OFFICE BEARERS 2019/2020

PRESIDENT

BEVERLEY GIUMELLI

A descendant of one of the first Italian families in the district, Beverley has a strong commitment to preserving the history and was a foundation member of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group. She has continued her involvement since that original formation meeting in 1994.
Born in 1946, Beverley has 5 grown children and  10 grandchildren. Coming from a close family background and with her elderly mother Rose living with her, the family home is described as "Central Station" with the continual coming and going of family members. She wouldn't have it any other way though.
For many years she operated a Real Estate business and still retains her Real estate licence today. In 1992 Beverley was elected as councilor of the East Ward (Rural Sector) of the Kalamunda Shire with a strong focus on supporting and retaining the fruit industry in Western Australia. She served as a councilor for a 10 year period, and finally resigning in 2002.
She enjoys traveling with her partner Jim and frequently visit Ledge Point and Hopetown. Depression glass and old irons are things she enjoys and collects.

VICE-PRESIDENT/CIVIL WORK/ MAINTENANCE

DAVID VALLIS

Maxwell and Edna Vallis moved to Lesmurdie in February 1946. In 1960 David was born, the youngest of seven children. Having spent all his life in the Kalamunda Shire he has seen the area develop greatly. He attended Mary Mount's College in Gooseberry Hill and then onto Kalamunda High School. Having completed a welding trade he worked at the Kalamunda Shire from 1982 till 1989 doing road building, maintenance and Ranger Services.
In 1988 he married the late Franceas Guzzomi and they settled in Pickering Brook where he started an earthmoving business. They had two children, Angelo born in 1990 and Olivia born in 1994.
History is David's passion and in 1987/88 he served on the Committee of the Falls Farm Reconstruction Project in Lesmurdie. David has readily offered his services to the Pickering Brook Heritage Group on many occasions such as Open Days and Anzac Days. He prepared the site for the first heritage shed that was erected in 2008 and just recently prepared the site for the new heritage shed that was erected in 2016.
He is a most welcomed new member to our Committee.

SECRETARY

HELEN ROSS

Having lived most of her life in Pickering Brook she became interested in the heritage of the area after becoming enthused by her brother's passion to do something to save the memories of past. The Pickering Brook Heritage Group was the brainchild of her brother, David Godbold, and Helen has been a member since its conception in 1994.
She particularly likes the people and the environment of Pickering Brook and it will always be looked upon as her home. Born in 1945 she lived with her 3 older brothers and her parents on an orchard property in Merrivale Road. Her greatest achievements are her family and her involvement with the Pickering Brook Heritage Group. Helen currently lives in Forrestfield with her husband and enjoys her leisure time reading, gardening and anything historical or Australiana. Now retired from a nursing profession she previously worked in the airline industry but is now happy being a housewife

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TREASURER

ROSE GIARDINA

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COMMITTEE MEMBER

STEPHANIE O'MEAGHER

The O’MEAGHER Family came to Karragullen in the early 1900’s when Stephanie’s grandfather John Henry Sargeant O’MEAGHER took up land there.  The family orchard ‘Omeo Orchard’ is still operated by his grandsons.  Stephanie’s father was born in Karragullen and after he returned from WWII he set up his own timber mill ‘Omeo Case Supply’ with the help of his father and brothers.  Jack O’Meagher supplied some of the Pickering Brook orchardists with timber for their fruit packing cases.  He was the president of the Pickering Brook RSL for many years and a member of the Pickering Brook Golf Club in its early years.  Joyce O’Meagher, Stephanie’s mother came to Australia in 1945 as a ‘War Bride’ from England and lived in Karragullen all her adult life.  She played golf at the Pickering Brook Golf Course in the 1960’s and was a formidable player.  Both Jack & Joyce O’Meagher had many good and lasting friends in the Pickering Brook district.
In the early days before the railway line was closed they would catch the train from Karragullen station to Kalamunda then go down the Zig Zag on the train to Perth and return the same way.
Stephanie was born in Karragullen and was educated at the same primary school (Karragullen Primary School) as her father Jack attended in the 1920’s.  High school was as a boarder at St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie from 1964-1966.  In 1970 she commenced employment at the Kalamunda Shire (in the old building on Canning Road) and after 42 years she again is working for the Kalamunda Shire and is eagerly looking forward to taking her retirement from Local Government in the next 1-2 years – full circle in her working career.  This will enable her to continue her story writing and history researching and sharing. 
Stephanie is very proud of her heritage and has a wonderful collection of old and precious items carefully collected by her mother and father and descendants over a 100 year period.  Her home is fondly referred to as ‘The Museum’ by friends and visitors as there is a ‘story’ to be told about the contents of every carefully labeled box and about every photograph or piece of memorabilia that adorns the walls or that is stored decoratively in her old world charm home.
Stephanie, like other committee members has developed a passion for the history.  Not only of her own family and family properties and businesses but also in the area of genealogy and her passion is her collection of family photographs and information about her descendants and their lives and stories is driven.  Her father Jack shared his special knowledge of the timber industry with her before his death in 1999 and some of Stephanie’s most treasured memories of her father was accompanying him on his bush runs along old railway formation deep in the Dale forest area and seeking out the old saw mill sites and timber logging sidings that he remember working at as a young teenager.  The more Stephanie learns about her family and surrounding district history the more she desperately wants to know, before access to the information disappears and family members pass on. She is very excited about joining the Committee of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group and has much to offer along the journey of history preservation with and for the Pickering Brook Heritage Society.  Stephanie also brings a creative flare to the group with her artistic talent and computer adventurousness and knowledge.  She also brings to the group her own knowledge of the districts of both Karragullen and Pickering Brook.

