Mandurah's Federation Heritage Artwalk launched

10/3/01
Mandurah's rich history has been brought to life with the official opening of a Federation Heritage Artwalk by the Minister for Culture and the Arts Sheila McHale today.
The Minister said the Artwalk uses art to capture some of Mandurah's rich history and benefit the whole community.
"Mandurah was one of the earliest settled areas in the State with Thomas Peel arriving in 1829," she said.
"For years it remained a fishing village until the 1930s when improvements in the rough sandstone track from Fremantle and better motor cars launched the town as a tourist destination."

Ms McHale said the eight artworks depicted in the Artwalk represent important developments in Mandurah's history. They were:

• The first Government Jetty dating from 1896;
• Peel Inlet Preserving Works & Services, 1886;
• Aboriginal Fishing Site;
• First Government School, 1901;
• Lyttleton's Corner, the 1840s;
• Renown Bakery, 1930s;
• Open Air Picture Garden, late 1920s; and -
• First Government Post and Telegraph Office, 1891

In addition, there are markers to show the way around The Federation Heritage Artwalk.
"Life in the early days was not easy and we need displays such as the Federation Heritage Artwalk to maintain a link with our past," Ms McHale said.
"This is a wonderful example of community art in action."
The $255,000 project was funded by the City of Mandurah, Centenary of Federation State Committee of Western Australia and the Western Australian Tourism Commission.
Considerable assistance was given by volunteers, particularly from the Mandurah Historical Society, the Winjan Aboriginal Corporation and Mandurah's Cultural Advisory Committee.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9321 2222