State Library of Western Australia in Perth, Western Australia | Library

State Library of Western Australia

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9427 3111

Address: 25 Francis Street 6000 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au

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25.01.2022 "His adoration was killing her." Westerly Magazine brings us ‘Elizabeth’ by Tanya Dalziel an intriguing short story about the tragic death of the Victorian model, poet and artist Elizabeth Lizzie Siddal. She was the muse and wife of Pre-Raphaelite painter and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Lizzie was the model for arguably the most famous Pre-Raphaelite painting Ophelia. Author, Tanya Dalziell is the Chair of English and Literary Studies at The University of Western Austra...lia. Her 2018 book, 'Half the Perfect World: Writers, Dreamers and Drifters on Hydra, 1955-1964', co-authored with Paul Genoni, won the 2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards for non-fiction. Recently, releasing 'Gail Jones' an exploration and discussion about one of Australia’s most accomplished authors. #readthisandbesmarter https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

24.01.2022 Westerly Magazine brings us a bittersweet short story told in fourteen tiny pieces - ‘Roses’ by Maria Gillman. https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

24.01.2022 MEET THE DEBUTANTES To celebrate the crowning of Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, a Coronation Ball was held in the Government House ballroom in Perth on 12 May 1937. A huge crowd of "smartly-dressed women and well-groomed men" attended the sold out, ticketed event. "Various novelties and entertainments were introduced throughout the evening". ... At five minutes past 10pm, there was a presentation of 32 debutantes to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir James Mitchell and Lady Mitchell. The "debs", who were trained under Miss June Irvine, "made a charming picture", as they walked up the centre of the ballroom to the tune of an old-world cavotte. Wearing dainty white flocks in chiffon, tulle and taffetas. Each carrying a Victorian posy. The ball was declared a "brilliant" success, "befitting of such an historic occasion". Guests danced to the tunes of the Ron Moyle's Swing Band until 3am. While outside in streets around Government House, large crowds gathered, eager to see the illuminations and decorations prepared as part of the celebrations. Note - This commentary was sourced newspaper articles using the magic of Trove. It provides an insight into the event at the time but is not intended to be a definitive history. Young women in ball gowns, May 1937 Photograph | 1937. Available at Online (095668PD) ABC Perth The West Australian

24.01.2022 This is how we stream it! This Saturday the Disrupted Festival of Ideas will live stream a selection of panels and talks via the Disrupted Facebook Page - twice! There will two streams - one for the Main Stage and another for the Level 1 stage. If you can't be here in person, join the audience from the comfort of you own home. Unlike the Ghostbusters we encourage crossing the streams! The Main Stage stream goes from 10am to 9:30pm and includes Stan Grant, the Virtual Fire...side Yarn with Ron Bradfeild Jnr and the Disrupted Supergroup band playing all WA hits. http://ow.ly/c0rz50CbfIl The State Library of Western Australia Level 1 Stage, live stream, starts at 11:30am and includes all the disruptive panels. https://www.facebook.com/disruptedfestival/posts/2801325780135679

21.01.2022 DID WWI MAKE WOMEN HARDER IN HEART? Thousands of young women were left behind when their sweethearts, brothers and husbands left to serve in WWI. While the early Victorian miss was a fragile young creature, "very susceptible in matters of the heart, easily fatigued and prone to fainting on the slightest provocation". The miss of WWI was quite different....Continue reading

21.01.2022 UNITY IN DIVERSITY Do you have memories of Connections Nightclub? In 2019 Tim Brown the owner of Connections, was interviewed by Criena Fitzgerald at the State Library of Western Australia....Continue reading

21.01.2022 MAROONED ON SALT LAKE IN THE VICTORIA DESERT - PADDY WHELAN'S REMARKABLE RESCUE In 1932, prospector Paddy Whelan and mining engineer Norman Stuckey, left Maylands in a DH 50 piloted by Harry Baker, in search of Lasseter’s lost reef. The fabled gold-rich quartz reef in a remote a desolate corner of central Australia, is still one of Australia’s most alluring legends, still eluding both fortune-hunters and researchers.... Baker was to fly to the vicinity of the supposed reef, before flying on to Forrest. However the party never arrived in Forrest, the plane's disappearance the subject of "grave concern". A Hercules piloted by Jimmy Woods was quietly chartered to search for the lost party but due to poor visibility the search failed. Before a second search could resume, the missing aircraft landed at Forrest airport, where the relieved community extended a "tumultuous welcome". One member of the party however, Paddy Whelan was missing. The plane had been forced to land and evidently somersaulted, flinging Whelan and Stuckey to the ground the damaging the machine. Stuckey incurred head injuries and Whelan a broken finger. Marooned in the most inhospitable country, 220 miles from their base with only a few gallons of water and scant food supplies, the men’s position was "perilous". Realising that the only way out was to fly out, Pilot Baker unbelievably effected temporary repairs. The heavy, mud-covered plane was tilted onto its nose and with the aid of the wind, turned right side up. Damaged struts and spars were bandaged with saplings and torn fabric. A piece of wood served to plug a hole in the petrol tank. When it became evident that the plane could not take off with all three men, Whelan remained behind. Steps were immediately taken to rescue Whelan. With Jimmy Woods as pilot and Baker as a guide, Whelan was located and supplies dropped via calico parachute, together with a note assuring him of an early rescue. Food provisions included biscuits, four loaves of bread, condensed milk, cheese, dried fruit, tinned butter, malted milk, flour, matches and tobacco. However it was some time until Whelan would be rescued, in some of the wildest and most dangerous flying country in the desolate Victoria Desert. Whelan was a pathetic figure when he was eventually rescued by Baker, escorted by two RAAF Wapitis planes. His trousers tattered and weather stained, his face bearded and limping due to a hip injury. But he was perky enough to be interviewed by the press on his "return to civilisation" and pose for these remarkable photographs, now treasurers of the State Library. Harry Baker was hailed one of the State's "greatest air birds" for his remarkable bravery. ABC Perth Forrest, Western Australia The West Australian Museum of Perth Forrest Airport WA Western Australia Outback Family History Perth Airport Australia's Golden Outback Royal Australian Air Force

