The Ponton Homestead Documentary

You can read our original article on stages one and two here: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/post/esperance-historic-homesteads-series 

Through the support of the Esperance Community Advisory Committee (ECAC), part of the Mt Burdett Foundation, a significant piece of regional history has been preserved and shared with the wider community. 

Led by Riggs Australia, the Historical Homesteads - Ponton Episode is part of a broader documentary initiative capturing the rich stories and enduring legacies of Esperance’s pioneering families. This episode focuses on the Ponton Homestead, offering a powerful visual record of the land, the people, and the experiences that shaped this powerful remote corner of Western Australia. 

At the heart of this project is a commitment to preserving local history and making it accessible to all- especially young people. As part of the initiative, a set of video and downloadable resources has been created for schools to use in their teaching of local history. These materials serve to inspire curiosity, spark conversations, and ensure that younger generations understand the regions unique past. 

Beyond education, the documentary fosters respect for the pioneering families who endured significant challenges to establish life in remote Esperance. The project honours their resilience, sacrifice, and contributions, while also encouraging reconciliation through inclusive storytelling that acknowledges the experiences of First Nations people. 

The Ponton episode also has strong economic and creative ripple effects. The project employed several local artists and filmmakers, offering them professional opportunities and skill development in documentary production. Community members were interviewed throughout the process, with many gaining newfound confidence and capability in storytelling and filmmaking. 

According to project lead Jennene Riggs, one of the most successful aspects of the initiative was its ability to connect people with place, inviting community members to revisit their history and feel a renewed sense of belonging and pride. The structure and collaborative nature of the project encouraged authentic storytelling and cultural reflection. 

The team noted that in future projects, there are opportunities to broaden community engagement even further by involving more First Nations voices and perspectives from the planning phase onward. 

Projects like Historical Homesteads highlight the power of storytelling and bridge generations, strengthen cultural understanding, and celebrate the resilience of rural communities. The Mt Burdett Foundation is proud to support initiatives that preserve regional heritage and foster community pride. We look forward to seeing more stories from Riggs Australia and others who are passionate about capturing the spirit of regional Western Australia.

Are you interested in telling the stories of your region? Learn more about funding opportunities through the Mt Burdett Foundation on our website: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/ 

You can find all of the Historical Homestead episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVMYtp6TbFfRKe8fuQzta6DJsc-a2ydEkb