Goods shed heritage work an Aussie first

Collie could be skills training base

THE pilot project to do remedial work on Collie’s goods shed is the first of its kind in Australia, and could lead to heritage skills being passed on to the next generation.

Yolanda Cool, of the Heritage Skills Association of WA (HSAWA), said there is a need for younger people to be trained in the skills needed to care for heritage buildings and she believes Collie would be a good place to establish a training centre.

Ms Cool gave a report on the pilot project to Collie Shire Council at its meeting last week.

She told councillors the pool of skilled crafts people is drying up, and the need to pass on skills to the next generation is becoming urgent.

“Heritage skills are nearing extinction as the artisan population ages,” she said.

She said there was a lot of history which could be saved if young people were trained in the necessary skills.

“The most sustainable way of building already exists, but we need people trained up in walls and ceiling painting, masonry, carpentry, glazing, plastering, roof and floor work, slates and shingles, copper and lead, word turning – a whole raft of areas requiring heritage skills.

“If we don’t know where we came from, how do we know where we are going?

“There are 75,000 buildings on the heritage list that need to be worked on.”

Ms Cool said there is no simple answer to this problem, but “all of us working together could set the standard”.

She added that HSAWA has developed a working model and is ready to form a task force.

“I believe Collie would be the ideal place for a training centre to be established as there are so many people here who already have skills.”

$550 raised for garden

MORE than $550 was raised at the St Brigid’s Church garage sale last Friday and Saturday.

The sale was held at the church from 8am till 2pm on Friday and Saturday.

Organiser Marie Hicks said there were many generous donations, including one of $100.

“Many people also told us to keep their change,” she said.

The funds will be used for maintenance and repairs of the Community Garden of Remembrance for Unborn and Infants.

The garden is behind the church and is intended to be a place where those who have lost babies can grieve.

Mrs Hicks said the money will help in trimming trees, repairing seats and hopefully installing some shade.

ALLANSON TEAM: Taj Flatt, Kenzie Davies, Mrs Amanda Davidson, Quinn Roney and Charlie Simpson prepare for the challenge.

Challenge generates energy

Meet the author

PLENTY energy was generated by the Synergy solar car challenge at Amaroo Primary School on Wednesday of last week.

Teams of year six and eight students assembled their solar cars and then raced them.

Team were vying for a place in the fi- nals to be held at Murdoch University on Tuesday, April 4.

Two local year six teams will go to the finals, with St Brigid’s finishing first and an Amaroo team second.

Amaroo teams also placed third and fifth, with St Mary’s, from Boyup Brook, in fourth.

CHILDREN'S author Vanessa Adelaide will be visiting the Collie Public Library on Tuesday, April 18.

Ms Adelaide has written seven books with supportive themes in the areas of rejection, hope, loss, fun, love and kindness.

Parents can register their children for the free event by phoning 9734 9042, or by visiting the library.

Elders branch picks up awards

ELDERS Collie received a swag of awards at the recent Elders WA 2023 awards night at Crown Perth.

The branch was fourth in the “highest gross commission” award and also received fourth place in the “most settled sales” award.

Agent Matt Blackford received the “best digital marketing” award, and receptionist Jenny Menzies received the “best first impression” award.

Mr Blackford said the office staff were thrilled with the awards which reflected the team’s hard work.

“For an office of three agents - myself, Clint and Beth - we have done really well,” he said.

“Beth has recently retired, but she was very successful for many years and she did a lot of the heavy lifting.”

Mr Blackford said the team has felt

Beth’s absence, but a new team member will join them soon.

“It has been challenging since Beth retired,” he said. “Beth has done an incredible amount of work for a long time and taking on her stuff so early between myself and Clint has opened my eyes to the different side of the business.

“You’re working everyday to keep up, so it’s nice to receive awards as recognition.”

Mr Blackford said the agency was up against agencies from across the state. “There’s Elders branches everywhere, so it's fairly massive.”

Mr Blackford singled out manager Clint Swallow as a big influence on him.

“Real estate agents have a stigma as not being the nicest people in the world, and Clint has always made sure that we challenge that stereotype.”

THE successful tenderer for the construction of the new Riverview retirement village is expected to be announced on Monday.

ValleyView board chairman Neil Martin said five builders are interested in constructing the over 55s village to be built near the Collie River.

The first stage of the project will consist of 54 units, including 16 on the lower portion of the land.

Once the builder has been selected, earthworks are expected to be completed by June 30.

“All of the first stage units will be for sale, and anyone who wishes to join our expressions of interest list can do so by ringing ValleyView residence,” Mr Martin said.