21.01.2022 HE LAY SO STILL THAT A WOMAN IN THE CROWD SUGGESTED HIS PULSE BE TAKEN... The idea of swimming from Fremantle to Rottnest was born over a Christmas drink at The Quokka Arms, in 1955. Twenty-six year old, German born, Gerd van Dincklage was spending so freely that his mate remarked, that if he didn't watch his money, he wouldn't have his boat fare back to the mainland. "Then I'll swim" Gerd announced boastfully....Continue reading

19.01.2022 FLIRTING WITH DEATH! On Easter Sunday in 1923, well-known 22 foot yacht, the Arlene, was cruising half a mile off Rottnest. Suddenly, a strong puff of wind filled its main sail and heeled the boat over. "Casting its human freight, consisting of twenty-two, men, women and children, into the water". The drama was captured by Fremantle photographer, Abraham (Izzy) Orloff. ...Continue reading

19.01.2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER - STAN GRANT ON A BETTER WORLD As one of Australia’s most awarded journalists, Stan Grant is a keynote speaker at Disrupted Festival of Ideas on... 7 November https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/ brought to you by the State Library of WA. FREE EVENT. Through the eyes of a journalist, author, filmmaker and as a Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharawal man, he’ll be examining our theme of A Better World. What could be possible and what might we have to do to start moving in that direction? Born in Griffith in south-west New South Wales, Stan’s mother is from the Kamilaroi people and his father is of the Wiradjuri. Much of Stan’s childhood was spent on the road, living in small towns and Aboriginal communities. This gave him a love of adventure and stories, and despite poverty and an early sporadic education, he says it was his family and the larger Aboriginal community that gave him a strong platform for life. Stan is the Vice Chancellor’s Chair of Australian/Indigenous Belonging at Charles Sturt University. He was formerly ABC’s Global Affairs and Indigenous Affairs Analyst. As one of Australia’s most respected and awarded journalists, he has more than 30 years’ experience in radio and television news and current affairs. Stan has a strong reputation for independence and integrity and has interviewed international political and business leaders, prime ministers and senior ministers. Prior to taking up his latest role Stan was a Senior International Correspondent for CNN in Asia and the Middle East for a decade, broadcasting to an audience of millions around the world. Stan is an award-winning and bestselling author of several books and has contributed articles to major Australian newspapers, magazines and journals. Stan wrote The Australian Dream, the 2019 movie about examining Aboriginal identity and racism in modern Australia, featuring AFL player Adam Goodes. https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/events2/stan-grant-keynote This event will be live streamed and AUSLAN interpreted. ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow WAtoday.com.au Perth Cultural Centre Perth Happenings Perth, Western Australia

19.01.2022 "Something dark and three dimensional, something as solid as me falls out of my body then, it’s as if I have become less suddenly. I taste the blood then. I haven’t told the therapist about the things I can taste and smell that one shouldn’t be able to taste and smell." Westerly Magazine brings us an excerpt from Tara June Winches acclaimed novel "The Yield", which won the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award and shortlisted for The Stella Prize Tara June Winch is a Wiradjuri... writer based in France. Her first novel Swallow the Air, was critically acclaimed and has been on the HSC syllabus for Standard and Advanced English since 2009. Penguin Books Australia #readthisandbesmarter https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

17.01.2022 STIRLING HIGHWAY AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE... Take a ride in a two-seater Buick, along Stirling Highway in the 1930's-50's, courtesy of images from the State Library of WA's collection. Stirling Highway was initially a rough track, linking the townsites of Perth and Fremantle, following the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829.... Convict labour was used to construct the road in the 1850’s and it was declared a public highway in 1881. In that same year, the Perth to Fremantle railway line was completed, spurring the development of Perth’s western suburbs. Stirling Highway was known as the Perth-Fremantle Road until 1932, when it was renamed for the first Governor of WA, Admiral Sir James Stirling. The Road Boards along the Highway agreed to have continuous numbering along its entire length, to avoid confusion over the duplication of numbers in adjoining districts. A decision was also made around this time to declare the land along the Stirling Highway, a business area. This caused upset among people like Mr E.H. Sturroch of 77 Stirling Highway, who had built valuable homes along the road. In the 1934 the construction of a wider, ‘modern highway’ commenced in sections of about one mile per year. Starting from Broadway to Weld Street in Nedlands and finishing with Leighton to Fremantle (which included the new bridge) in 1939. Traffic accidents were common place on Stirling Highway. Most were attributed to excessive speeding and poor lighting. In 1952 only one motorist in eight or nine, kept to the speed limit of 30 miles an hour. Several tram and trolleybus routes ran along Stirling Highway up until the early 1950s. Please note that we while we have endeavoured to put these photographs of Stirling Highway in order, they may not be perfect. Any feedback, stories, memories and old photographs of Stirling Highway are welcomed here... For more WA Stories and conversations, like the State Library of WA on Facebook. ABC Perth POST Newspapers Community News - Perth The West Australian Western Suburbs Weekly Museum of Perth Luna Palace Cinemas City of Nedlands Town of Claremont Town of Mosman Park Peppermint Grove, Western Australia, Australia Shiraz of Cottesloe Vans, Napoleon Street, Cottesloe Town of Cottesloe Town of Mosman Park The Grove Library Nedlands Library Service Claremont Library David Templeman MLA Bill Marmion - Member for Nedlands Celia Hammond MP News Talk 6PR 882 Western Suburbs Business Association Albion Hotel Cottesloe

