Geraldton Historical Society Inc

Geraldton Historical Society Inc We operate the Bluff Point Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Museum & Historical Library

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - 𝟐 π’π„ππ“π„πŒππ„π‘ πŸπŸ—πŸπŸπ“π‘πž π‘πšπ’π₯𝐰𝐚𝐲 π’π­πšπ­π’π¨π§ π“π‘πšπ­ π‡πžπ₯𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧If you have ever driven along Chapman Road p...
02/09/2026

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - 𝟐 π’π„ππ“π„πŒππ„π‘ πŸπŸ—πŸπŸ

π“π‘πž π‘πšπ’π₯𝐰𝐚𝐲 π’π­πšπ­π’π¨π§ π“π‘πšπ­ π‡πžπ₯𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧

If you have ever driven along Chapman Road past the old railway station, you are looking at a building that once sat at the centre of Geraldton’s daily life.

On 2 September 1911, work commenced on a major new railway station for the town.

The substantial brick station was built to replace the temporary weatherboard station erected in 1894, which could no longer cope with the growing railway traffic created by the Murchison goldfields, Geraldton port and the expanding inland districts.

The project involved much more than a new passenger building. It also included expanded goods and siding facilities, carriage accommodation and improved locomotive facilities, reflecting just how important the railway had become to Geraldton.

When the new station opened in June 1915, it became a busy gateway to the town.

For generations, people arrived here to begin new lives, travelled from here to visit family or head to Perth, farewelled loved ones on the platform, collected parcels and goods, and watched produce and freight move between the inland and the port.

The railway station was not just part of Geraldton’s transport system. It was part of the rhythm of the town.

That era came to an end when the last passenger train to Perth departed in July 1975, with railway operations later moving to Narngulu.

More than a century after work began, the old station building still stands on Chapman Road, carrying the memories of countless arrivals, departures and journeys.

π·π‘œ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’π‘™π‘™π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘“π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘š π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘œπ‘™π‘‘ πΊπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘› π‘…π‘Žπ‘–π‘™π‘€π‘Žπ‘¦ π‘†π‘‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›, π‘šπ‘’π‘’π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘ π‘œπ‘šπ‘’π‘œπ‘›π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’, π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘€π‘Žπ‘‘π‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘–π‘›π‘  π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘”π‘œ?

πŸ“Έ Geraldton Railway Station, c.1916, with hansom cabs lined up outside awaiting passengers. The new brick station had opened the previous year, in June 1915. GHS707. Geraldton Historical Society collection.

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸ‘πŸ 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ’πŸOn 31 August 1941, Georgina Aerodrome commenced operations about 13 miles from Geraldton, be...
31/08/2026

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸ‘πŸ 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ’πŸ

On 31 August 1941, Georgina Aerodrome commenced operations about 13 miles from Geraldton, beside the railway line on Edward Road.

It was established as Satellite No. 1 for the RAAF’s No. 4 Service Flying Training School at Geraldton Airport.

During the Second World War, Geraldton became an important part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, with trainee aircrew undertaking intermediate and advanced flying instruction in twin-engine Avro Anson aircraft.

With around 100 aircraft regularly based at Geraldton, the unsealed airfield became extremely dusty. Satellite aerodromes were therefore established at Georgina and Kojarena to spread flying operations across the district.

Georgina was used mainly for what airmen called β€œbumps and circuits”, repeated take-offs and landings, as well as parachute testing. Whenever flying was taking place, an ambulance was stationed at the aerodrome.

The Georgina Airstrip and Barracks were located towards the brickworks, near the quarry. Mounds and trees were used to help protect and conceal aircraft.

Its role became even more important in 1942.

Following the Japanese air raid on Broome, aircraft from Geraldton were dispersed to Georgina and Kojarena as a precaution. Wartime recollections describe damaged Dutch and American aircraft arriving in the Geraldton district as they fled south, bringing the reality of the war much closer to home.

Flying training continued from the satellite aerodromes through to 1944.

Today there is little to suggest that this quiet part of the district once echoed to the sound of RAAF Avro Ansons practising take-offs and landings during the Second World War.

π»π‘Žπ‘‘ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ β„Žπ‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ πΊπ‘’π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘”π‘–π‘›π‘Ž π΄π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘šπ‘’?

