Our Timeless Stories
From the Shire of Katanning website
Developed by the Shire of Katanning, “Our Timeless Stories,” is a collection of videos about Katanning, its people and its history.
Multiculturalism
Katanning is an extraordinary town in its celebration of history and its culture. Moh Aeson is first generation Cocos Malay. His parents came to Katanning in 1976 to work at the abattoir. He tells how people are made to feel welcome, feel involved and feel part of the community, no matter where they’re from.
The Saleyards
Rob Bushell has been running the Katanning Saleyards for 40 years. He tells how things in the sheep trade have changed over that time, and the future of sheep business – the breeding rams, the food security and traceability of the sheep, and the animal welfare concerns. He explains how the community spirit and pride inspired the new saleyards and helped save almost $20 million on the construction.
Agriculture
Agriculture is not just about wheat and sheep farming, it’s about new technology and innovative thinking.
Devon Gilmore from McIntosh & Son explains the new tractor technology developed by local engineers which helps kill 99% of weed seeds.
Yogi – Outback Trucker
Glenn (Yogi) Kendall is a worldwide trucking celebrity, who has built a brand using old-fashioned values and new-fashioned social media. He has become a social media influencer from the cab in Katanning – “we are two hours from anywhere”.
The Co-op
A retail complex rising from the defunct BKW Co-operative, Regional Retailers Co-operative Stores provides a comprehensive range of food, merchandise, hardware and alcohol with IGA, Makit, Cellarbrations and White Gum Cafe amongst others.
Clontarf
Footy legend, Willie Rowe, tells why it’s important to pass down Aboriginal tales of wisdom. He explains how young indigenous boys on Katanning learn the key pillars of the Clontarf Academy, and how those lessons seek to fundamentally change their lives, and – hopefully – the lives of their sons and grandsons.
Flour Mill
The Premier Mill has been at the core of Katanning’s heart since its foundation in 1891. Nigel Oakey talks about the history of the Mill and its founder, Frederick Piesse. This is a story of the innovation and ideas which have been carried down through generations of Katanning families.
Moojepin
David Thompson from Moojepin Foods has turned a salt problem into “the perfect accompaniment to a cracking dish.” He grows edible plants that are adapted to grow in salt environments. The salty, juicy, crunchy plants are now sold at 5-star restaurants in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
All Ages Adventure Playground
Designed for the young and the young at heart. This free playground has play equipment for adults and children. With its shelters, bbq’s and toilets, it is a great place to stop for a picnic or to just stretch your legs.
Public Street Art
Wall murals abound throughout the town’s CBD and on other prominent buildings around town. You can obtain a map of our public street art from the Katanning Visitor Centre in Austral Terrace.
Malay Community
Our Malay community play an important part of our multicultural community. Many come from Christmas Island and have integrated into the community since the 1970’s.
Kobeelya
The stately home built by Katanning’s founding father, Frederick Piesse, as his family home in 1902. It is reputed to be the first home in country WA connected to electric power and to have hot and cold running water. It was used for many years as a girls school and is now the home of Katanning’s Baptist community.
Video courtesy Greg & Peta Smith’s “You Tube” channel
Growing our South – Katanning
Restaurants in Katanning