17.01.2022 "The sadness of my reflection continued with my eyes circled darkly so that my small eyes diminished in the blackness. At that moment I saw something real, something I’d kept hidden which now was revealed in my self pity." This weeks short story from Westerly Magazine is ‘The Way You Appear to Me’ by Roslyn Mullins. #readthisandbesmarter... https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

17.01.2022 A HEART MOVING STORY OF A YOUNG MAN LIVING ON THE ESPLANADE While in 1930 most readers of the Truth newspaper enjoyed the merriest of Christmases, it was not so for young James Rowley. Unemployed and penniless, he cadged his Christmas dinner from a kindly hotel keeper in Carnamah, on his tramp back to Perth. In the new year, 23-year-old James was living the "open life" on the Esplanade. Eating stale bread and dripping for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in the shadow of the e...Continue reading

17.01.2022 Have you ever heard of, been to, worked or lived in Kanowna? Share your memories. Kanowna is an abandoned gold mining town in the eastern Goldfields about 20 kilometres from Kalgoorlie. Originally known as White Feather, the town was renamed Kanowna by the Under Secretary for Mines, HC Prinsep. The name may be derived from gha-na-na meaning ‘place of no sleep’ in the local Wangkathaa Aboriginal language. The term supposedly refers to the extremely stony ground surrounding a...rea, making it an unpleasant place to camp. Gold was discovered in the area in 1883 and the Kanowna, townsite gazetted in 1894. By 1895 the town had a hospital and later a school, racecourse, post office, churches and numerous pubs. In 1898 it was in Kanowa where a huge crowd gathered to listen to Father Long, announcing the locality of the famous Sacred Nugget. In 1899 the population of Kanowna reached over 12,000 people. The alluvial gold supply was rapidly exhausted and underground mines developed, however the decrease of gold and the closure of the railway station during the Great Depression saw a marked decline in the population. By 1953 the town was abandoned. The railway station platform, cemeteries and mine workings all that remained. Take a moment to appreciate these extraordinary photographs of Kanowna and surrounds from the State Library of WA's collection. ABC Goldfields-Esperance WA Museum Boola Bardip Triple M Goldfields Museum of the Goldfields Kanowna, Western Australia Australia's Golden Outback Kalgoorlie Miner Kalgoorlie, Western Australia City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Kalgoorlie Boulder City Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder History and Heritage Northern Star Resources Limited Nursing and Midwifery in Western Australia Kanowna Cemetery Friends

17.01.2022 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NEW GRAHAM ("POLLY") FARMER COLLECTION AT THE STATE LIBRARY Football legend Graham "Polly" Farmer was not sentimental about "stuff" but he did appreciate that other people were. So it was always his wishes that mementos of his football career be shared. The State Library of WA has recently acquired a collection of Graham Farmer memorabilia including audiocassettes of football coaching advice, MBE award, certificates, correspondence, ephemera, newspaper cut...tings, plaques, prints, trading cards, publications (some signed), and a selection of medals (1959 Simpson Medal, 1960 East Perth Best & Fairest, 1960 Sandover Medal). Your State Library is committed to collecting and preserving WA stories for future generations. The Graham "Polly" Farmer collection will play a part in keeping "Polly's" story and magnificent spirit alive in Western Australia. Take a moment to appreciate some of the collection highlights here, beautifully preserved and digitised by our team... Graham 'Polly' Farmer collection Farmer, Graham, 1935-2019, Archival | 2015 Available at Online (Call number: ACC 10343AD/2-4, 24-26, 31-32, 55) ABC Perth The West Australian Lost WAFL WAFL East Perth Football Club Inc Geelong Cats Channel 7 Perth AFL Stores WA West Perth Football Club AFL Graham Polly Farmer Foundation WAtoday.com.au PerthNow Western Australia WA Museum Boola Bardip Optus Stadium AFL Women's David Templeman MLA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Mick Murray

17.01.2022 FOUR WEST AUSTRALIAN STORIES UNCOVERED, THAT MAY OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN LOST... How did Mr John Joseph McCoo bring a "touch of originality" to his political campaign for Federal Parliament? What cruel blow fell Miss Kitty Farmer when she arrived in Australia?... What's so special about Topsy, who looks more like a big Newfoundland dog than a pony? Why did John Stephenson want a divorce at aged 80 years? Thanks to the State Library's extraordinary photographic collection and the magic of Trove, we can bring these WA stories back to life. Perhaps there is a WA story, character you know of to share? ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow WAtoday.com.au Museum of Perth Heritage Perth Trove Lost Perth Familyhistory WA - FHWA The History of Perth Royal Western Australian Historical Society Perth Reflects Western Australia 6PR Breakfast State Records Office of Western Australia

