Ben Prior Park

The aim of this project was to reinstate the oldest open-air mining museum in the Goldfields region – Ben Prior Park. The Park contains extremely rare mining items dating back to 1894 during the goldrush when Coolgardie was the third largest town in Western Australia (after Perth and Freemantle).  The Ben Prior collection is considered by local historians as eccentric and quirky with unique items from the  gold rush era.

The refurbishment has seen the renovation of historical items including the replica Bank, installation of pathways and a Nature Playground, movement of items to create a historical story, installation of metal interpretation plaques, restoration of statues including the iconic camel man. 

Funding

The project was jointly funded by the Shire of Coolgardie with Evolution Mining contributing $188,000 in funding.

The Coolgardie Men’s Shed, Esperance Men’s Shed, Victor Dale, MEEDAC, Vern Potter and Ryan Kippin, all contributed in-kind services to the revitalisation of the items.   A special installation of a replica windlass was constructed and donated to the Park by Shire President, Malcolm Cullen.