For all locals who enjoy a spooky nighttime adventure, the Jarrahdale Heritage Society will soon be hosting its well-known Ghost Walk experience, one of the highlight activities on the society’s calendar.
The Heritage society has conducted these walks for some years now, exploring the long history of one of the state’s most iconic historical towns, and the many fascinating stories of its early inhabitants from its early days as a logging settlement. This year’s ghost walk is a joint fundraiser between the Jarrahdale Community Collective and the Jarrahdale Heritage Society.
Involved with the society since 2002, local resident Diana Henniker has provided a sneak peek at what participants can expect: “We change it every year,” she said. “This year’s walk will be called ‘Folks About Town.’ Participants will get to meet a prisoner with a policeman, children from the local school and even a doctor, flanked by a group of nurses. Of course, all of these people are based on real people telling true stories.”
Mrs. Henniker has emphasised the immense effort that goes into organising such an event, and emphasises the strong participation, and support, of the local Jarrahdale community. “It takes about 60 people to organise,” she said. “ Besides actors, you need people to provide catering, safety and other things.”
Jarrahdale was founded in 1872 with the establishment of Western Australia’s first major timber milling operation by the Rockingham Jarrah Timber Company. While earlier, smaller-scale European agricultural settlement occurred in the 1830s–1840s, the town itself grew around the timber mill and railway construction.
On Saturday 18th April, all those brave enough will meet at Bruno Gianatti Hall for a 6pm start. After food and refreshments, the first group will depart at 7pm for a 75-minute stroll through the town’s fascinating history. A total of 10 individual scenes will be enjoyed by those who attend.
To conclude the tour, all those participating will be treated to a sausage sizzle, beverages and even some delicious home-baked treats. And to top it all off, participants will get to enjoy a 5-minute medley performed by the Serpentine-Jarrahdale choir.
Attendees are advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes, a torch and insect repellent. The total distance covered is approximately 2 km, so some level of fitness will be required. Tickets are $15 per person. For the first time, this year’s walk will feature a pre-booking option. Attendance is capped at 25 people, and several groups will be organised on the night. For more information and to book your ticket, contact the Jarrahdale Heritage Society.
