Prospecting, mining, two-up. The first things that come to mind when you think of the Goldfields. You might not associate it with war time, but the Goldfields residents played valuable active roles during many conflicts throughout the years.
Following an earthquake that devastated the original Goldfields War Museum, the priceless collection of war memories and memorabilia was in need of a permanent home. The new Goldfields War Museum, opened in 2018 in the refurbished Boulder Town Hall, was the result of 12 months dedication between Publik and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The permanent exhibition recognises the service given by Goldfields residents in conflicts from the Boer War in 1893, to the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces today. Themed rooms guide visitors through the many stories of wartime, some harrowing, some hopeful.
Two sanctuary rooms house glass tributes to 200 soldiers, accompanied by multimedia presentations that allow visitors to learn more about each soldiers’ background, see their photographs and read letters from their families, some of whom remain in the Goldfields today.
Opened to overwhelming response from the community, the Goldfields War Museum is the new gem in Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s cap.
