Settlement celebration party marks 100 years

The historic Ludlow Timber Settlement will come back to life this weekend with a celebration organised to mark the area’s history and to advocate for its preservation.

Organised by the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group, the Ludlow Centenary Celebration will mark 100 years since the passing of the WA Forest Acts.

Organiser Janet Wells said the settlement was one of the last complete forestry settlements in Australia, and that its significance for the region should be celebrated.

During the event restoration group vice-president Des Donnelly will conduct three historical talks, from the Wadandi history in the area through to the harvesting of the Tuarts and of the Mill, as well as about what happened when operations wrapped up.

There will also be a number of historical displays with photos and stories about the inhabitants of the area.

The Times has previously reported about the decay of the settlement homes, under the management of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, however a decision on the future of the homes had not yet been determined by the government.

Money raised at the event will aid the group in their efforts to re-establish parts of the forest, in which they plan to eventually plant 75,000 trees into clearings that had been felled when the mill was in operation.

“We are really hoping to maintain the historical and environmental history of the area,” Mrs Wells said.

Throughout the day, at the Bendigo Bank Marquee, there will also be a blacksmith demonstration, an observation bee hive display, a quilt display, a nursery stall, face painting and a treasure hunt for the kids as well as vintage cars and motorcycles.

Local art groups will also display and sell pieces that depict scenes of the Ludlow Forest, while artists Patricia Negus will show off her botanical books.

The Ludlow Centenary Celebration will be held this Sunday May 13 from 11am-3pm at the Ludlow Timber Settlement off Tuart Drive between Capel and Busselton and has been sponsored by Capel Fresh IGA, Bendigo Bank Capel, the Capel RSL, City of Busselton and the Busselton Lions, among others.