πŸ“Έ GHS5486 A flight of four Avro Anson training aircraft from No. 4 Service Flying Training School at Moonyoonooka, near Geraldton, c.1941. Aircraft of this type were used for wartime flying training across the Geraldton district, including operations from satellite aerodromes such as Georgina.

𝗗𝗒 𝗬𝗒𝗨 π—žπ—‘π—’π—ͺ 𝗬𝗒𝗨π—₯ π—šπ—˜π—₯π—”π—Ÿπ——π—§π—’π—‘ 𝗦𝗧π—₯π—˜π—˜π—§π—¦?π‚π¨π§π°πšπ² π’π­π«πžπžπ­, π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧Conway Street was named in honour of Charles Conway, a pionee...
30/08/2026

𝗗𝗒 𝗬𝗒𝗨 π—žπ—‘π—’π—ͺ 𝗬𝗒𝗨π—₯ π—šπ—˜π—₯π—”π—Ÿπ——π—§π—’π—‘ 𝗦𝗧π—₯π—˜π—˜π—§π—¦?

π‚π¨π§π°πšπ² π’π­π«πžπžπ­, π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧

Conway Street was named in honour of Charles Conway, a pioneering Geraldton pharmacist whose dedication to the sick and injured earned him the affectionate title β€œThe Little Doctor of the North.”

Charles Conway was born in Chicago, USA, in 1867 and came to Western Australia as a boy of twelve. Choosing pharmacy as his career, he was indentured to Dr Waylen in Perth before arriving in Geraldton in 1884 to take up a government position at the Victoria District Hospital.

After six years at the hospital, Conway went into business for himself, opening what was described as the pioneer pharmacy of the north in small premises in Gregory Street.

At the time, medical services across the region were extremely limited. Conway travelled on horseback throughout the Geraldton, Northampton and Murchison districts to reach people living in outlying areas.

In emergencies he also provided surgical assistance, and his willingness to travel long distances to help the sick and injured earned him the affectionate title β€œThe Little Doctor of the North.”

The Geraldton Guardian later described his life as β€œa labour of love in the cause of suffering humanity.”

As his business grew, Conway moved to larger premises on the corner of Marine Terrace and Elwis Street, now Cathedral Avenue.

One of the most remarkable episodes in his career came in 1896, when he was appointed assistant surgeon to Dr S. J. R. Greville and Dr Elliott, who were practising in Geraldton. The Geraldton Guardian described the appointment as unique in the history of the profession in Western Australia.

Conway also played an active role in Geraldton’s civic life. He served for several years on the Geraldton Municipal Council and was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Victoria Magisterial District in 1913.

In 1926, after more than forty years in Geraldton, Conway left for Wagin, where he established another pharmacy. He remained actively involved in the profession until early 1949 and, when he retired, held the distinction of being the longest registered pharmacist in Western Australia.

Charles Conway died at Wagin on 15 September 1950, aged 83. Sadly, his death came just before Geraldton’s Centenary celebrations, which he had eagerly hoped to return to Geraldton to attend.

He was survived by three daughters and two sons.

In recognition of his long service to the town and district, a street in the western section of Geraldton was named in his honour.

More than seventy years after his death, Conway Street still carries the name of Geraldton’s β€œLittle Doctor of the North.”

Which Geraldton street should we explore next?

πŸ“Έ GHS467 Charles Conway

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ— 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ‘πŸπ“π‘πž 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐒𝐧𝐧𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧 π‹πšπ§ππ¦πšπ«π€Today marks 94 years since the foundation stone was lai...
29/08/2026

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ— 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ‘πŸ

π“π‘πž 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐒𝐧𝐧𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧 π‹πšπ§ππ¦πšπ«π€

Today marks 94 years since the foundation stone was laid for a building many Geraldton locals would come to know very well - the Geraldton Yacht Club Hall.

On 29 August 1932, Yacht Club president Richard Carson laid the foundation stone for the new clubhouse.

The building was designed by architect Tom Roberts, who also designed Birdwood House, and constructed by R. F. Cardilini at a cost of Β£1,400.

Just over three months later, on 3 December 1932, the completed hall was officially opened by Geraldton Mayor George Lester.

But the Yacht Club Hall soon became much more than simply a home for sailing.

Over the following decades it developed into an important social venue for Geraldton. During the Second World War in particular, dances and social evenings at the Yacht Club became part of the town’s social life, bringing together locals and servicemen stationed in the district.

For generations of Geraldton residents, the Yacht Club became associated not only with boats and the harbour, but with dances, celebrations, friendships and memories made beside the sea.

