Broome landmarks entered on State heritage register

2/7/95

Two historic Broome landmarks have been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said today the Dampier Memorial and the Broome Pioneer Cemetery had been registered on a permanent basis following a recommendation by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

Mr Lewis said the Dampier Memorial highlighted the link between the Broome area and William Dampier, the first English navigator to record a visit to Australian shores.

"Made in 1938, the memorial was crafted from granite in the form of a sea-chest with the navigator's name and coat of arms on it," he said.

"Roebuck Bay is named after Dampier's ship, although there is debate about whether he actually landed at what is now known as Roebuck Bay.

"Nevertheless, the memorial, which is located in Bedford Park, is an important commemoration of Dampier's visit to the North-West coast in 1688 and 1699."

The Minister said the Broome Pioneer Cemetery also played an important role in Broome's history as a reminder of the early European settlement in the area.

"Situated on a small promontory overlooking Roebuck Bay, the cemetery has a total of 13 gravesites and is the final resting place of a number of people noted for their contribution to Broome's early history," Mr Lewis said.

"Pemberton Walcott, who helped established the pearling industry in the area was laid to rest at the cemetery in 1883 and Matthew Forrest, the son of William Forrest is also buried in the grounds, having died while on a survey expedition in the area in 1884."

The Pioneer Cemetery is listed with the National Trust and is included on Broome's Heritage Trail.

Media contact:  Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377