17.01.2022 DISRUPTED NIGHTS There is a saying that There’s nothing better than live music. It’s raw energy, and raw energy feeds the soul. What are your memories of good times, boozing and schmoozing in Perth’s live music scene? Did you have a favourite band or venue? ... Do the Cheap Nasties, The Fingerprints, The Clicks, The Plants or The Victims, sound familiar? Just some of the Western Australian bands immortalised in the State Library's photographic collection. Join us to celebrate WA’s rich musical history at the Disrupted Festival of Ideas, where an all-star group will perform a set live in the Perth Cultural Centre at 8:30pm. FREE EVENT. Click here for more information - https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/events2020/wa-superband ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow News Talk 6PR 882 WAtoday.com.au AC/DC The Triffids Official

17.01.2022 32 WOODSOME STREET, MOUNT LAWLEY Welcome to the home of Herbert Frank Roper, his wife Gertrude and daughter Grace. Frank was the Manager of Cook’s Tourist Bureau in Forrest Place - The Hub of Travel. He was also a photography enthusiast and captured these intimate photographs of his family between 1923 and 1935. ... Images that have been carefully preserved and digitised by the State Library of WA. Providing a rare insight into middle-class life in Mount Lawley at the time. I'm fascinated by the titles of the books on the book shelf. Amused by Grace's 'blankie' moving from one photograph to the next. The use of the hankie as a fashion accessory and bemused by the Kelloggs Corn Flakes packet on the mantlepiece! What can you see and what can we learn from photographs like these about how we approach the future? Today is World Digital and Preservation Day. A day when individuals and libraries, like the State Library of WA, come together to celebrate the positive impact digital preservation and sharing can have on our future, as well as connecting us with our past. A contemporary example of digital collecting is the State Library's collection related to COIVD-19 https://bit.ly/3mVdhsq Outback Family History Familyhistory WA - FHWA ABC Perth The West Australian Mount Lawley, Western Australia #WDPD2020 Australian Library and Information Association National Library of Australia

16.01.2022 A GRAND GESTURE In 1914, Mr J.T. Ruttle of the Perkolilli Station, offered the use of Lake Perkolilli for a motor gymkhana, to the Goldfields Motor Club. The lake, seven miles out of Kanowna, was a combination of terracotta clay, two miles across, as hard and flat as a billiard table. A perfect surface on which to race "being almost impossible to slide or skid."... The offer was quickly accepted and details for a grand motor picnic on Lake Perkolilli, were discussed at a well-attended club meeting at the Criterion Hotel. The unique event on May 31 would include races for cars, motor cycles and side cars, speed tests and numerous novelties of an exciting and humorous nature. A week before the meet, a working bee set out from the club to the Lake, to lay and mark out the courses. The event was advertised in the Kalgoorlie Miner with the promise of a huge program of "thrilling speed events". On the day, the road to the lake from Kalgoorlie and Kanowna presented rather an unusual sight - clouds of dust dotted at fairly regular intervals when viewed at a distance. There were about 38 cars present on the lake and about 300 people in all A great number of them coming in sulkies and on bicycles. Everyone in the best of spirits. The racing was of "an exciting character", and "some very fast times were put up as a consequence of daring riding round the circular course, which measured one and three-quarter miles". Laps being done by the 7 hp Indian and 6 hp Henderson, at the speed of over a mile a minute. There were only minor mishaps a dislocated wrist in a fall, a seized piston preventing one machine from racing and a lost silencer off a Douglas Motor Cycle (reported in the 'lost and found' section of the Kalgoorlie Miner a few days later). The day was "voted by all the fair sex present" (about 150 in all) as the best day’s outing ever spent on the fields, and there was "no lack of lady passengers anxious to take a seat in the racing cars". Throughout the 1920's and 30's, Lake Perkolilli, became known as one of the best natural race tracks in the world. Thousands of motor racing enthusiasts raced around its circuit to loud applause. Sadly World War II put an end to the legendary races as fuel and men became scarce. Note - This commentary has been sourced from articles appearing in WA newspapers at the time using the magic of Trove. It provides an insight into the event at the time but is not intended to be a definitive history. Take a moment to enjoy these images from the State Library's collection... RAC WA ABC Goldfields-Esperance Triple M Goldfields Kalgoorlie Miner Motor Museum of Western Australia Western Australia WA Sporting Car Club Vintage Sports Car Club of WA Wanneroo Raceway Motorsport Australia Australia's Golden Outback Motor Racing Australia - MRA Outback Family History History Council of Western Australia Red Dust Revival 2019 at Lake Perkolilli

15.01.2022 "My father and I face off on several occasions throughout our intertwining lives. He gets the better of me each time, and not just on the matter of animals transmitting deadly diseases. Everything is debatable. And potentially catastrophic. Friendship, love, education, employment. Everything can be done another way. His way. The only way. There are no visible signposts to anything my father considers acceptable. Eventually I run away, although this is not what I think I am do...ing at the time. I see it as growing up. Moving out of home. Getting married. Leaving the country." Centre for Stories brings us the charming Journal entry from Rashida Murphy about cats, Inspector Gadget and the complicated relationship with her father. Rashida Murphy is a writer, poet, reviewer, blogger and had a short-lived career as a pen seller. She runs workshops on writing and aspects of culture, race and identity, and mentors emerging writers of colour. In 2016 she was the joint winner of the Magdalena Prize for feminist research for her thesis which included her first novel The Historian’s Daughter. Rashida was also a judge for the 2019 Western Australia Premier’s Book Awards. Currently, she is working on a new novel as well as a collection of short stories. #readthisandbesmarter UWA Publishing Edith Cowan University (ECU) https://centreforstories.com/story/journal-rashida-murphy/

