WALKER Margaret Ellen  NEW

Compiled by Gordon Freegard from research by Merilyn Stewart  

From text accompanying an interview in 2003
 

Margaret Walker was born in 1921 and raised on a farm located at the foothills of the Stirling Range.
Her childhood was during the years of the Great Depression. During this period, her father was employed as a farmer and axeman. His work involved the manual clearing of 1,500 acres of land, which was covered in Mort trees, mallee, and white gum. This clearing process was conducted using hand tools and horses.
Margaret’s mother possessed and utilized knowledge regarding bush remedies and various medicines.
Her brother, Morgan Herbert, was a well known West Australian cricketer who played as part of the 1947 Australia XI team captained by Don Bradman.

MARGARET ELLEN WALKER (nee HERBERT)              #1

        ISAAC WALKER     #2
 

Margaret Walker commenced a career in nursing, working at the Gnowangerup and Katanning Hospitals, where she earned a wage of 10 shillings per week.
In 1941, she married Isaac Walker. Isaac Walker was the son of Augustine Walker, who had founded the newspaper The Gnowangerup Star in 1915.
In the 1960s, Margaret Walker joined her husband to assist in the operations of the newspaper.
During this time, their sons completed apprenticeships in printing under their father’s supervision.

In later years, Isaac Walker experienced an illness that prevented him from continuing his work. Consequently, Margaret Walker and their sons assumed control of the business operations.
Margaret commented there were only 3 privately owned newspapers at that time…one of them owned by Rupert Murdoch.
The newspaper continued production until the final edition was printed on Thursday, June 26, 2003.
This edition is documented as the last newspaper in Australia to be printed using hot metal flatbed press technology

 THE GNOWANGERUP STAR OFFICE      #3
 

     PREPARING TO PRINT   #4
 

        PREPARING TO PRINT      #5
 

         PREPARING TO PRINT       #6
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.