27/06/07
Celebrations to mark the centenary of the Canning Stock Route's development were launched today by Land and Information Minister Michelle Roberts.
The centenary of the route's development, from the time surveyor Alfred Canning first set out in May 1906 to survey the track, to its completion in 1910, presented the opportunity to foster a new spirit of co-operation and understanding between traditional owners and other Australians, Mrs Roberts said.
"The Canning Stock Route travels through lands that are rich in Aboriginal history and the track is an enduring symbol of the courage of pioneering Australians who explored some of the most isolated and harsh outback country in Western Australia," she said.
"It's part of our shared history and by joining together we can foster partnerships and a spirit of co-operation that will serve us well in the future."
A $2million, three-year collaborative project to locate, interpret and ultimately preserve and manage important Aboriginal rock art sites along the stock route is already under way.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies will conduct this project in partnership with the Australian National University, National Museum of Australia, traditional owners, Aboriginal corporations and Government agencies including Landgate, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Environment and Conservation.
The Minister said another major collaborative project involving indigenous communities, scientists, artists and public and private sector organisations was being planned by not-for-profit organisation, FORM Contemporary Craft and Design Inc.
"This project will facilitate, curate and present a national and international exhibition of paintings, artefacts, story-telling, cultural information and oral history," she said.
"The program of centenary events is a 'work-in-progress' and, given that we have until 2010 to celebrate this milestone, there is plenty of time and opportunity for interested people or organisations to get involved."
One of the first centenary events will be the Department of Environment and Conservation's "Desert Tracks" Landscope Expedition along a section of the stock route in August this year. Another expedition is planned for 2008.
A website, co-ordinating Government and community projects and events linked to the centenary celebration, is being established by Landgate.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
