The Central Darling Heritage Trail App
Role: Project Lead, Community Engagement, Co-Design, Historical Research, Podcasts, Content Creation, User-Testing
Co-Designed in partnership with local communities
Funded through the Far Southwest Joint Organisation, in partnership with the Central Darling Shire Council and local communities, the free GPS based Central Darling Heritage Trail App is unique in Australia. Featuring 6 walking and driving tours across Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs, the app contains heritage information, podcasts, videos of locals sharing their memories, historical photographs, illustrated maps, animations and quizzes.
Delivery of quality product
The app was launched in Wilcannia during April 2023. The event was attended by the local community, members of parliament and council representatives. The article by ABC Broken Hill provides a lasting record of the day. The app was shortlisted twice for the prestigious NSW National Trust Heritage Awards 2024 and received a highly commended recognition in the Events, Exhibitions and Tours category!
Exceeding Expectations
Anonymous App Review: Solid content and beautifully simple. No nonsense but graceful. A model for what most regional interpretation apps should be. Looking forward to more from this group of content creators, and to visiting the location with a healthy respectful background of information. Keep up the good work!
Visitor Services Coordinator, Broken Hill City Council: ‘The Central Darling Heritage Trail app is a fantastic tool to explore our surrounding town’s histories and really delve into the cultural heritage of Far West NSW. It’s clear that an enormous amount of thought has gone into its content, presentation, usability and look. I’m positively jealous and hope that Broken Hill will be able to develop something as good in future.’
Co-Creation
Joining me on the Central Darling Heritage Trail App project was General Manager of Central Darling Shire Council, Greg Hill, Heritage Specialist Ben Churcher, Videographer Dr. Ben Matthews, UX Designer Dr. Simone O’Callaghan, and a group of enthusiastic and talented undergraduate students from the University of Newcastle.
