Major historical conference set to stimulate local economy in Bridgetown and showcase the region’s history

Statewide attention will be directed to Bridgetown’s culture and heritage when an annual historical society conference makes its way to the picturesque South West town. Bridgetown Historical Society will host more than 120 people for the State History Conference of Affiliated Societies for the first time since it was established in 1965, providing an educational program that will showcase the history of the region. Society secretary Richard Allen said the members wanted to put particular emphasis on Aboriginal history during this year’s conference. “We’re really keen on incorporating Aboriginal historical perspectives into our program,” he said. “Unfortunately, too often — especially in regional areas Australia-wide really — that tends to get ignored. “You go to a lot of rural museums and it tends to be all about white history and it doesn’t really encompass anything other than a token reference to Aboriginal people. “We’re trying to address that with the speakers that are presenting on Noongar languages.” Mr Allen said members were hoping the program would encourage other historical societies throughout the State to focus more heavily on Aboriginal history and further incorporate these facts and knowledge into their exhibits. Pibulmun/Wadandi elder and custodian Sandra Hill — who will also conduct the welcome to country — will present on First Nations people and their history and inclusiveness in museums, Noongar Language Centre board member Beverley Rebbeck will present on saving Indigenous language, and Kaneang and Wilman woman Jordanna Rebbeck will present on tracing the history of grinding stones in Bibbulmun country. Other activities on offer over the two-day conference include an orcharding in Bridgetown discussion, WA Railway history presentation, Mining in Greenbushes discussion, a Donnelly Mill Project presentation, a genealogy workshop, a Bridgetown history walk, a now sold-out Talison Lithium mine tour and a flora and fauna history walk. Mr Allen said the conference would also be an ideal opportunity to showcase Bridgetown and the region and stimulate the local economy. “Because we’ve got delegates coming from all corners of the State, it’s a chance to showcase our town and the region and what makes Bridgetown tick,” he said. “One of the reasons we made it a two-day conference was to encourage people to stay here. “The idea was to stimulate and put a little bit of input into the local economy ... encourage tourism into our area.”