On Thursday January 23, 2025, Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Culture and the Arts, Sport and Recreation, International Education, and Heritage for the Western Australian State Government, visited Albany to announce an investment of $1.7 million for a new interpretation and cultural mapping project at Strawberry Hill at Barmup on Menang Country.
The National Trust welcomes a generous $1.7 million Lotterywest grant which will play a pivotal role in supporting an exciting new development in partnership with the Community Arts Network (CAN). The interpretation and cultural mapping project aims to revitalise the site’s heritage interpretation, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen community engagement in preparation for Albany’s 2026 bicentennial celebrations.
This project will focus on the untold and hidden stories of Strawberry Hill at Barmup, highlighting the shared history of early colonists and the Menang people. Through innovative and contemporary storytelling methods, personal stories tied to the site will be brought to life, offering visitors and the local community a deeper understanding and connection to this historically significant location.
The investment marks a crucial step forward in honouring both the cultural heritage of the Menang people and the broader history of Albany.
“The grant from Lotterywest is invaluable in supporting the National Trust’s contribution to a sense of community identity through exploration of the historical connections between our heritage places and the people who shaped them,” said Julian Donaldson, the National Trust of Western Australia’s CEO. “Partnering with CAN, this project will make a significant contribution to Albany’s 2026 program.”
The interpretation and visitor experience project complements a $3,762,000 investment from the 2024-25 State Budget to conserve the heritage buildings and improve visitor infrastructure at Strawberry Hill at Barmup in Albany.
Pictured (L-R): Roz Lipscombe, Lotterywest; Judy Williams, NTWA; Menang Elder Lester Coyne; Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Heritage for the Western Australian State Government; Kelly Rippingale, NTWA; Menang Elders Marie Abraham Eades and Carol Pettersen; Rebecca Stephens MLA, Member for Albany; Danielle Antaki, Community Arts Network (CAN) [image courtesy CAN]
