AAGRA is delighted to congratulate one of our genealogists, Ms Judy Purkiss MAAGRA, on a remarkable achievement at this year’s SJ Remembers Community History Awards, hosted by the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale in Western Australia.

Judy’s entry, “A House with Deep Roots,” traces the story of a Federation-era workers’ cottage (c.1895–1915) — from its relocation to the current site in 1950 through to the twelve families who lived in, adapted and loved the home, and their contribution to the Byford community. The piece took out two honours on the night:

• First Place, Original Research, recognising the depth and rigour of her investigative work; and
• The Jan Skillington Award, the Shire’s premier honour for outstanding overall contribution to preserving and sharing local history.

The Jan Skillington Award is named for the late local historian whose work helped establish the Shire’s community history collection, and is presented for exceptional research, engaging storytelling and detailed exploration local history.

The awards were presented at the Shire’s Civic Centre as part of a night that also marked 65 years since Serpentine Jarrahdale became a local government, with entries this year spanning oral histories, written memoirs, photographic memories and original research.

Please join us in congratulating Judy on this well-deserved recognition of her research and storytelling skill.