The newly opened National Anzac Centre in Albany and the refurbishment of the historic Wanslea into the Cancer Wellness Centre are among the finalists in the 2015 Western Australian Heritage Awards.

The awards, in their 23rd year, honour the leading contributors to heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation in WA.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the high calibre of the finalists illustrated the exemplary level of work being undertaken locally on heritage-related projects.

“I am pleased to see the National Anzac Centre recognised as a finalist in the heritage tourism category.  The centre incorporates multiple interactive exhibitions and multimedia elements to engage visitors, and will play an important role in the Anzac Centenary commemorations,” Mr Jacob said.

The 43 inspiring finalists across eight categories represent a diverse cross-section of volunteers, professionals, organisations and projects, with finalists evenly split between metropolitan and regional areas.

“The passion and commitment for heritage in regional WA has been highlighted again this year.  For instance, every finalist in the Voluntary individual contribution category has been nominated for their work in regional WA.”

The Minister said eight heritage-listed places were chosen as finalists in the Conservation or adaptive reuse of a State Registered place category, including the refurbishment of Wanslea into the Cancer Wellness Centre and the adaptation of the former Port Hedland District Medical Officer’s Quarters into the newest Dome Cafe.

“Congratulations to all the finalists whose work has resulted in significant achievements in the promotion and conservation of our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

       Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/awards

Minister’s office – 6552 25800

2015 Western Australian Heritage Awards – Finalists

Voluntary individual contribution

• Norma Andrews of Busselton
• Councillor Laurie Ayers of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
• Dr Howard Gray of Geraldton
• Peter Snow of Albany

Professional contribution

• Martin Colgan of Northbridge.
• The late Ian Hocking of Shenton Park
• Tom Perrigo of Perth
• Dr John Taylor of Claremont
• Malcolm Traill of Albany

Contribution by a community-based organisation

• Carnamah Historical Society and Museum
• Guildford Association
• Historical Society of Cockburn
• Jaycees Community Foundation Inc
• Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society
• Maritime Archaeological Association of Western Australia
• Mount Lawley Society
• Slater Homestead Group Advisory Body to the Shire of Goomalling

Contribution by a public or private organisation

• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the Burt Street Heritage Precinct
• Colgan Industries
• Heritage Perth

Heritage practices by a local government

• City of Albany
• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
• Shire of Northam

Interpretation project

• Albany Forts (Princess Royal Fortress)
• Discovery Bay’s Historic Whaling Station
• Esperance Foreshore Interpretation Project
• hiLIGHTS – celebrating 125 years of the State Library of Western Australia
• Old Port at Arthur Head Reserve
• Original Railway Station, Geraldton
• Shipwrecks of WA smart phone app by the Maritime Archaeological Association of Western Australia
• Tranby House (Peninsular Farm)

Heritage tourism project

• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
• Discovery Bay’s Historic Whaling Station
• National Anzac Centre
• Rottnest Island Wadjemup Walk Trail

Conservation or adaptive reuse of a State Registered place

• District Medical Officer’s Quarters (now Dome Cafe Port Hedland)
• Duke’s Inn, Northam
• Harwood’s Cottage and Café, Busselton
• McNess Royal Arcade facade restoration, Perth
• Old Port at Arthur Head Reserve, Fremantle
• Old Railway Station, Geraldton
• Stirling Terrace enhancement, Albany
• Wanslea – Cancer Wellness Centre, Cottesloe