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PUBLICITY OFFICER/FACEBOOK EDITOR

EMMA ROSS

Emma is the newest members of the group. Growing up in Carmel, Emma's roots are deeply embedded in the district, with her grandparents, her mother and extended family all being Pickering identities. Many days were spent visiting her nanna’s house and playing in the orchards as a child. Her Uncle David started the PBHG and her strong family connection to the area made becoming involved in the group a simple decision. 

Preserving what is important and discovering the stories behind the people and places of Pickering is what Emma enjoys most about the group.  Living in the Hills now with her partner and two children, Emma hopes to use her skills in technology and marketing to encourage a younger generation to discover Pickering Brooks rich history, to remember the pioneers who made it what it is today, but also to continue to ensure that the past is never forgotten. 

CANNING MILLS/COMMITTEE MEMBER

SILIO DI MARCO

Arrived in Australia from Italy, with his mother in 1936 and met his father for the first time at ten years of age. His father had established an orchard and vegetable market garden at Canning Mills before sending for his family to join him. Silio attended school at Canning Mills and quickly became involved with the running of the orchard when his father, Dante was interned during  World War 11 by the Australia Government. Because of his Italian background he was classified as an "Enemy Alien" and was removed from their property leaving his wife and children to survive by themselves.
Silio lived in the district till 1980 when he semi-retired with his wife to live in Lesmurdie. He has always felt attached to the hills, enjoys the openness and room for bush walking. He is married with three grown children. His family continues to work their successful orchard at Canning Mills.
Joined the Pickering Brook Heritage Group in 2008 because of his interest in the area and feeling a strong need that the endeavours of the early pioneers should be recognised, remembered and preserved. Enjoys Bowls, fishing, gardening and holidays up north. He puts up with most things including his wife's arguing, however he tends to let a lot of things "go straight past to the wicketkeeper" as they say.
His greatest achievements have been his involvement in the fruit industry, and the development and progression of the district. In 2002 he was awarded a Karragullen Pioneers Medal in recognition of his efforts.
He would like to continue working, and also being involved in both the Pickering Brook Heritage Group and the fruit industry.

TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATOR/ MAINTENANCE/COMMITTEE MEMBER

MALCOLM "MAC" BEARD

The Beard Family operated the Pickering Brook Store for many years and Mac helped his father on the delivery rounds throughout the district twice weekly. He was born at Subiaco on 11th September 1931 and has lived in Pickering Brook nearly all his life. Having been a truckdriver, driller and a very popular and successful schoolbus driver, he is now happy enjoying his retirement.
One of his greatest achievements in life was marrying his wife Pam. They have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Asked what he likes about Pickering Brook he says. "Bloody everything, the freedom, the bush and the company of the good people that live here." 
Mac is a foundation member of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group since its conception in 1994. He joined because he wanted to leave something for the kids about the way things were, the hardships the early pioneers put up with, and the improvements over the years. Mac has such a wealth of knowledge and information about the area, that he is a very valuable member of the group. His storytelling and "tall" yarns are something to behold.
He would like to travel the Canning Stock Route, and maybe a trip to the Gulf of Carpenteria and through the north-west of our state.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

JOHN GIARDINA

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MAINTENANCE OFFICER/COMMITTEE MEMBER

JIM GORDON

Jim has spent his whole life living in Pickering Brook where he ran the original family orchard until his retirement in 2004. Jim still remains as a resident of Pickering Brook and is committed to retaining the history of the area that his father helped to carve. He Joined the Pickering Brook Heritage Group at its commencement in 1994 because "the boss" (Beverley) told him to.
Describes himself as a bit of a gypsy because he enjoys traveling with no particular plans or ties. Just get up and go where-ever it takes you. He enjoys fishing and caravanning. Likes just about everything about Pickering Brook. He has spent all of his life there so it must be a good place.
His father arrived in Pickering Brook in 1929 to commenced developing an orchard property at the end of Merrivale Road. In 1938 he got married and his wife joined him on the orchard and in the following years they had two sons, Bill and Jim. Jim was born in 1946 at King Edward Hospital in Subiaco.
Jim enjoys his retirement with his partner Beverley, they share many great times together because they have similar interests.

