The Harvey Internment Camp Shrine and Detention Cells Interpretation Project has received a commendation for its inclusive, engaging and innovative approach to sharing a complex chapter of Western Australia’s wartime history.
The Shire of Harvey accepted the commendation at the WA Heritage Awards held in Perth last night.
Led by the Destination Harvey Team, this project has transformed a historically significant site into a place of reflection, learning and deeper understanding. Through the adaptive reuse of former detention cells and the creation of new interpretive spaces, the site now invites visitors to engage meaningfully with the stories of civilians and prisoners of war interned in Harvey during WWII.
The updated interpretation replaces dense text with clear, accessible and visually engaging storytelling, supported by archival imagery and QR-enabled digital content to broaden reach and engagement.
Importantly, the project incorporates diverse perspectives, including those of Italian heritage families with direct connections to the internment story.
This commendation is a powerful acknowledgement of the collaborative effort behind the project and its role in preserving, safeguarding and sharing this important history for generations to come.
Thank you to all who have been a part of this project and to the local community for their long-standing commitment to protecting this significant site.
Shire of Harvey staff, CEO Annie Riordan and Shire President Michelle Campbell accepting commendation at the 2025 WA Heritage Awards.