15.01.2022 WATCH AND LEARN We see homelessness every day people sleeping rough on the streets, in parks, under bridges and in cars. At the recent SLWA Disrupted Festival of Ideas, a panel of experts explored some of the big issues around homelessness the root causes, the current actions and the ways we can all drive change for a better future. Could a future without homeless be a very real possibility? Are we really committed to this? What would be the cost?... Watch the discussion here - https://bit.ly/2JgoLbn Image: Frederick and Magdelina Slade evicted from their Maylands home Photograph | 1929. Available at Online (Call number: 048909PD) You can read their story here - https://bit.ly/39g0Ofr Shelter WA Uniting WA WACOSS The Salvation Army Australia Real Talk with James McHale Peter Tinley AM Department of Communities Simone McGurk MLA The West Australian ABC Perth Ruah

15.01.2022 TIME TO VOTE Western Australia was the last colony to vote on whether or not to accept Federation on 31 July 1900. On the day before, little else was talked about in the streets. The tram-cars, buses and shops were full of Federation and anti-Federation chatter. ... Posters on the topic stared from different hoardings and out of shop windows. Men, women and children sported the Federal colours of blue and white, or in the opposition ribbons of red, white and blue. A large float gaily decorated with a monster reproduction of the Federal League’s Federation map, and filled with a powerful brass band, drove through the Perth streets discoursing patriotic airs. On the eve of the vote, a "formidable array of speakers" was brought out by the Federal League at Queen’s Hall. While in the Town Hall, a Federation debate was carried on with "great vigour", under the auspices of the National League. On voting day polling commenced at 9am and continued until 7pm. It was a day combined with showers, rain and growing excitement. WA was one of only two states where women were allowed to vote in the referendum. Indigenous Australians, Asians, Africans and Pacific Islanders were not permitted to vote unless they owned property. (WA Electoral Commission) As soon as the polling booths closed, a large crowd gathered in front of the West Australian office. Lit by three electric lights, a large board had ben erected to display the voting results as they were telegraphed in, from across WA. The first return to come in to a "hearty cheer" was Mooranoppin (north east of Kellerberrin), showing five to one in favour of the yes vote. "Wild jubilance" and "intense enthusiasm" followed, as the votes came in strongly in favour of Federation. Over the next few days the world will be abuzz with the result of the US elections. What will it mean for Australia, our region, the world and perhaps even democracy itself? A panel of experts moderated by Geoff Hutchison will discuss what happened at the Disrupted Festival of Ideas Saturday 7 November - https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/events2020/us-election. Note - This commentary has been sourced from newspaper articles appearing in WA newspapers on 31 July and 1 August 1900. It provides an insight into the event but is not intended to be a definitive history. The West Australian ABC Perth ABC Australia David Templeman MLA ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt ABC Goldfields-Esperance ABC Great Southern ABC Pilbara Geraldton Guardian ABC South West PerthNow WAtoday.com.au 7NEWS Perth 9 News Perth 10 News First Perth News Talk 6PR 882 State Records Office of Western Australia

15.01.2022 Westerly Magazine bring us Tony Birch’s short story ‘Sissy’. Professor Tony Birch is a renowned Koori writer and academic. He was the first recipient of the 2015 Dr Bruce McGuinness Indigenous Research Fellowship at Victoria University. Tony’s writing has been published both in Australia and internationally. His works include Shadowboxing (2006), Father’s Day (2009), Blood (2001), The Promise (2014) and Ghost River (2015). His most recent book, The White Girl, is the winner of the 2020 NSW Premier’s Award for Indigenous Writing. https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

14.01.2022 Have you ever heard of, been to or lived in Nungarin? Let us take you there... Your State Library is featuring WA regional towns on its Facebook Page. It's an opportunity to share stories and connect with old friends. Share your memories in the comment section of this post. Recently featured towns include Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Busselton, Mandurah, Port Hedland and Broome. Nungarin is located 278 kilometres from Perth, in the north east of the Wheatbelt. The meaning of the na...me is uncertain but one plausible explanation is that it derived from 'nungoo', meaning 'to see'. Nungarin's traditional owners are the Njaki Njaki Nyoonga people. Their relationship with the area spans over thousands of years. In October 1910, 1,486 acres were set aside as a townsite reserve along the Dowerin to Merredin railway. Nungarin was gazetted in 1912. The local hall was built in 1919 and became a hub of social activity. In 1921 the Nungarin Hall Committee decided to replace the Hall's old fashioned oil lamps, with modern lighting. According to the Merredin Mercury at the time, to meet the cost, a social and dance was held. The hall was prettily decorated by members of the Committee. There was a jumble sale and a raffle. Trade at the ice-cream stall was "more than brisk and the returns substantial." The Ladies of the Nungarin Red Cross, "always willing helpers", prepared and served an excellent supper at their own expense, save the meat kindly supplied by Thick Bros. There was a long program of dances. Mr W.Allen in "undisputed possession of the piano" and Mr W. Waterhouse "ably discharged the duties of MC". Dancing was kept up until the "witching hour," when the assemblage disappeared, well pleased with the night's doings. The takings of 41 sufficed to allow "the new light to diffuse its brilliancy unshaded by debt". In 1922 a large fire destroyed Messrs Thomas and Thick's store along with the post office and the manager's residence of the Nungarin Farmers Cooperative Society. In 1932 the Wheat Pool of Western Australia announced that the town would have two grain elevators, each fitted with an engine, installed at the railway siding. During World War II Nungarin was an important army ordnance camp. Selected as it was outside the range of Japanese carrier-based aircraft, and was readily accessible by the rail network. In the post-war era it was the site of large disposal sales. Today Nungarin has a population of around 140 people, serving the surrounding area producing wheat and other cereal crops. ABC Perth The West Australian The Woolshed Hotel Nungarin Nungarin CWA Nungarin Community Resource Centre ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt Triple M Central Wheatbelt Australia's Golden Outback Humans of the Wheatbelt

