Community to have a say on preserving Walgett’s history

The “Wandering Jew” paddle steamer, built in 1866, last visited Walgett in 1912 as a hawking vessel. Owned and captained by George White, the vessel suffered several fires over its lifetime. On 15 December 1914 it burned again, the wreck site is about 100 metres upstream of the Brewarrina weir. Photo: WSC

Story: Kristin Murdock – kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

Walgett Shire Council is asking the community to have its say on a proposed agreement with the Walgett Historical Society aimed at protecting the district’s historical collections for future generations.

A draft Memorandum of Understanding between Council and the Historical Society went on public exhibition on October 1 and remains open for comment for 30 days.

Under the proposal, Walgett Shire Council would hold eligible historical collections on trust for their preservation and safekeeping, once items have been catalogued, ownership confirmed and appropriate legal documentation completed.

Council would also take responsibility for maintenance, security, utilities, and insurance at the Old Council Chambers at 72 Fox Street, Walgett, where the collections are housed, subject to the usual budget and approval processes.[…]

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