Oral History - Peter Delfs

Peter was educated at a government school, and afterwards, studied at the Marist Brothers Convent in Northam. Upon leaving school, he attended Claremont Teachers College, and after graduation in 1972 was posted to Tom Price Primary School, where he taught for three years.

After marrying his wife, Cherry in 1977 they moved to Kunnunurra, Wickham and eventually Margaret River.

In 1986, Peter and his family moved to a 35-acre block off Cowaramup Bay Road, which they had purchased several years earlier. Here, they built a tin shed, lived in it and added extra rooms as the family expanded. They also planted a small vineyard but later sold it when they realised it wasn’t going to be viable. In 1998, they sold it and moved closer to the coast near Gracetown.

After five decades of teaching, Peter retired. He describes how the role of the teacher has changed and how children are still as inquisitive and keen to learn but their attention span has diminished.

Peter talks about his community involvement with the local fire brigade and tennis club. He also mentions fishing in the local area and how it has changed over time with more people fishing, bigger boats, size of catch, species of fish caught, fishing regulations and closed seasons. Peter relates as to how the Margaret River district has changed immensely since he moved into the area.

He has written a book, 'Katinka', based on Hamelin Bay history. - in July 1900, his Great Grandfather, Captain John Delfs, and others rescued eight men stranded on the sunken ship the 'Katinka'.

For a copy of the full transcript, please contact us at oralhistory@busseltonhistoricalsociety.org.au