Restoration and revitalisation: Shire of Pingelly announced as finalist for WA Heritage Award

The Shire of Pingelly is one of three finalists in the running for the 2023 Western Australian Heritage Awards’ contribution by a public or private organisation award for its efforts in revitalising Pingelly’s historic precinct. “The three finalists are shining examples of local governments that are committed to protecting and preserving Western Australia’s significant local heritage places, which are valuable pieces of our historical legacy,” Heritage Minister David Templeman said. “I commend the Heritage Council of Western Australia’s continuing commitment to encourage and recognise volunteers and professional heritage champions who work hard to preserve and revitalise the State’s rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.” The small Wheatbelt shire will compete against the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which boasts a three-person heritage services team, and the City of Rockingham, which recently undertook a three-day public archaeological dig project. Recent projects — including the refurbishment of the town hall and courthouse, the revitalisation of the History and Heritage Group and the town’s inaugural Heritage Festival — will see the Shire once again punching above its weight at a State level. The town received the inaugural regional WA place innovation award for the Gnalla Wangkiny Park/Pingelly Pocket Park project at the 2023 WA Local Government Association convention. On October 14, Pingelly will see another first as it holds the inaugural Flowers Art and Music Festival, recapturing the spirit of the Pingelly Tulip Festival last held more than 20 years ago that would bring in thousands of visitors aboard the now-defunct Hotham Valley train.