ORAL HISTORIAN/COMMITTEE MEMBER

BECKY LAMONT

The baby of the group (born 1971) and recently elected member, Becky (Rebecca) represents the next generation interested in the heritage of Pickering Brook. Born and bred in Perth, Becky grew up in the hills and moved to Pickering Brook at the age of fourteen. Her own family home was in Kalamunda before settling in Pickering Brook in 2009. She is the second child and eldest daughter of the President, Beverley Giumelli, and lives next door with her husband, Stephen and two daughters. Becky and Steve met at university whilst studying primary school teaching together. She has taught in the remote Aboriginal communities of Kiwirrkurra and Warakurna, wheatbelt towns of Calingiri and Wongan Hills, and Perth Metro Schools including local schools in the Kalamunda Shire. In 2008, she homeschooled her own children whilst travelling abroad. Currently, she is teaching one day a week in a local primary school
Over the years, Becky has been actively involved in P&C Associations and sporting clubs. Her roles have included President, Vice-President, Secretary, Executive and Committee member. Presently, she is an executive committee member of the P&C of the school her daughters attend.
Whilst travelling with her family in 2008, she had the pleasure of visiting relatives and places of her heritage in Italy and England. This deepened the respect and pride she always had had for her courageous pioneering forefathers and mothers. It fanned a greater appreciation of Australia’s rich heritage and a desire to be actively involved in recording its culture. Conversing and listening to the history of people is a growing interest. Recording the oral histories of families in Pickering Brook is the skill she wants to develop and give to the heritage group: starting with her Nanna’s story.
Her greatest achievement has been sharing her life with Stephen and having two beautiful daughters. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to church, birdwatching, classical and theatre arts, reading, tennis, and travelling (a bit of everything).
In the future Becky would like to do further tertiary study, travel and work in an overseas mission orphanage.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

PETER NEWING

Peter has lived a very active life since he was born at Kununoppin in 1941. Been a Poultry and Deer farmer of about 50 years. He was the founder of the Deer Industry in Western Australia, is currently Chairman of Golden Eggs and has been a continuous member of the Egg Industry for 32 years. Founder of Triple A Egg Farms in 1996 and they now have 70% of West Australian egg production under their banner.
Government beauocrats, red tape and b-lls-it are things he cannot stand. Although now "retired" he would like to continue doing what he is currently doing. He enjoys the challenge of new opportunities, being involved in the local community, the church and the egg industry. Peter has just recently returned from the north-west having spent time working with the "Toadbusters" in their fight to stop the cane toads entering Western Australia.
He moved to Pickering Brook in 1975 and joined the Pickering Brook Heritage Group in 1996. He has a fascination about local history and supports endeavours to preserve it.  He has had a long time interest in Aviculture and has a collection of birds, including Pheasants etc.
He has 3 children and 4 step children and 12 grandchildren. Has been past President of the Pickering Brook Sports Club and continues to live in Pickering Brook. The friendliness of the people and the general atmosphere, are the things Peter enjoys about Pickering Brook. He looks forward to waking up every morning, as every day is another day to enjoy and experience.

KARRAGULLEN EXPO ORGANISER/COMMITTEE MEMBER

TOM PRICE

Born to Gladys and Hector Price in 1943, Tom still wakes up each morning with a passion for meeting the challenges of running "Illawarra Orchard". He is very proud to own this beautiful property situated in a valley at the beginning of Kangaroo Creek.
His Grandfather Thomas Price, after whom Tom was named, became manager and one-third share-holder of "Illawarra Orchard" in 1899. This was when the Price Family's journey began. Tom idolised his grandfather, who taught and inspired him in countless ways. His vision, which Tom follows, was to grow the best possible fruit and to develop a work ethic that treated the land and it's people with dignity. Tom believes strongly in honesty and cannot tolerate people that cheat particularly in the products they produce.
Tom was brought up in a loving family environment and with true Christian teachings. His father's philosophy was that if you were going to do a job, then to do it to the best of your ability and that the first cost should be the last cost. As a third generation owner of "Illawarra Orchard", Tom has tried to make these objectives his own.
Tom has two children and six lovely grandchildren. He enjoys growing roses and vegetables and loves his chooks. He reckons his grandfather would be proud of him.
In recent years Tom has developed a passion for the history, not only of his property and his family, but of surrounding settlements and the bush between them. The more he learns the more he wants to know, before access to the information disappears. He is very excited about joining the Committee of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group and their endeavours to remember and preserve the history and the hardships of our pioneer families.
He is inspired and supported by his wife, Renee, in all he does - much the same as his mother did for his father all those years ago. When he wakes in the morning and sees the robins and the blue wrens outside the window, he feels truly blessed.