Broome Day 4: Historical hits and Rodeo

After returning to Broome, the Governor met with Cara Peek, recipient of WA Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award and chair and founder of Saltwater Country, a not-for-profit that uses rodeo sports, along with country music events, to re-engage at-risk Indigenous youth and community with their rich pastoral history.

Ms Peek shared her family’s story and how rodeo was assisting Aboriginal people to gain life skills, confidence and a return to Country through events such as bull riding clinics to its annual Rhythm & Ride Rodeo, Campdraft and Country Music Festival.

Broome Historical Society & Museum

The Governor views salvaged plane parts from wreckages.

Broome has a rich and extensive history, all of which is on display at the Broome Historical Society & Museum, managed by the Broome Historical Society. The display is spread across the heritage-listed, award-winning, UNESCO Honourable Mention Sailmaker’s Shed.

Historical society member and local WWII buff, Mr Michael Lake, spoke in length about the events of the Broome Bombings (which he insists should be called the Broome Strafings) and shared many stories of bravery, loss and the impact that Broome had on the wider wartime operations. Including that of being a key airfield base, the internment of Japanese residents who had lived in the town for generations and the ongoing commemorations taking place today – many of which have earned the local schools ANZAC Spirit awards.

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