14.01.2022 Today's 'read this and be smarter' piece is from our friends Westerly Magazine. It's Meena Rani by Smriti Ravindra. Smriti Ravindra is a Nepali writer based in Mumbai, India, whose book, co-authored with Annie Zaidi, A Bad Boy’s Guide to a Good Indian Girl was published in 2010. Just click here for a good short read - https://westerlymag.com.au/readthisandbesmarter/

14.01.2022 "I was thinking about the GPS in my car. It never gets annoyed at me. If I make a mistake, it says, Recalculating. And then it tells me to make the soonest left turn and go back. I thought to myself, you know, I should write a book and call it Recalculating because I think that that’s what we’re doing all the time, that something happens, it challenges us and the challenge is, OK, so do you want to get mad now? There’s a fork in the road here. I could become indignant; I... could flame up this flame of negativity; or I could say, Recalculating. I’ll just go back here. From 'We Humans' page providing helpful and sage advice. Recalculating... #readthisandbesmarter https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-find-your-bearings-in-a-crisis/

13.01.2022 AUSLAN INTERPRETED DISRUPTED EVENTS All the talks and panels on the Main Stage and the State Library Level 1 Stage will be Auslan interpreted including the Virtual Fireside Yarn and the WA Disrupted Supergroup! Disrupted Festival of Ideas discussions from disrupting the hierarchies in the arts to the future of sport and the power of outdoors in a COVID-19 world - with Access Plus WA Deaf Auslan interpreters.... Saturday 7 November 10am - 9:30pm at the Perth Cultural Centre and State Library of Western Australia. Much of the day will also be live-streamed for our country friends. You can download the program, festival map and see the stage timetable in the link below. https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/explore Access Plus WA Deaf Western Australia Deaf Recreation Association & Social WA Disabled Sports Association Inc Deafness Council W.A. Better Hearing Australia WA HealthyWA WADA - WA Deaf Arts

13.01.2022 A QUESTION FOR YOU If you could go anywhere now, by train, plane, boat, bus or automobile... where would you go and why? Image:... Young woman posing seated on a suitcase Illustrations Ltd. Photograph | 1965? Available at Online (Call number: 115364PD) ABC Perth The West Australian Western Australia Tourism Council Western Australia Flight Centre Australia HelloWorld

12.01.2022 KEEPING BUD'S SPIRIT STRONG Graham 'Polly' Farmer’s grandson, Cole (pictured) was close to his grandfather (Bud). In fact Bud and Narn briefly moved into a granny flat behind their daughter Kim’s home. Bringing with them remnants of 'Polly’s' medals, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, awards and photographs.... Growing up as a child in the stolen generation, Bud moved around a lot and few belongings made the whole journey. explained Cole. Bud wasn’t sentimental about physical possessions but he was aware of other's people's love of collecting. His values beyond the world of football, lay in family and encouraging education for Aboriginal children, as seen in Graham Polly Farmer Foundation. It was 'Polly's' wish that his personal mementos be auctioned off to the public and when the time came, it was Cole who discovered and brought things together. One memento that Cole did decide to keep, was his grandfather's East Perth Lifetime member pin, which he sometimes wears to games. Unlike his grandfather, Cole doesn't play football but he is incredibly proud and grateful for his grandfather's achievements. "Bud was a stoic man of few words. He was a trail blazer for Aboriginal football players and a magnificent person who makes me want to be the best version of myself." "I am connected to Bud in my life every day. He guides my decisions and I am tremendously lucky for the personal opportunities I have been given." "When I was younger I thought the attention on me, because of my relationship to 'Bud', was a bit crass but it's actually an important way to connect people with Aboriginal culture, storytelling and a platform to shed light on The Graham Farmer Foundation." According to Cole, the stories and yarns about 'Polly' help keep his grandfather's spirit strong. "Every time I see a new video or photo it's a sweet, new experience" he says. On display now on the third floor of the State Library of WA (and pictured in the comments below), the Black Swan guernsey worn by 'Polly' during WA’s famous defeat of Victoria at the 1961 national carnival. The jumper was recently donated to The Graham Foundation by another football legend, John Schultz, who was Farmer’s opponent in the ruck on that day. ABC Perth ABC Indigenous AFL WAFL The West Australian PerthNow Perth Cultural Centre David Templeman MLA

11.01.2022 Please note that from midnight tonight until approximately 9am tomorrow morning, the State Library of WA's catalogue will not be accessible while undergoing routine maintenance. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. Image from the SLWA: Waiting room in Perth Hospital... Illustrations Ltd. Photograph | 1932? Available at Online (Call number: 101856PD) See more

10.01.2022 RARELY SEEN GEMS OF ALBANY 1870-1925 In February 1903 the 'WA Record' wrote... 'Surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, the town of Albany nestles by the side of Mount Clarence and completes a picture of quiet harmonious beauty whose equal is not to be found in the whole of Western Australia. ... Hills "all rich with blossomed trees", wrote the paper, "with peeps of lovely coves between; well made roads, whose points embrace all that is attractive scenic beauty, quaint, criss-cross streets, and here and there an old-fashioned residence embowered in stately trees, and one of the most delightful climates imaginable." Albany is an ideal place for children too, the wide stretch of sand at Middleton Beach where the little ones can paddle all day long in the shallow waters that beat so gently all along the shore of this lovely seaside resort. It is not a wildly hilarious place and those seeking daily excitement, will never appreciate Albany. But to others to whom the simply pleasures of life appeal, Albany's quiet beauty will take possession of them.' The town of Albany is WA's oldest colonial settlement (1826). It is situated in the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar region of Noongar booja country. The Menang people have lived in this part of booja since the Nyittiny creation times. Albany has a rich history. There are over 1,500 digitalised images of the now City of Albany in the State Library's catalogue Take a moment to enjoy a selection taken between 1870 and 1925. Love history and WA stories? Follow us on Facebook. ABC Great Southern Albany Farmers Market Western Australia Albany Advertiser Albany Visitors Association Historic Albany Foundation Rotary Club of Albany City - Western Australia The City of Albany

