History of Sandalwood in Early Bencubbin.

These Murals depict the early pioneer days of the1860's in the Western Australian wheat-belt region, sandalwood cutters drove their teams of donkeys, mules or camels collecting and hauling huge loads of the precious tree across long distances. These loads were stockpiled at railway sidings ready to freight to Fremantle (approximately 300 to 500 km away) and then shipped to China where the lucrative, aromatic wood was used in the incense trade.

The Sandalwood Cutters, also called Sandalwood Pullers, often paved the way for the early pioneers who followed, taking up farming and building towns. One of the locals, Norm Bates, told Irene, of the droving life of his father a sandalwood carter, showing her the harnessing of donkeys he has in an extensive private museum on his farming property.

The Better Bencubbin Progress Association took on an earlier plan to paint murals celebrating the Sandalwood industry and the first developments of Bencubbin. The site chosen was on the sides of the restored "Sandalwood Shops" as they are of significant local heritage value and are recorded in the Municipal Heritage Inventory of the Shire of Mt Marshall. The community was consulted regarding all aspects, seeking ideas, references pictures and the theme etc.
Irene Osborne was approached by the Better Bencubbin Progress Association and commissioned to paint two historic murals in September 2004. Thanks must go to the Bencubbin community, to the Better Bencubbin Progress Association and the Shire of Mt Marshall for the Community Grant.

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