Accord paves way to trail project
Traditional owners the Yawuru and the Shire of Broome signed an historic accord at the opening of the first stage of a heritage walking trail in town.
The agreement on Monday progresses the partnership between the two parties on linking Streeter's Jetty in Chinatown to the site of old jetty at Town Beach.
The trail will use existing footpaths and highlight 13 historic locations along the route with interpretive signage and bench seating installed at each, with more locations identified for possible inclusion at a later stage.
The signage and seating will be installed by the Shire of Broome, with the content of the signs developed by Yawuru and featuring historical photographs and quotes from senior Broome figures.
Funding has been allocated to begin the project, with grant funding being sought to cover the remainder of the cost.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the first interpretive sign at Streeter's Jetty on Monday, Yawuru chairman Pat Dodson said it was a "great day for the Yawuru and the town of Broome and the Shire".
Mr Dodson said it was a sign of ongoing collaboration and working together on key things to enhance the town and to celebrate the contributions of different cultures and groups.
"Those experiences have now been enhanced by sharing them with tourists and others to get an indication of the significance of Broome's foreshore and to help explain the origins of how people settled here, grew up, had families, shared their cuisine, and made some very important values that underlie the value of Broome," Mr Dodson said.
Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said, at its April meeting, the council had endorsed the project and the signing of an accord with Yawuru.
"The Shire is pleased to partner with Yawuru in this fantastic project that will provide a window into the town's past for both residents and visitors," Cr Campbell said.
Yawuru PBC chairman, Francis (Lulga) Djiagween, said the Yawuru had undertaken considerable research and interviewed many old Yawuru people and other Broome people to get information for the interpretive signs.
A smartphone app will be available to download free so people can hear about Broome's rich cultural and social history as they walk along the foreshore.
"The Jetty to Jetty Project is an example of modern Broome and its future potential - the Shire and the Yawuru native title holders working together to promote Broome as a place to visit and its importance to the Australian nation," Mr Djiagween said.
The benches will be added later and the project completed by August this year.