10.01.2022 HORSE TALES Have you ever heard of a rocking horse that could canter and gallop? Or about the man who rode from Melbourne to Sydney on a rocking horse in 1938? Did you have a rocking horse growing up? A hobby horse? An imaginary horse? Share your memories and photos here.... Images from the State Library's collection and newspaper stories thanks to the magic of trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/ ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow ABC Australia ABC Kids Community Museum of Perth Lost Perth WAtoday.com.au Horseland Perth Playgroup WA

08.01.2022 "I remember the first day, how I looked down, hoping you wouldn't see me,... and when I glanced up, I saw your smile shining like a soft light from deep inside you...." As the first week of Term 4 comes to a close the Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine brings us this timely piece. #readthisandbesmarter https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58830/ode-to-teachers

08.01.2022 AN ODE TO ROCKINGHAM 1953 'Where the simmering tide and gentle breeze Lends enchantment lazy and careless, Where the blue waters rest, from the open seas... And distant reefs show in their bareness; Where the call of the sunshine and glistening sands Finds children happy in frolic And glorious fresh air, is Nature's plan To make life's beauty exotic. Where cloudless skies and moonlight nights When peaceful waters, ebb the shore, Where stars stud the heavens, like gems alight And yon, distant, the breakers roar. Ah! Yes it's a place - a place and a half To be carefree, healthy and bright, A place to be cheerful, to sing and to laugh All day and into the night. That's Rockingham, folk, the town by the sea Where worries are seldom and few. So make it a date, it's never too late This is Rockingham calling to you.' (An extract from a poem printed the Coastal Districts Star, Thursday 8 October 1953. Full version here thanks to the magic of Trove - https://bit.ly/37JgfdR) Now take a moment to enjoy these images of old Rockingham from the State Library’s collection... and for more great images and WA stories join the State Library on Facebook. ABC Perth Rockingham Foreshore Weekend Courier - Rockingham City of Rockingham Local Government Family History Society of Rockingham & Districts Inc Mark McGowan Madeleine King MP Rockingham News CWA Rockingham David Templeman MLA WA Government

07.01.2022 ‘my mouth is filled with an indelible flavour: the perfect balance of sweetness with a slight tart aftertaste. It is the gateway berry, the one I will chase for the rest of my life the flavour of my childhood. Barclay Bram chases food memories whilst learning Sichuanese cooking in Chengdu, China. Short memoir from Granta What is a flavour or food memory from your childhood?... @Readthisandbesmarter https://granta.com/cooking-from-memory/

07.01.2022 Have you ever heard of, been to or lived in Kwinana? Let us take you there Your State Library is featuring WA regional towns and suburbs on its Facebook Page. It's an opportunity to share stories, old and new photos and connect with old friends. Recently featured Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Busselton, Mandurah, Wittenoom and Kalgoorlie. Kwinana lies about 38 kilometres south of the Perth within the lands of the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land who have inhab...ited the area for many thousands of years The district gets its name from the SS Kwinana, which broke its mooring at Garden Island and drifted across Cockburn Sound onto Kwinana Beach in 1922. The resting hulk of the steam ship was eventually cut down to low water level and the centre filled with limestone to form a platform as part of the old Kwinana jetty. Kwinana is Kimberly Aboriginal for either young woman or pretty maiden. The residential part of Kwinana was planned in the early 1950s by the State Government to accommodate the development of industry in the area. Many of the families that moved there were new migrants of Anglo Celtic descent. Neighbourhoods were named after early sailing ships, streets after passengers and crew. Wells Park was named in honour of the then post-mistress, Mrs Clara Wells, who in 1922 first marked mailbags Kwinana Wreck at her general store opposite the wreck. The industrial giant BP (then the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company) arrived in Kwinana 1952. BP was followed by many other associated petro-chemical companies and other industries. In 1960 His Excellency Governor Malcolm McClusker declared Kwinana a City. Today the Kwinana Industrial Area generates billions of dollars each year for the WA economy. It is also one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse municipalities in the Perth region. In 2006 over 42% of its population were born overseas. Your State Library has many interesting aerial photographs of Kwinana taken over the years which may interest you - https://bit.ly/2F0ZIHG Source - City of Kwinana ABC Perth The West Australian Kwinana Chat Roger Cook Kwinana, Western Australia, Australia Kwinana Senior High School Sound Telegraph PERTH NOW AND THEN City of Kwinana

