Reporter Rewind: Nostalgic look at way we were

The Harvey-Waroona Reporter has been published for 40 years. In Reporter Rewind this week, Briana Fiore looks back at what was making news in October 1994.

A replica of the cottage built by Governor James Stirling in the 1830s was built on the banks of the Harvey River.

The Harvey Shire Council built the Stirling Cottage replica to draw tourists to the area. Famous children’s author May Gibbs lived in the cottage half a century after it was built. Both Stirling and Gibbs were reflected in the site.

The completion of Stirling Cottage accompanied the Italian Internment Camp Shrine on Harvey’s list of tourism hot spots.

The Harvey Shire Council changed its stance on regional councils. It decided to pay $13,000 up front and join the South West Regional Group of Councils. The council had been sitting on the fence for 18 months as an observer while State and Federal and local authorities bickered over the roles of regional bodies.

The shire president at the time, John Sabourne, and shire clerk, Keith Leece, attended a meeting in Nannup where the South West group was formulated.

Benger Primary School was saved after almost being shut down by the State Government. Benger and Burekup Primary Schools were both named on a leaked “hit-list”.

The teachers, parents and 24 students at the school were delighted to have their school remain open.

A snake warning was issued by wildlife officers after several large snakes were spotted around the town.

A “big” tiger snake was spotted near the Harvey Swimming Pool. The snake was reportedly slithering around the pond on the Meriden Park soccer oval.

There was concern as the area was full of young families and children used the swimming pool.

One of the biggest steam engines ever used in timber mills was restored and placed in the Yarloop Workshops complex. Steam House supervisor Colin Pusey managed to salvage the Australotis engine from Dean Mill in 1979.

The engine was built in Melbourne in 1910 and installed at Dean Mill, near Manjimup, where is stood for 68 years.

Big crowds attended the Yarloop Steam House’s open days to have a gander at the historic piece.

A silage field day was held at the Wokalup Research Station to show farmers the importance of growing and making good quality silage.

More than 100 farmers flocked to the station for the event.

A group was established in Harvey and Yarloop for mothers of twins. The group was formed after a spate of twin births in the area. Mothers would catch-up for coffee and share parenting tips on raising their twins.

Wellington MLA John Bradshaw headed to China as a late minute inclusion in a tour organised by the Australian Political Council.

The Eastcott’s property in Waroona held horse-riding lessons for children with disabilities. Children from across the region attended the event and reported they’d had an exciting time.

Waroona’s Community Theatre Group started rehearsing for its new play. The group had success with its former effort “Robyn the Hood”.