From a settlement that grew from a penal outpost/military garrison, that laid the foundation for the State of Western Australia, to a busy port which was a key part of the early industrial development of whaling, pastoralism and coastal shipping.

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Pioneer Pathways will be an informative walk that traverses back through history and will educate our visitors, local community and the many school and youth groups that we welcome each year and provide the opportunity to retain this important link to our history, ensuring that it is shared and preserved for future generations. 

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Pioneer Pathways will allow you to follow history and read the rich and hidden heritage of the custodians and influential men, women and families, detailing their contribution towards the first settlement and development of the city and region. The walk will bring a greater public awareness and interest to these long forgotten individuals, who by their incredible contributions created the community we have today.​

 

Duke Street Park was created in 2006 to help enhance Patrick Taylor Cottage, the oldest dwelling in Western Australia. One of the parks features was the creation of a custom-made meandering rammed earth pathway flanked on either side by brick edging and garden beds. The site is perfect as it also affords no need to gain individual approvals for each location that we may wish to place a commemorative plaque. Two of the primary advantages is that it is only metres, from the original location of Major Edmond Lockyer’s settlement of 1826 and also in a location that is very important to the Menang Noognar people of Kinjarling. ​

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The first plaque on the pathway will be donated and funded by the Albany Historical Society. It will honour the Menang Noognar people of Kinjarling and the enormous contribution their ancestors provided to the British colonial settlers, we respect and recognise the connection to country and the importance Kinjarling holds in their day to day lives.​

 

The project will introduce up to 20 plaques that will be installed on angled stands, lit up at night on the edge of the rammed earth path, leading down to Patrick Taylor Cottage. Each of the plaques commemorating a notable person or family and will list their contribution towards the development of the city and region.​​

 

We are inviting members of the public, alongside the business community, to help make this project a reality. The opportunity for either individuals, or business, to pay outright for a plaque is available. The estimated cost for each plaque is $350-$400.00. Your name, or that of a company will be included as the dedicator of a specific plaque and your support will also be included on our website page honouring the project.