Colonization Around Kôjenup Spring book by George Bailye and Robert Suann dives into Kojonup’s rich history

A three-volume book series called Colonization Around Kôjenup Spring has been published about the rich history of the Kojonup District. Kojonup was officially founded in 1845 but authors George Bailye and Robert Suann delve into the town’s history which runs much deeper. Volume three contains 157 stories researched and written by Mr Bailye over 30 years titled Legends Past and Present. Volume one tells 37 of those stories dating back to 1714 when the first discussions were had to explore Australia to 1901 when the country became a nation. Volume two gathers the remaining 120 stories specific to the 1901 to 2021 timeline. Mr Suann is a historical researcher and collator who documented all the stories and said this could be the first book describing the entire colonising process. “I don’t believe that there’s been a book written that links the process of the colonisers with the colonists,” he said. “I’ve looked at every event that was in the establishment of the settlement in the colony and its sequence and then interspersed George’s stories within in the first volume.” The book also highlights a huge step made in relations between local Indigenous people and colonisers when an agreement was made to share the land. “The shire was the first in Australia to have an agreement with the local Indigenous people to share the use of country when an agreement was made to share the Kojonup Spring,” Mr Suann said. The book was launched at the Kojonup Sport and Recreational Centre on June 5 for a crowd of guests including Roe MLA Peter Rundle. Colonization Around Kôjenup Spring is available for purchase on Amazon.com under Robert Suann.