Local nominees recognised in National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week kicked off in Geraldton with nine local nominees delighted to be recognised at the  presentation night earlier this month.

Now in its second year, the two award categories were Award for Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation, and Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement.

Winner of the first category, Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation was won by Swansea House owner, Peter Creek.

Two-storey Swansea House, located on Marine Terrace and now home to Pollinators, Jaffle Shack and Fleur High Tea was almost past saving when Mr Creek was convinced to tackle the restoration earning him the award.

Dayle and Fay Kenny, owners of Heritage listed Fitzgerald Flats on the corner of Fitzgerald Street and Lester Avenue, received a High Commendation for the work they have done in restoring the art deco flats building to its former glory.

Special Recognition was bestowed on Dale Hammond for her work in restoring a house at 14 Francis Street, also Alex and Judy Holds for the restoration of Mt Pleasant Homestead on Company Road in Greenough, and owners Darryl and Joan Grey for the restoration of a home on Chapman Road, Geraldton.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association nominated Howard Gray for category two, Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement and he was declared the winner by the judging panel.

Barry Stinson, nominated by the Geraldton Historical Society, was Highly Commended and the Geraldton Historical Society itself received Special Recognition, nominated by Alice Thornton. Special recognition was also given to Pat Mills, nominated by Bishop Justin Bianchini.

City Manager Libraries and Heritage, Susan Smith, said from the nine entries received it was a tough job for the judges to categorise them.

“They were all of such a high calibre and it is wonderful to see the community so passionate about our heritage,” she said.

“We hope these awards will encourage more people to think about restoration of some of our magnificent local buildings and also to nominate individuals in the Community who work tirelessly to preserve, research and promote the wonderful history of the Greater Geraldton region.

The evening was made all the sweeter backed up with the City’s own win in the 2014 WA Heritage Council Awards for Outstanding heritage practices by a local government the week before.