More than 90 years later, the building remains one of Geraldton’s recognisable foreshore landmarks.

π·π‘œ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Ž π‘‘π‘Žπ‘›π‘π‘’, π‘“π‘’π‘›π‘π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘π‘’π‘™π‘’π‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› π‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΊπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘› π‘Œπ‘Žπ‘β„Žπ‘‘ 𝐢𝑙𝑒𝑏? π‘Šπ‘’ π‘€π‘œπ‘’π‘™π‘‘ π‘™π‘œπ‘£π‘’ π‘‘π‘œ β„Žπ‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘’π‘ .

πŸ“Έ GHS7725 Opening of the Geraldton Yacht Club, 3 December 1932. Photo courtesy of Don West.

π—₯π—˜π— π—˜π— π—•π—˜π—₯π—œπ—‘π—š 𝗗π—₯ 𝗖𝗛𝗔π—₯π— π—”π—œπ—‘π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯π—§π—”π—Ÿπ—ž π—šπ—₯π—˜π—˜π—‘ π—¦π— π—œπ—§π—›One year ago today, the Mid West lost one of its most powerful voices.Dr C...
27/08/2026

π—₯π—˜π— π—˜π— π—•π—˜π—₯π—œπ—‘π—š 𝗗π—₯ 𝗖𝗛𝗔π—₯π— π—”π—œπ—‘π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯π—§π—”π—Ÿπ—ž π—šπ—₯π—˜π—˜π—‘ π—¦π— π—œπ—§π—›

One year ago today, the Mid West lost one of its most powerful voices.

Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith was a Wajarri, Badimaya and Wilunyu woman, poet, writer, artist, researcher, community leader and fierce advocate for Yamaji people, culture and Country.

A year later, her absence is deeply felt, but her voice has not faded.

Charmaine wrote about Country, memory, family, dispossession, Aboriginal women, cultural survival and the responsibility of carrying knowledge from one generation to the next. In her poetry, the past was never separate from the present. Ancestors remained present. Country remembered. Women carried stories forward.

In her 2023 poem, "Etched in My Mind", Charmaine reflected on her mother, ancestors and the strength inherited from the women who came before her. The poem ends with the powerful words:

β€œWe can stand our ground because of her.”

A year after Charmaine’s passing, those words have taken on another meaning.

Charmaine herself is now one of those women whose words, work and example will help others stand their ground.

Another of her 2023 poems, "We Not Strangers or Visitors", speaks to the enduring relationship between First Nations people, Country and ancestral memory. In it, Charmaine writes:

β€œThere cannot be masterclass in amnesia
We must continue to remember.”

Remembering was central to so much of Charmaine’s work. She challenged the erasure of Aboriginal history, reclaimed stories and records, and reminded us that Country itself holds memory.

Over the past year, her extraordinary contribution has continued to receive recognition.

The poetry category of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards has now been renamed the Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith Poetry Prize. The inaugural prize will be presented in September 2026 for the best Western Australian poetry book published in the preceding year.

At the same event, Charmaine will be posthumously inducted into the Western Australian Writers Hall of Fame, recognising her distinctive body of work and her enduring place in Western Australian literature.

Just days before the first anniversary of her passing, Charmaine was also remembered in the Legislative Council of the Parliament of Western Australia, where Hon Sandra Carr paid tribute to her life, writing, research, advocacy and lasting influence.

These honours are significant, but Charmaine’s legacy extends far beyond awards.

Women have too often been underrepresented in our historical record, their contributions overlooked or given less prominence than they deserve. Aboriginal women in particular have had to contend with histories written through colonial perspectives. Remembering women such as Charmaine, and recording their words, work and influence, helps ensure their contribution is not lost to future generations.

For more than two decades Charmaine worked to strengthen cultural visibility, education, health and community wellbeing. She challenged colonial narratives, advocated for Aboriginal women and regional communities, and encouraged younger generations to know the strength of their culture and Country.

Her words are still being read.

Her poetry is still being taught.

Her ideas are still being discussed.

Her advocacy continues to influence others.

And now her name will be carried forward each year through a poetry prize that will encourage another generation of Western Australian writers.

On the first anniversary of her passing, we remember Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith and the extraordinary contribution she made to Yamaji Country, the Mid West and Australian literature.

Her words remain.
Her stories remain.
Her influence remains.

