Aboriginal history opportunity coming to Margaret River Community Centre in February

Margaret River residents seeking to delve more into their own Aboriginal family history will have a prime opportunity next month.

Aboriginal History WA and the State Library’s Storylines program are visiting South West towns to help people with research about their Aboriginal family history, with an opportunity to learn about AHWA’s truth-telling projects.

Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries acting director general Erin Gauntlett said the sessions were a great way for people to learn more about their “mob’s history”.

“They are also a great introduction to the huge number of historical photos and records that can be searched online, as well as the important truth-telling projects being undertaken,” she said.

The records, which are closed to the public because of the personal and sensitive nature of the information, span from 1886-1972.

“Last year our AHWA and State Library teams travelled to the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions and met with more than 130 people across 12 towns,” Ms Gauntlett said.

“Now it’s time for them to visit the South West.”

The two-hour session will be held on Tuesday, February 11, from 3pm at the Margaret River Community Centre at 33 Tunbridge Street.

The free family history sessions will also be held in Manjimup earlier that day, with sessions in Busselton and Bunbury on February 12.