Hundreds of people turned out to the Old Butter Factory in Busselton on October 3, 2021 to celebrate 100 years since the Group Settlement Scheme.
The scheme was established by Sir James Mitchell to increase population and production in WA by bringing new settlers to the southwest.
In 1921 the first cohort of 768 families immigrated from Britain to establish a dairy industry in the southwest.
The families who made their way to the 'land of milk and honey' as part of the scheme were promised a better life in Australia.
The scheme was largely considered a failure as most who came had no agricultural experience and faced harsh conditions, had little money, and no machinery. Many abandoned their farms.
Those who stayed sowed the fabric of the communities we know around Buseslton today.
Related content: 100 years since Group Settlement in Busselton
The Gala Day was officially opened by Busselton Historical Society president Stephanie Piper, Vasse MLA Libby Mettam and the Honourable Barry House who is a descendant of group settlers.
