Working Life Heritage Trail
The 'Working Life' heritage trail features some of the South West's finest historical sites and showcases the region's unique past and rich culture.
The trail, established by the South West Development Commission in 1999, features 19 sites across the region suggesting self-drive routes for tourists.
Visitors seeking to experience the South West's industrial and cultural heritage, can obtain an attractive brochure that showcases member sites, free-of-charge.
The sites are a mix of community and privately owned sites, marketed under a common branding. The name 'Working Life' was chosen for its nostalgic as well as personal connotations, and is in keeping with the insight developed in museum and tourism research that people are fundamentally most interested in people.
Under its constitution, each 'Working Life' site retains its own identity and independence, but freely promotes other sites in the trail under a policy of 'mutual benefit'. This framework provides considerable benefits to all member sites that are only required to pay a nominal amount.
In helping the 'Working Life' sites, the South West Development Commission recognises the enormous contribution made by volunteers to retain, and enhance, the unique culture and heritage of the South West region.
In May 2003 the Commission provided funding to assist the South West Working Life Association Inc to print a new brochure, design and fabricate new signage, and to develop its inaugural Working Life website.