Heritage Park Open Day and Website Launch 2008

Old memories, steam trains and the timber industry, plus good old fashion chatter was the buzz amongst the visitors at the Heritage Park Open Day on 26th October 2008. Local community people and visitors from afar with some connection or affinity with Pickering Brook turned up to share in the excitement.

It was amazing how many visitors arrived with stories that had been handed down through the generations and who had some connection with the early settlement of the timber industry, Pickering Brook, Barton’s Mill and Canning Mills. Families that had slipped into the background were suddenly revived and new and exciting history emerged. There were grand children and great grand children from early settlers, teachers, farmers and mill workers who were eager to learn more about the district that formed their ancestors.

It was truly a great success and thanks must go to those volunteers who helped make the day such a memorable occasion. Good old fashion afternoon tea with home made cakes and scones or the favourite sausage sizzle were enjoyed by young and old. People lingered and pondered over the photographic display in the Prison building sharing stories and catching up on old acquaintances and renewing friendships from long ago.

I was moved by the response from the public and it reaffirmed the great need for us to make an effort to retain the history of Pickering Brook and the surrounding Mill settlements. Quickly this history is slipping by and being destroyed by bush fires, development and the general lack of interest. The hills area and in particular the jarrah bushland played a significant part in the establishment of the railway and the development of the State and we must make sure that the memory of the blood, sweat and tears of the men and women who formed this district, is not lost.

We, as a Heritage Group invite you, the public, to come forward with stories and photographs or any memorabilia that was part of this formation and join us in making our Heritage Park a monument to the early settlers.

We would like to thank the Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society who have been very supportive and helpful in our efforts and hope that our relationship continues.

The launching of our Website and the opening of our first stage of our photographic memorial wall was a great success and we look forward to more families coming forward and wishing to be part of our display.

Thank you again to all the helpers and to you, the public who visited our Park and we look forward to your presence at our next open day.

Beverley Giumelli

President