Events will celebrate town’s 140th anniversary

The Dunsborough Historical Society is celebrating the 140th anniversary of Dunsborough with a year of celebration to commemorate being gazetted in April 1879 beginning on Sunday with a picnic at Lions Park.

Various events are being organised by the Dunsborough Progress Association.

The picnic is sure to take on a celebratory atmosphere with some members dressing in period costume.

The history of the little town will come to life with a new committee keen on preserving memories of early residents, commemorating the old buildings and celebrating historical community events.

Formerly the Cape Naturaliste Historical Society and now the Dunsborough Historical Society, they are currently involved in oral history recording and building a new historical walk trail and township plaque in Lions Park.

In 1993 the CNHS commemorated local pioneers from the Port of Quindalup with a plaque at the Quindalup boat ramp and in 1999 a time capsule was created by school children and buried near the Skate Park. Members will present a plethora of memorabilia donated by Joy and Peter Smith at the picnic while the society is seeking new members for the year of celebrations with meetings on the last Thursday of the month at 9.30am in the Dunsborough Country Club.

Dunsborough Historical Society chair Leanne Bowen said the low-key family picnic would celebrate the 140th anniversary with a coming together of the local community.

“We’re celebrating Dunsborough because the past is really important for us to acknowledge and learn from to continue the progress of this beautiful town,” she said.