Irwin Districts Historical Society host 59th State History Conference in Dongara

More than 130 history buffs will flood into Dongara this week for the sold-out 2024 State History Conference, giving the small fishing town a welcome economic boost. It will be the first time the Irwin Districts Historical Society (IDHS) hosts the State History Conference of Affiliated Societies in Dongara, with an abundance of tours and presentations happening from Friday to Sunday. The 59th State History Conference theme is Waves of Change, and refers to the diverse maritime and fishing heritage of Dongara and Port Denison, as well as new developments and changes to history and local museums. IDHS secretary Trish Parker said more than 130 people will be in town for the conference, including delegates from across the State. Key figures from the Royal WA Historical Society will be in attendance, including president and WA historian Richard Offen. Presentations will be held at the Priory Hotel by local and regional historians including Howard Gray, Su Dhu, Gary Martin and Nan Broad, food historian Heather Hunwick and filmmaker Paul Barron. A selection of tours will be on offer, including a bus tour of places of Sikh importance, a walk along the Old Port Road, a guided tour of the Packout Room and Museum of Fishing and Sea, a bus tour of the historic Middle Irwin and the James Drummond Wildflower Walk. Ms Parker said tourists could visit the newly restored Blue Marlin boat completed by fisherman John Fitzhardinge. “The hosting of the event has been made possible by assistance from The Priory Hotel, Dongara Hotel, Mitsui E&P, Shire of Irwin, New Leaf Connect, Dongara Men in Sheds, Dongara Charities, Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-op, Pixies Prints and Lotterywest,” she said. For more information, visit irwinhistory.org.au.