Do you have a story about helping to save the Busselton Jetty?
People are invited to share their stories for a new book which will delve into what drove the community passion which helped save the jetty ultimately leading it to becoming the iconic attraction it is today.
Busselton Jetty Inc has charged local historian and author Judith Murray with finding out as she puts together information for a book that could lead to a future movie on Australian culture.
Busselton Jetty chair Jenny Sheehan said there was such a colourful and varied history about the jetty.
Ms Sheehan said while much of the jetty's history was well documented, there was a need for more specific details to be recorded about saving the jetty from 1972 to present day, including Cyclone Alby and several other setbacks.
"We want to bring the Busselton Jetty's past to life in an entertaining but educational novel, with stories told through the eyes of the key people who saved the jetty since it closed as an operating port in 1972 and surviving Cyclone Alby in 1978," she said.
"Judy is working with us to put together in narrative prose the life stories of people involved in the preservation and restoration of the Busselton Jetty.
"She will convey the community spirit and passion that led to its complete renovation in 2011 to become the steadfast heritage and tourism icon it is today."
It is hoped the book will be ready for sale in 2021/2022 but in the interim, Ms Murray is looking for the innovative tales of how the jetty was saved, who did what and most importantly why.
People interested in contributing their stories for possible inclusion in the book are asked to visit busseltonjetty.com.au and outline their involvement and specifically the reasons they fought so hard to save the Busselton Jetty.
It is hoped learnings about the community spirit and what engaged people to be involved in such a big project that has left an ongoing legacy, will be delved into further to get to the heart of why people contribute to their communities and if this passion still exists today and if not, how do we find it again in such a fast paced era.
