The Society acknowledges the traditional owners of the Irwin Districts, their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pays its respects to elders and their cultures, past, present and emerging.
The IDHS was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Irwin Districts of Western Australia through our research office and museums located at the Dongara Old Police Station and Russ Cottage.
The IDHS is a non profit organisation entirely staffed by volunteers.
IDHS MEDIA RELEASE – 14 OCTOBER 2019
The Society is devastated that Denison Hall (fmr Bond Store 1894) has been demolished by the Irwin Shire Council.(Mike Smith, President, Shane Ivers, CEO) An iconic part of Port Denison’s maritime history has been destroyed for no apparent reason and with no foreshore plan. You can read the media release here.
IDHS MEDIA RELEASE – 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
The Society is disappointed that the petition to stop the demolition of Denison Hall was rejected by the Irwin Shire Council on September 24.. You can read the full media release here.
PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL
The IDHS presentation to Council on September 24 can be downloaded from here.
You can read the media release here.
IDHS MEDIA RELEASE – 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
The Society is disappointed that the petition to stop the demolition of Denison Hall was rejected by the Irwin Shire Council on September 24.. You can read the full media release here.
PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL
The IDHS presentation to Council on September 24 can be downloaded from here.
SURVEY OF CANDIDATES – 26 SEPTEMBER 2019
The results of the IDHS survey of candidates for the Shire of Irwin 2019 election can be viewed here.
VISION
The Irwin Districts Historical Society is an association of people voluntarily working together in a spirit of stewardship to advance the history, culture and natural heritage of the Irwin Shire as a vital force in the development of a sustainable present and future for the Shire and its people .
Our five year Strategic Plan 2019-2024 is available for download.
You can view the objectives of the IDHS here.
Our quarterly magazine The Sea Lion is also available for download below:
- Sea Lion Denison Hall Edition October 2019
- Sea Lion Vol 1 No 3 Autumn 2019
- Sea Lion Vol 1 No 2 Summer 2019
- Sea Lion Vol 1 No 1 Winter 2018
The Irwin District Museum is located in the former Dongara Police Station which operated from 1871 to 1982. Permanent exhibits of local history, Lost Trades, Convicts of the Irwin Districts and the story of the Rabbit Invasion of Australia. You are welcome to visit our Research Office located at the Museum.
Learn more about the Westralian Red Ensign.
Russ Cottage is a house museum, set out to recreate a late 19th century worker’s cottage. It contains items donated by the Russ family as well as other items relating to the Irwin Districts.
Our PRIVACY POLICY can be viewed here.
