Volunteer call to restore Old Farm

The appropriately named Old Farm at Strawberry Hill is one of the oldest farms in our State, and now it is being restored, the National Trust is calling for volunteers.

The farm was established even before the Swan River Colony, arising in 1827 as a source of food for the settlement.

National Trust chief executive Julian Donaldson said restoring the major tourist attraction would not only increase visitors’ experiences but represent Albany’s rich farming heritage.

“Old Farm played an important role in the settlement of Western Australia and the site deserves to be appropriately conserved,” Mr Donaldson said.

“It will take a central role in the commemoration of the bicentenary of British settlement of Western Australia in 2026, so it is important that we start now.”

The farm was bought by the Government in 1956 as a historic monument and transferred to the National Trust in 1964

Mr Donaldson said planning began for the restoration project in 2012.

“Already, a strong group of volunteers is making an important contribution to the care of the place and making it available to locals and tourists, however we need more people to join our team,” he said.

“The is looking for volunteers who are committed to maintaining the heritage aspects of the place while contributing their skills and expertise to protect this important place.”

Volunteers can undertake a range of activities ranging from welcoming visitors to general maintenance duties such as raking, weeding and planting heritage species. To volunteer or inquire about the plans for Old Farm, phone the Albany and Regional Volunteer Service on 9841 3588.