Over 180 years of rich history summarised marking Stage 1 of the Local Heritage Survey Project

The District Council of Grant has commenced Stage 1 of its Local Heritage Survey Project by consolidating the district’s rich history under key themes and is now asking for community feedback.

At the last Ordinary Council Meeting, it was agreed to commence community consultation on the Draft Thematic Heritage Framework Study which provides a succinct summary of the district’s history building on previous heritage surveys undertaken in 1984 by former local Councils; District Council of Mount Gambier and District Council of Port MacDonnell.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the Thematic Heritage Framework Study will be used to inform how Local Heritage places are categorised and listed in the future.

“Our districts natural and built environment is something to cherish. This document is a key tool in linking locally significant people and stories to places that represent them,”

“It is important that the themes identified in the document are correct to ensure our local heritage sites can be listed in future project stages.”

The Draft Thematic Heritage Framework Study proposes four key themes developed to accurately reflect significant periods in the district’s historic timeline in consideration of South Australian and National historic theme frameworks:

1. Foundation and Consolidation (1836 to 1885)
2. Depression, Prosperity and Development (1885 to 1914)
3. War and Industrialisation (1914 to 1945)
4. The Modern Era and Beyond (1945 to present day)

Each theme also details several sub-themes which more specifically encapsulate significant local historic activities. These sub-themes include, but are not limited to, Land and Housing, Social Life and Organisations, Primary Production, and Transport and Communications.

Council acknowledges the significance of the Boandik People’s heritage and stories, however limited narration has been included within the Draft Thematic Heritage Framework Study as it is recognised that their history should be shared by Boandik People with their own voices.

District Council of Grant Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker explained the Local Heritage Survey Project will contribute to Council’s Environmental goal.

“Within our recently endorsed Strategic Plan 2024-2034, our community helped us identify this Project as a key short-term goal to achieve a sustainable district that values the natural qualities and heritage that underpin our health, liveability and economy. I am pleased to say the Project is now underway,” Mr Whicker said.

“I encourage our community to review Stage 1, the Draft Local Heritage Framework Study, and provide feedback so that local heritage places can be accurately identified in future stages.”

The complete Local Heritage Survey Project will be undertaken in four stages. Community members will have an opportunity to nominate places and structures of historical significance, which align with themes and sub-themes confirmed in Stage 1, in Stages 2 and 3 of the Project.

Community consultation on the Stage 1 Draft Thematic Heritage Framework Study is now open and will close 5:00pm Wednesday 16 October 2024.

Interested community members are encouraged to find out more about the Local Heritage Survey Project and read the Draft Thematic Heritage Framework Study open for consultation online at Your Say DCG (Local Heritage in our District | Your Say DCG).

Hard copy information is also available to review at the District Council of Grant Principal Office at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier.