Residents are asked to help review the historical and cultural information of the Shire of Denmark’s Local Heritage Survey.

The survey seeks to recognise places of cultural heritage significance which the community values and which make up the character of the shire.

Residents can contribute information on existing heritage places or nominate new places of significance. Historical and cultural significance can be linked to early Noongar traditions, European settlement or modern community life.

The existing survey includes 124 places identified as having cultural heritage significance and input is called to expand this list. Whether it’s a local landmark, a site of community gatherings, or a place tied to personal or collective memory, nominations will help preserve Denmark’s identity.

Clockwise from top left: Craig’s Store, now Denmark Family Practice. Denmark Hotel, 1947. First telephone pole at corner of South Coast Highway and Strickland Street.

Denmark shire president Kingsley Gibson said the review was a chance for everyone to join in and write Denmark’s heritage story together.

“Our history is more than old buildings; it’s the story of who we are, where we’ve come from, and what makes our shire unique,” he said.

“By participating, our community will help ensure that Denmark’s rich and diverse heritage is recognized and respected.”

Interested people can visit the Local Heritage Survey page on the Shire’s Your Denmark site at www.yourdenmark.wa.gov.au/local-heritage-survey

Via the site, they can share places they believe are important to Denmark’s heritage and provide new information about those already on the list.

People can also learn how heritage values are assessed and how their input contributes to planning and preservation.

A small historical photography exhibition, courtesy of the Denmark Historical Society, will be on display at the Shire Administration Building.

Councillor Gibson said heritage was a living story and today’s everyday places were tomorrow’s history.

The survey runs until 5pm, Friday, July 25, after which Shire’s heritage consultant will review the nominations to help prepare the new Local Heritage Survey.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage through the Local Government Heritage Consultancy Grants Program supports the review.

This article appeared in Denmark Bulletin, 26 June 2025.