IN PICTURES: Shire of Cranbrook celebrates 100 years of independence from neighbours with nostalgic evening

A century of memories were on display at the Cranbrook Community Hub earlier this month as the Shire of Cranbrook celebrated a momentous anniversary.

The shire tied its 100th anniversary with the Bloom Festival and put together an exhibition of historical memorabilia, including photos, artefacts and tales of the region stemming back to its official establishment in 1926.

Once a part of the Plantagenet and Tambellup road districts, the people of Cranbrook separated to form their own road board in 1926 containing the hubs of Cranbrook, Tenterden, Frankland River and the Stirling Range National Park.

The growing agricultural community, finding its own voice and identity, officially became the Shire of Cranbrook in 1961.

A centenary event on the evening of October 2 celebrated the 100 years since the split with many past and present councillors and shire presidents attending to view the archival material and miniature buildings on display.

One building was a tiny version of the original Cranbrook Road Board Hall made by a Cranbrook resident.

Cranbrook shire president Perin Mulcahy said that despite the historic split, it was important to maintain close relationships with their past.

“Our communities are still connected in everyday life — through sporting clubs, schools, services and facilities,” she said.

“These relationships are an important extension of our own community and make our region stronger.”