A Few Of My Favourite Things
As the project team travelled around the state, they encountered many wonderful collections, and perhaps it is invidious to single any out, however, below are a few favourites. Of course, it’s not only about the collections, but the people and the places, too ….
To experience extraordinary Aboriginal culture, heritage and artworks, you could visit Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre near Derby, at the western end of the Gibb River Rd; or the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in Kununurra, in the East Kimberley. There is the Ganalili Centre in Roebourne, in the Pilbara, whilst Gwoonwardu Mia, in Carnarvon, features the culture of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region. Bilya Koort Boodja in Northam near Perth, (which has a mesmerising digital experience); and don’t miss the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre in Boulder. You will find interpretive displays and terrific retail areas, so get ready to go shopping!
Another must-see is the Roelands Village, near Bunbury. The Village consists of, what was once, the Roelands Aboriginal Mission, which is today managed by the Woolkabunning Kiaka Aboriginal Corporation. The Corporation’s aim is to provide opportunities for people to learn about the Roelands Mission story and Aboriginal culture. Visitors are welcome to stay at the site, which is what the project team did. The Village is located in an extremely beautiful valley on the Collie River. As far as we know, this is the only Western Australian Aboriginal mission site readily accessible for anyone to visit and understand more about this critical part of the Australian story.
The Yu Family Collection is tucked away above a Chinese restaurant in Broome. This collection features both traditional and contemporary items from the Yu family, including lots of handmade objects, all described in hand-written signs and delightful ordinary day-to-day items like a fishing esky!
Our other favourite extraordinary collections include this eclectic mix:
The Windmill Shed near Dalwallinu with working examples from all over the world, were like kinetic sculptures.
The Dardanup Heritage Park is enormous so give yourself plenty of time and you’ll be glad you did.
Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum is surely in a category all of its own – you can’t miss it as you drive on the highway on the outskirts of Carnarvon.
The Priesthouse Museum in Mullewa is a tiny version of a European manor house and provides a window into the incredible design skills of Monsignor John Hawes. This was once Hawes’ residence, and you can also visit numerous other outstanding churches designed by Hawes in the Mid West region, including the stunning St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton, adjacent to the Monsignor Hawes Interpretation Centre.
The many bridal gowns on mannequins in the hall at the back of the Wesley Church in Albany are all named according to their former owners. The gowns are endearing and a little gothic.
The Broome Bird Observatory provides you with an entry point to learn about the East Asian - Australasian bird migration flyway plus many local species.
While you visit the Racing Museum in Kalgoorlie you might be lucky enough to be there when the horses are exercising in the swimming pool.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside The Big Camera in Meckering, on your way to the Goldfields, do yourself a favour and STOP! This is the largest collection of working cameras in the southern hemisphere and present the history of the technology of photography.
The Kulin Wildflower Society manage a herbaria collection, and others can be found in Beacon, Ongerup, Ravensthorpe, York and Merredin. These collections give precious local insights into Western Australia’s remarkably diverse flora.
