volunteers, with support from the Shire of Chapman Valley, the society works to inspire, educate and inform the local community and visitors to the region.
The establishment of a public museum by the society in 1996 provides a place for knowledge, ideas, stories and memories to be shared, allowing the community’s shared history to be retained.
Established in 1994, the Pickering Brook Heritage Group was formed by passionate local residents dedicated to the preservation of the area’s history. From this grass roots beginning, the group has gone on to achieve significant milestones in researching, preserving, interpreting and displaying local history.
The most noteworthy is the development of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group’s website that has allowed the group to extend their reach worldwide. The judges were impressed by the interactive nature of the website which allows members of the public to research their own family history.