West Torrens Historical Society

10/06/2026

29/05/2026

Does anyone remember the watchmaker and jeweller shop owned by Lionel and Lorna Hender? Perhaps you frequented the shop or knew Lionel and Lorna?
This is an undated (circa 1940s) black and white photograph of Hender’s jewellery and watchmaking store on the southern side of Henley Beach Road, Mile End. (Lionel and Lorna Hender’s business was located on the southern side of Henley Beach Road, Mile End (at 97a) c.1941-57. Moved to north side of Henley Beach Road (110a) c.1957-70. (LH 0739-01).

22/05/2026

POLICING IN WEST TORRENS
At our monthly meeting on Monday May 18, at the West Torrens Library Auditorium, we were entertained with a very informative and somewhat nostalgic presentation from John White, APM, OAM, LEM, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (SAPOL).
During his career John White served in a range of operational and senior administrative roles, in uniform, and as a detective. He was also active in community service in the Lions Club for 30 years, including time as the president of the Gilles Plains Lions Club, and a member of the Lions International Cabinet for 10 years. John has a strong interest in Police History. His collection of memorabilia is one of the most comprehensive in the southern Hemisphere. He was influential in establishing the Police Historical Society in 1977, was a Foundation Member, and is now a Life Member. He is the Curator of the South Australian Police Museum and has played a very important role overseeing the transition of the Police Historical Society and Police Museum from its former home at the now demolished Thebarton Police Barracks to its new home in the Adelaide CBD.
John took us back in time to the early days of Policing in West Torrens. He explained how Police Stations were somewhat primitive buildings, poorly equipped, and lacking every day comforts, and how Police work meant long hours and poor salary, often involving a seven day week with one day off a month. Conditions were strict; it was a strictly male occupation, and young police constables had to get special permission from their superior officers to allow them to marry.
He showed photographs, and described the early role and every day functions of Stations like Southwark, Thebarton, Richmond, Plympton, and Lockleys which no longer exist. All police work in the Western Suburbs is now handled at the Netley Complex.
In the early days much of the work was done on foot, or on a push bike. Constables were appointed and controlled by the local Council, and a good deal of their work involved enforcement of Local Council By-laws.
For a period of time, in the forties and fifties, patrols used a motor bike and sidecar, and then after that early model Holden utes were used as patrol vehicles.
With the advent of more modern patrol cars and police radios, operations became more centralized, and the need for local Police stations diminished. Telephones also changed the community need to attend Police stations to report incidents and call for help, when it could be done over the phone.
Changes to Industrial Laws, and significantly improved working conditions, has made policing a far more appealing occupation now than it was years ago.
After his talk, members of the audience enjoyed the chance for a bit of fun, trying on police helmets which dated as far back as the Mounted Police days of the late nineteenth century.
Graham Parry
Vice President WTHS

12/05/2026

On Tuesday 5th May the West Torrens Historical Society celebrated this year’s History Month with an Open day at “Kandahar”. Seventy-seven people attended and enjoyed the current display of “Identities of West Torrens”. The “Devonshire Teas” supplied by our volunteers were also a popular part of the day for our visitors to enjoy. We also opened our doors on Saturday 9th May and sixty people attended. The society is always looking for more interested “history buffs” to join us. We are currently looking for a president and a secretary to join the leadership group in order to continue our activities within the West Torrens district and we welcome any interest from those reading this article.
Kent Beard
Vice President WTHS

07/04/2026

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
Monday March 23 was a big night for the West Torrens Historical Society. It was history in the making. It was a once in a life-time event. It was our 50th birthday, our Golden Jubilee.
A very large crowd of members and visitors gathered for a special celebration in the West Torrens Library Auditorium, where we were privileged to have some special guests from a range of organizations including representatives from The City of West Torrens, The West Torrens Library, The History Trust, The History Council, SA Heritage Council, City of West Torrens Youth Advisory Committee, The Historical Society of SA, The National Trust, The Pioneers Association, several previous guest speakers, and several Preserving Memories participants.
The West Torrens Historical Society is family. And for a relatively small group of enthusiastic volunteers this was a big occasion…… an historic milestone.
Preserving local history is a role we’ve successfully filled for the last 50 years, and we are proud of our efforts. There’s a feeling of real satisfaction.
We are extremely grateful to the City of West Torrens, and the West Torrens Library. We could not have achieved our goal without their generous support. It’s always good to have a friend!
During the evening we honoured some past members and their contribution to the WTHS by naming rooms in “Kandahar” after them and the Mayor presented these folk with a duplicate of the signage. Maybelle Marles and Rob Goldsmith, two members who were present at the first meeting of the society cut our birthday cake and then we had a very enjoyable presentation by Samuel Doering, an outstanding young South Australian speaker, author and President of the Professional Historian’s Association. The evening ended with supper and much conversation.
Graham Parry, Vice President.
Kent Beard, Vice President.

17/03/2026

Could this elderly couple who lived in Hilton be relations of yours? The photo was recently picked up from an op-shop in Hilton, probably after a "house clean-up" and passed on to the West Torrens Historical Society. We would love to identify the couple and give them a place in our history.

13/03/2026

Cycling was popular back in 1897 when this old photo was taken of the West Torrens Cycling Club. No detail of names unfortunately but a great photo of past days. Take note of the three-seater laying down on the grass. That would have been an interesting ride for three adventurous cyclists!! (LH 0099-01)

10/03/2026

We are celebrating!!!
The West Torrens Historical Society is turning 50 on March 23 this year and we would love other people interested in history to join us at the party. Please read the attached flyer which details what will be happening on the night at the West Torrens Library Auditorium, 1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton starting at 7.15pm. We would love to see you there!!
Kent Beard, Vice President WTHS.

27/02/2026

HARNESSING THE RIVER MURRAY
We all know that the River Murray is our lifeline when it comes to water. We not only depend on it for topping up our reservoirs, it also plays an integral role providing water for irrigating our crops, as well as being a recreational hub for many families.
But without the Locks none of that would be possible.
“Harnessing the River Murray” was the topic of a fascinating and enlightening talk by historian, Helen Stagg, at our monthly meeting on February 23 at the West Torrens Library Auditorium. Seventy-five members and friends gathered to hear Helen explain the construction procedures and planning rationale from Lock 1 to Lock 9. Even though some locks were on parts of the river over the border in Victoria and NSW, South Australia was responsible for most of the work. Helen explained how each lock site, starting with Lock One at Blanchetown, involved the setting up of semi-permanent camp sites in the form of “communities”, where workmen and their families lived on-site for up to four years, and had their own school, shop, oval, houses, and entertainment facilities. After completion of the lock, the “township” was dismantled, and relocated to a new site, close to the next lock, allowing construction to begin all over again. Helen added personal anecdotes about members of her own family who were involved with the locks, and about some of the hardships the workmen and their families endured. Occupational Health and Safety was well below the standards set for today. It was a very educational evening, covering one of Australia’s engineering marvels. Thanks, Helen, for your very informative presentation.
One of our members also gave a short presentation covering the history of one of the Icons, and well-known landmarks, of West Torrens, the Chimney and Incinerator at Thebarton.
Thanks, Lynette.
Graham Parry.
Vice-President WTHS.