Heritage Week big for Geraldton

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Geraldton Library - Heritage Award 2014 - Susan & Trudi PHOTO CREDIT ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt

There’s a special buzz about kicking off Heritage Week in Geraldton this year.

With the City of Greater Geraldton the proud recipient of a State award from the WA Heritage Council for Outstanding Heritage Practices by a local government, it adds a special way to launch the week on Friday, April 11 with the City’s own Heritage Awards Presentation Night to recognise local nominations.

Last week City Manager Libraries and Heritage, Susan Smith, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine accepted the City’s award at a gala event in Perth.

Mrs Smith said winning the State award was a wonderful start for the City’s own Heritage Week awards.

“We are over the moon with the win. The Library has only been responsible for Heritage matters for two years, and in this time introduced the City of Greater Geraldton Heritage Awards,” she said.

“This year we have had nine entries in the two local awards and winners will be announced on Friday night.”

The two categories are Built Heritage and Individual or Organisational Achievement.

“It’s important to promote the value of our heritage whilst reflecting the diversity of interests, ages and culture in our community by celebrating our heritage achievements,” said Mrs Smith.

Heritage Week runs until Thursday, April 17 and in addition to the City’s Heritage Awards, events at the Geraldton Regional Library include:

  • Mystery Photos: How well do you know your City? Keep an eye out on the Library’s Facebook Page from Wednesday April 9 to Wednesday April 16. There will be a new “mystery” photo posted each day of a local heritage site. Images will also be available at the Geraldton and Mullewa Libraries.
  • Delivering the Past: Heritage Walk Trails in the City’s CBD will be the focus of a presentation by Jim Trevaskis on Wednesday April 16 from 10am to 11am at the Geraldton Regional Library. Learn about the fascinating history of key sites along the popular walk trails.

The official unveiling of the interpretative signage for Dr Foley’s Olive Tree will be held on Thursday April 17 from 10am at Honeysuckle Boulevard, Strathalbyn, following a morning tea at Bluff Point Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. This is a joint project between the City of Greater Geraldton and the Geraldton Historical Society, researched by Stan Gratte with assistance and graphic design provided by the Heritage Services team at the Library.

Information sheets are available from the Library website on www.library.cgg.wa.gov.au. These tell stories of interesting people and their significant contributions to the development of the Greater Geraldton region.

For further information visit the Library website or call the friendly staff on (08) 9956 6659.