The Remarkable People Behind WA’s Hidden Stories
When discovering the tales and stories around Western Australia, it’s not just the places you unearth, but the people who made them extraordinary. From artists to pioneers, WAnderland uncovers the lives and legacies hidden in Western Australia’s small towns. Here are eight inspiring stories that prove the really remarkable thing about WA’s regional collections are the people behind them.
Monsignor John Hawes
A priest with the soul of an architect, Hawes designed striking churches and buildings across the Mid West region of WA. His creations weren’t just about sharing his faith; they were works of art that still draw visitors today. After arriving in the Mid West in 1915, Monsignor Hawes went on to design 16 buildings over 24 years in what is known as his most prolific design period.
The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre in Geraldton is a modern display showcasing his life and architecture. The centre sits next to one of his greatest masterpieces, Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Dr. Pantjiti Mary McLean
Internationally recognised artist, Dr Pantjiti Mary McLean, was born in 1928 in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands in the Western Desert Region. Mary’s work appears in private and public collections all around Australia. Her works are instantly recognisable from the figures and the bright colours she uses to represent Country. You can discover the works in the City Of Kalgoorlie’s Art Collection, located in the Kalgoorlie Town Hall. A must-visit if you’re in the Goldfields region.
The Yu Family
The Yu Family were instrumental in shaping Broome’s multicultural history. Their personal artefacts and photographs reveal the trials and triumphs of what early life was like in a remote town. The Yu Family Collection is housed in the upstairs rooms sitting above their Sung Ming restaurant in what Broome locals used to call Ah Mings or ‘Anawei’s’ store. This was once one of the most popular stores in Chinatown, where workers could shop after hours for all their needs. Hong Yu has collected items from the last 5 generations of her husband’s family, preserving the stories and history of them all.
Eubena (Yupinya) Nampitjin
A celebrated Warlayirti artist, Eubena brings the Tanami Desert to life through her paintings. Her worlds are windows into Indigenous culture, rich with symbolism and personal history. The striking yellows, pinks, reds, purples and all the hues in between are the unmistakable elements of Eubena’s work, making her one of the most recognised Balgo-based artists. Dubbed ‘Queen of the Desert’, Eubena was one of the first women to paint Country, once senior Lawmen agreed to the idea of conveying cultural stories on the canvas. Discover Eubena’s work at Warlayirti Artists Art and Cultural Centre.
‘Tracker’ Larry
Larry Kunamarra, a Bunuba man, once ran with Jandamarra and his gang through the Napier and Wunaanim-Miliwudi Ranges. After finally being shot and captured, Larry, like Jandamarra, became a valued police tracker. However, unlike Jandamarra, Larry did not remain an outlaw, but he continued to work with the police until his retirement and became renowned as the best tracker in the Kimberly. In 1953, after 50 years of service, he was awarded his Coronation Medal in appreciation of his skills and dedication. You can discover more about Larry at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Library - Local Studies Collection.
Frank and May Waghorn
Frank and May Waghorn lived near Sandstone when they discovered a bottle dump, which led to bottle fever! Frank and May dug from sunrise to sunset seven days a week looking for bottles and travelled extensively throughout the region digging and fossicking for bottles. They initially displayed the bottles in their home and then donated part of the collection to the Coolgardie Museum. You might stumble across some of their collection at other locations in the region.
These stories are just the beginning. Plan your own itinerary to discover the people who shaped Western Australia’s history and the legacy they have left behind.
