The Northam Army Camp Heritage Association (NACHA) has applied for multiple grants to build three replica army barracks outside the old army camp.
The camp, known as Northam’s Military Camp of continuous training was used as a training base from 1933 for WA’s Militia Troops who formed the Second Australian Imperial Force in World War Two.
Following them were the service personnel who saw service in, Korea, National Service and the Vietnam war.
Thousands of cadets were also trained at the camp.
NACHA spokesperson Belle Moore said they want to start the project in the next 12 months but have to wait to hear if they have been successful in obtaining grants.
The organisation has leased the land from the Water Cooperation.
Belle said there will be cut out figures of service personnel surrounding the replicas, that will illuminate at night.
The first barracks will be the main display room, detailing the history of the camp.
The second will include a meeting room, office and volunteer space.
The third will be a library for genealogical research helping individuals find records of their family members who served in the war.
Surrounding the camp will be large door-like structures with names of the battalions that trained at the army camp.
Belle said the history of Northam is important to preserve.
“The military history for the area goes back to the days of the early settlers,” she said.
“Jan James (local genealogist) is doing research on it at the moment – she has even found out that fellas around here went to the Boer War!”
“It will also hopefully bring in tourists.”
So far, sponsorship has been received from Serco and the Bendigo Bank Toodyay to assist with the project.
For more information, visit Northam Army Camp Heritage Association on Facebook.