This Day in History: 2013-04-16

In the words of the State Heritage Office, “The historic town of Toodyay dominated the 2013 Western Australian Heritage Awards last night, winning three out of 11 categories.”  Toodyay Historical Society member, Jenny Edgecombe, won the award for ‘Outstanding Voluntary Contribution to Heritage by an Individual’. This award recognised Jenny’s ongoing contributions, both here in Toodyay and as a member of the Australian Society of Archivists.

The first of the awards won by the Shire of Toodyay was ‘Outstanding Heritage Practices by a Local Government’. This award recognised both the Shire’s on the ground work and the Shire’s policies that protect Toodyay’s built heritage.

Toodyay’s third award, ‘Outstanding Interpretation Project that Enhances a Place’, was for work done at the Newcastle Gaol Museum. This project’ driven by Museum Curator Moss Wilson, supported by the CEO and only possible through the cooperation of the local aboriginal community, involved the use of modern digital technology to enhance the visitor’s experience.

Shire President Kevin Hogg accepted the Shire’s Awards at a gala cocktail function at the State Theatre of Western Australia in Northbridge, Perth.

Sources:
Toodyay herald, April 2013, p.21; May 2013, p.3.
Duidgeeana, No. 31, Winter 2013, pp. 2-3 (photos).