Joseph TORRENT (Joe) was born on his parents’ property, Location 604, in June 1908. His father, Miguel, arrived at Yoongarillup in 1905 from Spain. This was the start of a Spanish settlement. His mother, Aurora, arrived two years later. Joe worked for his brother for several years assisting with contracts for roadworks, sleeper cutting, droving bullocks and sleeper carting. He then worked for Main Roads and was to become very active in community affairs. In 1977, he was presented with a Medallion and Certificate of Merit from the Farmers’ Union of Western Australia, on the recommendation of their Busselton Zone Council. In 1979, he was presented with a Certificate and Medallion on behalf of the people and Government of the State of Western Australia in appreciation for services rendered to Local Government. In 1982, the Bush Fire Board of Western Australia presented him with a Certificate and Medallion for meritorious service in recognition of services rendered for organisation of fire services for the protection of the south west of Western Australia. In 1983, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to him during Western Australia Week of Endeavour, from the Shire of Busselton. On the second trip to Busselton, during his Presidency of the Busselton Shire Council, the choir from Japan presented him with a key to the city of Sasebo. This key has the Mayor of Sasebo’s signature on it. On his retirement from the Shire, he was presented with a beautiful reclining chair with a plaque on it thanking him for services rendered during 22 years of service, including six as President. Joseph was a Justice of the Peace and involved with the Geographe Bay Yacht Club, including as Patron, and the Junior Football Association. Both groups made presentations to him for services rendered. He was also Chairman of the International Basketball Association for four years, and President of the South West Association for four years. Joseph married and had three daughters.

Torrent, Joseph Track 2

Torrent, Joseph Track 1

Keith Montague Forrest was born in Bunbury on 4th November 1929. His father, Matthew Forrest, was born in Donnybrook in 1885. Keith’s grandfather, James Forrest, settled at Seaview, Ludlow, in 1884-85. Keith is a descendant of Sir John Forrest. His mother Clarence (nee Scott) was from Boyanup. Keith was the youngest in the family, with seven older sisters and a brother who died in World War II. His sisters assisted with his upbringing when their mother died when Keith was five years old. Keith’s Uncle Willy and Uncle Bruce farmed on nearby properties. Keith attended school at Ludlow and Narrogin Agricultural College. He worked with his father on the farm when he left school. Keith’s father remarried and moved to Busselton to live. Keith married Delys Hutton in 1956 and they have four children. Keith gives an interesting account of early life in Ludlow and mentions local identities, farming, fishing, duck shooting, bird life and the Forest Department Settlement at Ludlow. He talks at some length of Sir James Mitchell fishing and duck shooting with the Forrest family. Along with Delys who has worked hard assisting Keith with farming operations, they purchased more land and successfully developed their property. They have now retired to Busselton and their son John is farming on the property.

Forrest, Keith Track 19

Forrest, Keith Track 18

Forrest, Keith Track 17

Forrest, Keith Track 16

Forrest, Keith Track 15

Forrest, Keith Track 14

Forrest, Keith Track 13

Forrest, Keith Track 12

Forrest, Keith Track 11

Forrest, Keith Track 10

Forrest, Keith Track 9

Forrest, Keith Track 8

Forrest, Keith Track 7

Forrest, Keith Track 6

Forrest, Keith Track 5

Forrest, Keith Track 4

Forrest, Keith Track 3

Forrest, Keith Track 2

Forrest, Keith Track 1

Busselton Oral History Group capture the stories of the life and times of local people in Busselton and surrounding areas, and share the stories with the general public.

BusseltonOralHistoryGroup

Popular tracks