And, in Charmaine’s own words:

β€œWe must continue to remember.”

πŸ“Έ Charmaine Papertalk Green at the Greenough River, Eradu, her birthplace, July 2021. Photo shared by Charmaine Papertalk Green via Facebook.

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ” 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ–πŸ—πŸŽπ…π¨π§π  π‹πšπ§π  - 𝐀𝐧 π„πšπ«π₯𝐲 π‚π‘π’π§πžπ¬πž 𝐏𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧Many Geraldton locals know the name Sydney ...
26/08/2026

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ” 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ–πŸ—πŸŽ

𝐅𝐨𝐧𝐠 π‹πšπ§π  - 𝐀𝐧 π„πšπ«π₯𝐲 π‚π‘π’π§πžπ¬πž 𝐏𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 π†πžπ«πšπ₯𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐧

Many Geraldton locals know the name Sydney Fong and remember the Fong family’s long association with the city. But the story began earlier, with Sydney’s uncle, Fong Lang.

On 26 August 1890, Geraldton businessman Fong Lang was naturalised as a British subject.

Born in Canton, China, in 1858, Fong Lang lived in the United States from 1878 to 1888 before moving to Western Australia.

By November 1888, he had established a general store on Marine Terrace, Geraldton, directly opposite the Wesley Church. An advertisement from December 1890 shows the business trading as Wing On Wo & Co., describing itself as wholesale importers and family grocers, with Fong Lang named as manager.

Fong Lang first applied for naturalisation on 22 August 1888, only months after arriving in Western Australia. His application was refused because he had not been in the Colony long enough.

He applied again in 1890, stating that he owned four freehold properties in Geraldton and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. This time his application was successful, and he was naturalised on 26 August 1890.

Fong Lang became a well-established member of the Geraldton community. In 1895 he sought permission for his wife Wong Noy, a son and two daughters to join him from Canton, and several of their children were later born in Geraldton.

He was also closely involved with St John’s Presbyterian Church, where he was a foundation member, served as a manager of the congregation and later as treasurer.

After 18 years in Geraldton, Fong Lang left Western Australia in May 1906 and wound up his Western Australian business interests.

Before his departure, a large farewell gathering was held at St John’s Presbyterian Church. The Mayor, former Mayor and other prominent Geraldton citizens spoke in his honour.

An illuminated address presented to him described Fong Lang as a:

β€œworthy citizen, a devoted churchman, and a capable man of business.”

His wife was also presented with a gold bangle set with opals.

After returning to China, Fong Lang helped organise the building of a church in the village where he had grown up, with members of the wider Fong family contributing to the project.

The story of Fong Lang and his family is an important part of Geraldton’s multicultural history and a reminder of the contribution Chinese families have made to our community for well over a century.

π‘€π‘Žπ‘›π‘¦ πΊπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘› π‘“π‘Žπ‘šπ‘–π‘™π‘–π‘’π‘  𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑆𝑦𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑦 πΉπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ β„Žπ‘–π‘  π‘ π‘œπ‘›π‘ . π‘Šβ„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘’π‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ πΉπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘“π‘Žπ‘šπ‘–π‘™π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 πΊπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘›?

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ’ 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ’πŸ”80 Years Ago Today - HMAS Geraldton Changed HandsDid you know the Royal Australian Navy once...
24/08/2026

𝐎𝐍 π“π‡πˆπ’ πƒπ€π˜ - πŸπŸ’ 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 πŸπŸ—πŸ’πŸ”

80 Years Ago Today - HMAS Geraldton Changed Hands

Did you know the Royal Australian Navy once had a warship named after Geraldton, Western Australia?

HMAS Geraldton was a Bathurst-class Australian Minesweeper, commonly known as a corvette, launched in 1941 and commissioned in 1942. During the Second World War, she served in the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Pacific theatres.

She was also present at Hong Kong for the Japanese surrender ceremony in September 1945.

After the war, HMAS Geraldton was paid off at Colombo in June 1946 and, on 24 August 1946, was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she was renamed Antalya.

HMAS Geraldton was the first Royal Australian Navy vessel to carry our city’s name.

A second HMAS Geraldton, a Fremantle-class patrol boat, later entered service in 1983, continuing Geraldton’s connection with the Royal Australian Navy.

𝐷𝑖𝑑 π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘˜π‘›π‘œπ‘€ πΊπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™π‘‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘› β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘π‘€π‘œ π‘›π‘Žπ‘£π‘Žπ‘™ 𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑠 π‘›π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’π‘‘ 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑑𝑠 β„Žπ‘œπ‘›π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ?

