The Shire of Collie were among three local governments recognised for their heritage practices at this year’s Western Australian Heritage Awards.
The Shire received a commendation for their achievements in the Heritage Practices by a Local Government for being committed to supporting and promoting conservation and maintenance of its heritage buildings, sites and places of interest.
Shire President Sarah Stanley said it was an honour to be one of three towns recognised for its heritage efforts across Western Australia, alongside the City of Bunbury and the City of Busselton.
“Collie has a long and proud history of honouring our living heritage and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to its preservation,” Cr Stanley said.
Cr Stanley said to be up against two cities and walk away with a commendation shows credit to the Shire and the community for their ongoing work around heritage, at the latest council meeting.
Director of Development Services Andrew Dover said at the meeting the Shire were fortunate enough to get a commendation for its efforts in heritage practices within local government by covering a whole range of heritage practices.
The Shire’s heritage practices that were recognised by the judges included the collaboration with more than 50 volunteers on the cataloguing and restoration of the Coalfields Museum collection, which was highly valued.
The judges also recognised systemic upgrades and maintenance of Shire-owned heritage buildings used for community purposes and past efforts for the restoration of locomotives and train wagons at the Collie Visitor Centre, Railway Footbridge and the CY O’Conner-designed Goods Shed.
Other practices included the Shire’s Heritage Incentive Scheme which provides a 50 per cent grant for conservation of privately-owned heritage buildings.
The Shire were also congratulated on their annual review practices of the Municipal Inventory and the Heritage List, along with free expert heritage advice provided to the public and the interpretation of significant places were also regarded by the judges.
Cr Stanley said that these practices were important for future generations of Collie and heritage could be the answer to attract more tourists to the town.
“Paying homage to our unique history is not only important for future generations, it is also a significant tourism attractor as we look to diversify our economy,” Cr Stanley said.
