City of Busselton Celebrates Heritage Accolade
The City of Busselton has been honoured with the Judges’ Award at the 2024 WA Heritage Awards.
This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the City for recently completed heritage projects that have revitalised the State-registered Old Courthouse Complex with new interpretive elements, exhibitions and educational programs.
The award also recognised the Ballaarat Engine augmented reality experience and the Old Busselton Cemetery Project.
“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.”