The History Of New Norcia
New Norcia is a small town located in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia, approximately 132km north of Perth. The town was founded in 1846 by Spanish Benedictine monk, Dom Rosendo Salvado, who established a mission there with the aim of converting the local Aboriginal people to Christianity.
Origins
The story of New Norcia begins in 1842, when Dom Salvado and another monk, Dom Joseph Serra, arrived in Western Australia as missionaries. The two men had been sent by the Vatican to establish a mission among the Aboriginal people of the Swan River Colony.
At the time, relations between the European settlers and the local Aboriginal people were strained, and there was a great deal of hostility towards the missionaries. Despite this, Dom Salvado and Dom Serra persevered, and in 1846, they established a mission at a site they called New Norcia.
The name New Norcia was chosen to honor the town of Norcia in Italy, which was the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order to which the monks belonged.
Early Years
In the early years, life at the mission was difficult. The climate was harsh, and the soil was poor, making it difficult to grow crops. Despite this, Dom Salvado and his fellow monks persevered, and over time, they managed to establish a successful agricultural community.
The monks built a number of buildings on the site, including a church, a monastery, a school, and a hospital. They also established a number of industries, including a bakery, a brewery, and a sawmill.
One of the most significant achievements of the early years was the establishment of a printing press. In 1867, the monks printed the first book in Western Australia, and over the years, they went on to print a wide range of books and newspapers in a number of different languages.
In addition to their work on the mission, the monks also worked to improve relations between the European settlers and the local Aboriginal people. They learned the local languages and customs, and worked to establish a relationship of trust and respect with the Aboriginal people.
Expansion and Decline
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mission at New Norcia continued to grow and expand. The monks established a number of outstations throughout the surrounding region, and the community became a center for education and culture.
However, in the 1920s and 1930s, the mission began to decline. The number of monks began to decline, and the community began to struggle financially. In addition, the government of Western Australia began to take a more active role in the management of Aboriginal affairs, and the mission began to lose its influence.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the mission began to diversify, and the monks began to focus more on education and tourism. The town of New Norcia became a popular destination for visitors, who came to explore the historic buildings and learn about the history of the mission.
Today
Today, New Norcia is a small town with a population of approximately 20 people. The town is home to a number of historic buildings, including the monastery, the church, and the school. Visitors to the town can take guided tours of the buildings, and learn about the history of the mission and the Benedictine order.
New Norcia is also home to a number of art galleries and museums, which showcase the work of local artists and the history of the region. The town is particularly known for its collection of Spanish religious art, which is housed in the museum at the monastery.
Despite its small size, New Norcia remains an important cultural and historical center in Western Australia. The town’s unique history and architecture make it a popular destination for visitors, and its role in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding continues to be significant.
In recent years, the town has faced some challenges. In 2018, a bushfire threatened the town and forced residents to evacuate. Fortunately, no one was injured and the damage was minimal, but it was a reminder of the town’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The town has also had to navigate its relationship with the local Aboriginal community. In recent years, there have been calls for greater recognition of the traditional owners of the land, and for more involvement in the management of the town and its cultural heritage.
The Benedictine community at New Norcia has responded to these challenges by engaging in dialogue with the local Aboriginal community, and by working to promote greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and traditions.
In 2018, the Benedictine community signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ballardong Noongar people, which recognized the traditional owners of the land and committed the two communities to working together to promote cultural awareness and understanding.
New Norcia today is a unique and special place, with a rich and complex history. The town’s founders sought to create a community that was based on principles of faith, service, and respect for others, and these values continue to guide the town’s development and growth.
The town’s architecture and art reflect a unique blend of European and Aboriginal cultures, and its story is a reminder of the complex and often troubled history of relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia.
Despite the challenges that the town has faced, New Norcia remains an important cultural and spiritual center, and a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Benedictine community and the local Aboriginal people.
Visitors to New Norcia can experience a glimpse of this rich and complex history through guided tours of the town’s historic buildings and museums, and by engaging with the local community and its cultural heritage.
New Norcia is a unique and important part of Western Australia’s history and cultural heritage. The town’s story is a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia, and the ongoing importance of dialogue, understanding, and respect in building a more inclusive and just society.