End of a chapter in KI history
An organisation dedicated to preserving Kangaroo Island’s
pioneering heritage has been forced to close its pages of history.
PRESERVED IN TIME: Images such as the office of William Giles of the South Australian Company - the oldest settler building in the state - can be found on the KI Pioneers Association's informative website.
By DANIEL CLARKE
10/07/26
After more than 40 years of historic research and heritage preservation, the Kangaroo Island Pioneers Association (KIPA) has been forced to wind up its operations because it could not attract enough members willing to serve on its Executive Committee.
Having spent the past three years in a holding pattern, KIPA members voted to amalgamate with Pioneers SA at its Extraordinary General Meeting in March - a decision made public this week.
Despite maintaining a healthy membership, the remaining Executive determined that amalgamation was the most appropriate way to ensure members could continue their involvement in preserving South Australia's pioneering heritage.
KIPA President Chris Ward said the decision had been difficult but necessary.
"While KIPA has continued to enjoy the support of many members, it became increasingly difficult to attract volunteers willing to serve on the Executive committee,” Mr Ward said.
“This, of course, is not uncommon for many similar voluntary organisations today. After three years of trying to find a sustainable way forward, the remaining Executive believed amalgamating with Pioneers SA was the best outcome for our members and for the ongoing appreciation of South Australia's pioneering history.
"The Association has received tremendous assistance from Kangaroo Island Council over many years and that partnership has helped us achieve so much for the island's historical record."
Founded in 1983 by Dene Cordes, who grew up on Kangaroo Island, KIPA has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Kangaroo Island's unique place in South Australian history.
Through decades of research, publications, commemorations and heritage advocacy, the Association has increased public awareness of Kangaroo Island's pivotal role in the establishment of the colony of South Australia. Its website has been a detailed and reliable source of historic information for the public.
Its Patrons have been KI Mayor Michael Pengilly, Vickie Chapman, Ian Gilfillan, Jayne Bates OAM, and Bruce Williams.
Mayor Pengilly paid tribute to the Association’s volunteers whose “contribution would endure”.
“The Kangaroo Island Pioneers Association may have reached the end of its journey as an organisation, but the legacy created by its dedicated volunteers will continue to educate, inspire and enrich our community for generations to come,” he said.
"Their volunteers have devoted countless hours to researching, preserving and sharing the stories of the people, places and events that shaped not only Kangaroo Island but South Australia itself.
“Kangaroo Island is a better place because of their commitment to preserving our shared history and it has been a great honour to serve as Patron of this organisation.”