Over 120 years of business records to be put on display at new attraction in Wagin Historical Village

Wagin Historical Village is poised to dive deep into the town’s business history with a new attraction planned for the precinct. More than 100 years of historical records would be put on display at a new Lost Businesses shed in the village, which aims to document every business, sports team and farm that has ever existed in the town. The Shire of Wagin is in line to receive funding for the project from the Federal Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program. Shire chief executive Bill Atkinson said the Shire was awaiting approval, but should know within a matter of weeks. “The planets aligned. This proposal was put to council last year in August and the council embraced the concept enthusiastically,” he said. “If funding is approved, the project needs to be commenced and completed by the end of the calendar year.” The new attraction would be housed in a 32x15m shed, valued at more than $130,000 dollars. Mr Atkinson said the village was a “keynote attraction” which was “recognised as the best of its kind”. “Wagin is a vibrant town which is reflected through the magnitude of historical buildings we have from the turn of the century,” he said. “It is important for us capture this history, otherwise everything can be lost.” Wagin Historical Village secretary Joyce Turnor said the Shire was the driving force behind the project. Wagin Historical Village staff met with the Shire last week to finalise the location of the new attraction. “It isn’t something we planned for but it is good to have something new in the village,” she said. “We are excited it is going ahead as we always have people come in asking us about former businesses and farms in the town,” she said.