Broome heritage buildings recognised

Two Broome buildings have been recognised at this year’s WA Heritage Awards.

The Sisters of St John of God Heritage Centre and the restored Sailmaker’s Shed, managed by the Broome Historical Society, received commendation awards in the community-based organisation and interpretation project categories respectively.

The Sailmaker’s Shed also received a UNESCO honourable mention.

Now in their 24th year, the awards honour champions in the community for their contributions to heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation.

SSJG’s Sister Pat Rhatigan said the recognition was testimony to staff and dedicated volunteers who had worked hard to ensure its success.

“In 2012, the heritage centre took out the top honours in its category which was great encouragement for us to press on with further developments and to pursue and emulate best industry practice,” she said.

“We started off as a temporary display in 2007 and have developed into what is now regarded as one of the most comprehensive social history collections of the Kimberley.

“In the last four years, the heritage centre’s collection has increased by 25 per cent and now includes more than 50,000 historical and cultural photographs and documents.”