The tight-knit community of Daysdale gathered on January 21 to celebrate the unveiling of newly installed historical signs and a walk-through shed along Federation Way, next to Coreen Creek.
The 11 signs showcase the town’s vibrant history, featuring notable landmarks such as the old bank, post office, double-decker stock crate, Coreen Vale School, police station, and the more recent “Hardworking Horse Sculpture” of the late Len Hanrahan.
Approximately 25 community members were present at the event, joined by Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke, who congratulated the community on this significant achievement.
“There’s nothing like a passionate community, who know what they want, coming together to achieve something for the betterment of the town,” he said.
“You are the heart of Daysdale and congratulations on this wonderful asset to your community.”
The driving force behind the project was Kim Jennings, a former Daysdale local and passionate community advocate.
Ms Jennings, daughter of Garry Collins, played a pivotal role in securing a grant in 2023 to restore the old signs. She highlighted the deteriorating condition of the original signs installed in 2010 along Young Street and Denison Street due to exposure to the elements.
“In 2010, the first signs were printed and set up at various sites in Young Street and Denison St and were fading rapidly due to being exposed to the elements,” Ms. Jennings explained.
“About three years ago, Dad and I talked about getting the signs reprinted plus additional ones and having them on display in a central location.”
Seizing an opportunity presented in March of the previous year, Ms Jennings successfully applied for a grant through Federation Council’s Community Grants Program.
The $4000 grant facilitated the printing of the signs and the construction and installation of the walk-through shed, with the final cost amounting to approximately $5000.
Ms Jennings reflected on the challenges faced during the project’s execution.
“The road to get here today has been long and full of adventure, from finding out who owns the land to obtaining approval and then getting approval… it was like a very long tennis rally back and forth so many times. But with the help and patience of Mel from Federation Council, we got there,” she said.
Ms Jennings expressed gratitude to the many locals and businesses that contributed to making the project a reality.
She also highlighted the collective effort that went into preserving Daysdale’s history for future generations.
As part of a commitment to inclusivity, there are two remaining spaces in the walk-through shed reserved for local First Nations people, who will contribute boards detailing their own history.
This addition seeks to enrich the representation of Daysdale’s diverse heritage.