2022 Building a Better Community Award - Barmera Centenary Shop Window Project
Barmera Centenary Shop Window Project
The Barmera Centenary Shop Window Project was integral in uniting the community, by paying tribute to local history, by telling the story of the town and early pioneers via displays in empty shop windows. Supported by local community groups including the Barmera Branch of the National Trust, Riverland Musical Society, Barmera Men’s Shed, Barmera Op Shop and Vinnies who helped by lending or making items for the displays. Community members also provided display items, stories and information and helped to create paper mache models which brought the displays to life. Local kindergartens, pre-schools and aged care facilities also helped with decorations.
Fourteen empty shop windows gained new life providing education, delight and at times amusement, to those who viewed them. A special thank you to the shop owners and real estate firms, who allowed the displays to fill their windows. Businesses throughout the town displayed their own family history in their windows, whilst others found new customers and workers appearing in the form of paper mache models. The Shop Window Project has been a collaboration of many different individuals and groups throughout the region. The works undertaken by volunteers boosted their confidence, developed new skills and broadened their knowledge of the region and the community members who have been depicted in the scenes.