πŸ“Έ HMAS Geraldton (J178), the first Royal Australian Navy vessel to carry the name of Geraldton, Western Australia, c.1942–1946.
Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial, Accession No. 04513

πŸŽ‰ πŸ’,𝟎𝟎𝟎 π…πŽπ‹π‹πŽπ–π„π‘π’! πŸŽ‰We have just reached 4,000 followers here on the Geraldton Historical Society page, and we ...
23/08/2026

πŸŽ‰ πŸ’,𝟎𝟎𝟎 π…πŽπ‹π‹πŽπ–π„π‘π’! πŸŽ‰

We have just reached 4,000 followers here on the Geraldton Historical Society page, and we would like to say a very big thank you.

Every time you like, comment on or share one of our posts, add a memory, identify a person or place in an old photograph, or share a little piece of local knowledge, you are helping to keep Geraldton’s history alive.

One of the best things about this page is seeing the conversations that develop around our photographs and stories. Quite often, those conversations add information that might otherwise have been lost.

To our long-time followers and those who have only recently discovered us, thank you for being part of our community.

Here’s to many more photographs, memories, discoveries and stories from Geraldton’s past. ❀️

π—₯π—˜π— π—˜π— π—•π—˜π—₯π—œπ—‘π—š π—žπ—˜π—©π—œπ—‘ π— π—˜π—₯π—₯π—œπ—§π—§The Geraldton and Mullewa communities have lost a respected Senior Wajarri Elder, artist, broad...
23/08/2026

π—₯π—˜π— π—˜π— π—•π—˜π—₯π—œπ—‘π—š π—žπ—˜π—©π—œπ—‘ π— π—˜π—₯π—₯π—œπ—§π—§

The Geraldton and Mullewa communities have lost a respected Senior Wajarri Elder, artist, broadcaster and storyteller with the passing of Kevin Merritt.

Born in Mullewa on 2 January 1943, Kevin’s life remained deeply connected to the people, Country and stories of the Mid West.

Kevin was only three years old when, in 1946, the Native Welfare Department took his mother and five of her youngest children to the Moore River Native Settlement. Kevin later spoke openly about this experience and the separation from his mother, recognising himself and his family as part of the Stolen Generations.

In later years he used his own experiences to help others understand this history. In 2014 Kevin was among the local Aboriginal people who shared their stories through Healing Hearts, a Geraldton project marking the anniversary of the National Apology.

Kevin’s working life included time in the post office, railways and medical service, but many Geraldton people may also remember his voice coming across the airwaves.

As a broadcaster with Radio MAMA 100.5FM, Kevin presented two programs each week, including his Country Cruisin’ show.
Kevin also became an artist later in life, inspired after watching his wife Barbara create her own artworks.

As a Senior Wajarri Artist with Yamaji Art, Kevin painted from his experiences and his perspective on life, Country and culture. He had previously served as a Director of Mara Arts Aboriginal Corporation, which governs Yamaji Art Centre, and remained a respected Cultural Advisor and Elder. His work was included in Shared Sky, an international project linking Aboriginal artists from the Mid West with Indigenous artists from South Africa and scientists associated with the Square Kilometre Array.

Kevin and Barbara also helped share Aboriginal knowledge of the night sky through the documentary Star Dreaming.

During NAIDOC Week’s For Our Elders, Kevin reflected on the aunties and uncles who had influenced him, particularly through their stories, language and knowledge.

β€œThe most important one was the storytelling and how they survived all those years.”

His message to younger people was equally simple:
β€œJust to listen to what the Old People say and let them guide you.”

Kevin spent much of his life doing exactly that: sharing stories, experience and knowledge with others.

Through his broadcasting, art, cultural knowledge and willingness to speak about the past, Kevin Merritt made an important contribution to the story of Mullewa, Geraldton and the wider Mid West.

The Geraldton Historical Society extends its sincere condolences to Barbara, Kevin’s family, friends and the wider Wajarri and Yamaji community.

πŸ“Έ Kevin Merritt on Country. Kevin titled this photograph Ngutha Barrna - β€œMy Country”. First shared on his page, 15 July 2015.

Vale Kevin Merritt
2 January 1943 – 10 July 2026

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355 Chapman Road
Geraldton, WA
6530

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