Bassendean Historical Society

09/06/2026

Looking for old pictures of the "Quarter bridge " that was a part of the original Guildford to Bassendean bridge.

09/06/2026

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SAVE THE DATE
15th and 16th August 2026
LOST TRADES OF YESTERYEAR

Preliminary notice for our largest show of the year. Continuing with our yesteryear theme this
2 day event is also to launch our new home as we have been granted lease over the historic Pattern shop located within the Midland Railway Workshops,West Australia

Full list of trades , Demo's and activities to be posted soon so keep calling back for more updates.

13/05/2026

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Today's Tuesday Treasure is a Streetscape. Taken From Fire Station Tower Looking North East, C.1935
View of Bassendean Hotel and surrounding buildings on Parker Street and corner of Guildford Road. Parker Street was named after Mr Stephen Henry Parker who was a lawyer and foundation member of the Weld Club and a member of the Legislative Council. He married Amy Leake in 1872 and had twelve children and became Chief Justice of Western Australia from 1906 -1913. He was also a member of the WA Turf Club. Mr Parker was one of nine prominent men in a land syndicate which purchased Q1 from William Tanner's grandson and subdivided it in 1898. Dorothy Street in Ashfield is thought to be named for his daughter who was born and died in 1887. Mr Parker died in 1927 aged 81 years old in Melbourne.

Find this picture and more online in the Bassendean Memorial Library Catalogue!

Photo number P214 - Taken From Fire Station Tower Looking North East, C.1935

Watch this space for more to come in the coming weeks.
❤️

11/05/2026

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Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped Bassendean in this engaging (and free!) local history walk.

Meet us at the Bassendean Shopping Centre near the Old Perth Road entrance, then set off to explore how strong community spirit carried locals through decades of change. Along the way, we’ll delve into the role of schools and churches, the camaraderie of sporting life, and how people supported one another through the challenges of war and the Great Depression.

There’s a quiet strength in the Australian spirit… you see it when times get tough, shining through in mateship, courage, and the instinct to lend a hand.

Join us on this fascinating journey through the heart of Bassendean, perfect for history lovers and curious minds alike!

When: Tuesday 30th June 2026, 10:00am-11:30am

Where: Meet at Hawaiian's Bassendean Shopping Centre near the travelator off the Old Perth Road entrance

Cost: Free, but bookings are essential!

Booking link: https://events.humanitix.com/free-guided-walk-further-down-old-perth-road

06/05/2026

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MAKING HISTORY MATTER

We look forward to your company at this month's presentation hosted by the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS.

MONDAY MAY 11TH
Time: 7PM for 7:30PM
Venue: St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall

GUEST SPEAKER: James Cassidy

James is a teacher and an author. His research initially focused on Western Australia’s history to enhance his teaching, but it has since evolved into a broader study of how the early Swan River Colony influenced the region’s development.

James examines spatial conflict in the early years of settlement. His research into the Swan Valley settlers’ competition for the Whadjuk people's land and resources traces cooperation and conflict. The exceptional interaction between George Fletcher Moore of Millendon and Yagan was not to prove the norm.

At the conclusion of the presentation, join us for a light supper. It's a great opportunity to connect with members of the society.

🔹VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you passionate about history and would like to share your knowledge with others?

The society is seeking volunteer Tour Guides for the Colonial Gaol and Museum Precinct, with either weekend or weekday availability.
Full training will be provided.

Enquiries:
Ph: 08 9379 1829
E: [email protected].

swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au

Bassendean Historical Society Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association Royal Western Australian Historical Society

01/05/2026

Sorry about the picture quality, but all well known faces in the picture.

23/04/2026

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On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world.

Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was an influential thinker, writer and activist whose ideas changed the way people understand cities and neighbourhoods. She is best known for her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), in which she argued that lively, safe and successful cities are built around people (not cars, highways or large-scale planning schemes). Jacobs championed walkable streets, mixed-use neighbourhoods, local businesses and strong community connections, believing that everyday residents are the true experts in how their cities work.

Jane’s Walks are named in her honour because they embody her core belief that cities are best understood at street level, by walking and observing how people interact with places. These community-led walking tours encourage participants to explore their neighbourhoods, share local knowledge, and see familiar places with fresh eyes, just as Jane Jacobs advocated. The walks celebrate curiosity, conversation and community, reflecting her lasting legacy of people-powered urban life.

This year, Bassendean Memorial Library is proud to host our very own Jane's Walk. Lead by our wonderful volunteers Chris and Alan, walkers will uncover hidden gems, unique community spaces and local stories comparing times past and present in Bassendean.

Date: Saturday 02/05/26

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Where: Meet on the lawn next to the library’s front entrance (Just outside 48 Old Perth Rd, Bassendean), before exploring iconic streets in Bassendean and their stories.

Who: All are welcome! Children under 17 years of age require parent supervision.

Cost: Free, but bookings are essential!

Booking link here: https://events.humanitix.com/free-guided-walk-jane-s-walk

23/04/2026

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Roll of Honour recognising the staff of the Western Australian Government Railways Midland Traffic Branch who served during the Great War 1914-1918. Seven men never returned home and were killed in action.

This roll of honour was on the wall of the foyer of the Midland Junction Railway Station until 1968 and then in foyer of the Midland Terminal until its closure this year. Its future is now unknown.

Lest We Forget.

23/04/2026

Open this Sunday between 10am and 1.30pm.
Our Historic Heritage listed Pensioner Guard Cottage situated at 1 Surrey Street,Bassendean.
This is a unique opportunity to show yourself and your children how people lived in the 1850's
In the new Colony.

18/04/2026

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Today is World Heritage Day – a moment to reflect on the stories, places, and objects that shape who we are. In Western Australia, we celebrate landscapes, architecture, and history carved in stone… but what about the history that moves?

Railways built modern Western Australia. They connected isolated communities, carried invaluable freight as well as passengers and are linked to so many of the key stories while shaping the Western Australia we know today. Yet, rail heritage is not formally recognised in the same way – because it is considered “moveable”. As if movement somehow makes it less meaningful. As if the very thing that defined its purpose diminishes its value.

The reality is that it is volunteers who carry the responsibility of preserving this history. They give their time, their skills, and often their own resources to protect irreplaceable pieces of our past. Among them is “Katie”, the steam locomotive that began service with the opening of the Fremantle to Guildford railway in 1881 – a living link to the very beginnings of rail in this state, which is now at the Railway Museum in Bassendean.

But passion alone cannot preserve heritage. We need to house the collection undercover. We need restoration facilities. We need recognition that these railway items are not just objects. They are stories of people and places as well as a demonstration technological change.

Since our eviction from Midland Workshops in 2006, the site which was once central to WA’s railway story is now unsuitable for a railway museum. So we need to create a similar space for preservation and the sharing of skills in Bassendean.

On a day dedicated to protecting our heritage, it’s worth asking; what are we choosing to value and what are we willing to lose? Rail heritage is not just moveable, it is meaningful, and it deserves a future.

Photo: WAGR C Class 1 "Katie" being delivered to the Railway Museum in Bassendean by truck on 24 May 1970. (T00592)

Simone McGurk MLA Dave Kelly MP Tania Lawrence MP Kath Hamilton, Mayor, Town of Bassendean Transperth Rita Saffioti MLA Jessica Stojkovski MLA