Middleton Beach

Murray Arnold

Place of first light

Middleton Beach is a unique place holding special memories for generations of Western Australians.

Not only is the Middleton Beach area significant in European eyes; for millennia Binalup, its original name, has been an important source of food and shelter for the Menang people. Murray Arnold has recorded the early days of history and has transported us to the present day with a combination of assiduous research, engaging stories and a keen sense of place that is important for all who live or visit there.

"So many tales of old Middleton Beach exist that it is important that these are laid down for future generations. Middleton Beach is constantly changing in character so it is easy to forget the old - and even quite recent - times. This book recalls those memories and brings them to life to make it a most valuable contribution to the written history of Albany, Western Australia’s first European settlement". – Malcolm Traill

 

About the Author

Having farmed at Bruce Rock for over forty years, in 2003 Murray and his wife Val relocated to Albany. Val’s father grew up in Albany, and Murray’s grandparents retired to Garden Street in Middleton Beach in 1950. The cottage became the family’s holiday destination, and eventually all three of their children bought properties in Albany where they currently live.

Murray completed his PhD thesis entitled Aboriginal – European relations at the Albany region from first contact to 1927, published by UWA Press in 2012 under the title A Journey Travelled. He undertook a commission to research the history of the Albany Surf Club, which was published in 2017 as ‘Midds’ 100 Years of Surf Life Saving at Middleton Beach 1917-2017.

Murray tutors high school students with Albany’s Follow the Dream Programme, researches and writes local history, and enjoys riding with an Albany cycling group.