06.01.2022 THE GHOST AND I A Western Australian Ghost Story that otherwise may have been forgotten... 'A church ball was to take place in Carnarvon and I was naturally very excited about it all, having had sent from Perth a new dress for the occasion. ... My sisters ironed and hung it on the clothesline to air, before they set off to help with preparations for the ball later that evening. When I arrived home from work I wasn’t sorry to have the house to myself, likewise the dressing table. Having had my bath, I went out into the backyard to get my dress, but to my amazement it was no longer hanging on the line! I searched everywhere but could find no trace of it. Furious I slipped on an old dress and sought out my sisters to see if they had played a joke on me. But they were really surprised when I told them, so I knew that someone had stolen it. I could have gone to the ball, as I had several nice dresses, but perhaps it was the Irish in me that made me lose my temper and I stayed home. I decided that the best place to forget my anger and unhappiness would be in bed. At last I fell asleep. I don’t know how long I slept, but I was awakened by a tapping beneath my window. So frightened, my heart felt it would at any moment pump its way through my body. I then let out an awful scream, followed by another and yet another, and my eyes nearly popped out when I saw something flapping against the window. A white ghostly shape framed its head in the window, then dropped down out of sight. I could stand it no longer so I got out of bed, my teeth chattering with fright. Finding a wrap I hastily put it on, deciding to make a bulldog rush out of the front door, anywhere away from the house and that flapping white ghost. Opening the door I almost dived on to the front verandah and ran down the cement path leading to the front gate. Half way to the gate my blood almost became frozen in my body for there on the lawn was the white ghost. Flap! Flap! The same horrible noise that I had heard at my window. What it was that made me turn and look back at the ghost after I had passed through the gate, I do not know. Perhaps it was that I had a least the fence between it and myself. Anyway I did look back, and there as I looked through the darkness I saw a white goat with MY dress tangled and twisted on the end of his horns!' (Source - 'The Ghost!' Western Mail, 7 January 1937) ABC Perth Carnarvon, Western Australia Gascoyne Hotel Carnarvon

06.01.2022 "OLD CHARLIE"- A LITTLE GEM FROM THE 1930'S There was once a painter in Perth, who worked 40 hours a week and did all his work in the dark! Known by the Traffic Department and to police as "Old Charlie", he was possibly the only painter in the West that painted between the hours of midnight and 7am.... Charlie was a boon to motorists and pedestrians. His job... to paint the hundreds of white lines around the city streets, footpaths and around the "bad bends" of Mounts Bay Road. So while others were sleeping, Charlie was at work, "for a rushing motor car passing over his freshly painted white lines, would spoil the job." Charlie did not have to get down on all fours with a paint brush and paint by hand, as many people may have imagined. Instead he used a patent device to draw the lines. He simply turned on the tap on the device and wheeled it along, ensuring the lines were not too thick or thin. The cleaner the road, the better the result. While not for everybody, Charlie found his job interesting and took great pride in it. After all it was not everyone that could make straight lines in the dark". Even the Perth policemen on their beat would occasionally take a lesson from "Old Charlie" on line drawing. From time to time "pushing his pram", Charlie mistaken for the hot-pie cart of other days and hailed down. But there was "no sitting-down with this painter, for he had to keep on the move to preserve his white lines against the wear and tear of the city traffic." Note - This commentary was sourced from the Article "Works in the Dark" which appeared in The Truth, Sunday 1 June 1930. It provides an insight into the event at the time but is not intended to be a definitive history. For more stories about WA characters who may otherwise have been forgotten, join the State Library on Facebook. Image: Old Charlie paints white lines on the road in Perth Photograph | 1930. Available at Online (Call number: 233092PD) ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow Perth, Western Australia Museum of Perth Lost Perth Heritage Perth City of Perth Mainroads WA

06.01.2022 EVEN MORE DELIGHTFUL THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MAY GIBBS... INCLUDING SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT THAT HAPPENED TO HER ON HER FIRST VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA. May Gibbs was only four years old, when she was "packed hurriedly along with her small brother and some odds and ends" and put on board a ship called the Hesperus. It took three months from England to reach her father, who was waiting for them "in the wilds of Franklin Harbour" in South Australia. As they crossed the I...ndian Ocean, May's mother gave birth to her youngest brother. It was 1881. The Gibbs family's first home was a log hut built by May's father. Years later May used to joke that had her mother been more patient, and not in such a rush to see her husband, that a letter telling of ants, red dust, heat and the difficulties of life in the bush would have come, and the gumnut babies would have never existed! While she loved Australia, May still called England "home" in 1925. "London is a magic word to me and England sounds sweeter than the name of any other country." she wrote. "However", she added, "if you scratch me, a strong scent of eucalyptus will fill the air." In everything May saw, she could see a drawing or a painting. In the Australian bush she saw "a new kind of fairyland where she saw 'Snugglepot' and 'Cuddlepie, the Banksia men, the Flower Babies, the Tree-Woggs, the Rock-bocks, and other creatures." Posted here (top right) - Souriante (self portrait, smiling) - created by May in 1923. Fellow Australian children's writer and illustrator 'Pixie O'Harris' (Mrs B. Pratt) described May at the time, as "fairly tall, of medium weight, with dark hair, a lean artistic face and keen eyes. Her voice... firm and refined". The State Library of WA in partnership with the Awesome Arts Festival and the WA Ballet, is delighted to invite you, your family and friends to the May Gibbs' Gumnut Babies Exhibition. Now on at the State Library until 1 November. FREE ENTRY. Love stories like these? Then follow the State Library of WA on Facebook. Source - Trove. Image from the May Gibbs Archive, State Library of NSW Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance, 2020 ABC Perth PERTH and W.A from 1950 to 2000 The West Australian South Perth Historical Society West Australian Ballet Awesome Arts Art Gallery of Western Australia May Gibbs' Nutcote May Gibbs Western Australia PerthNow Perth School Holidays City of South Perth Shire of Harvey Harvey, Western Australia Harvey Visitor Centre

05.01.2022 LUNCH HOUR The poet threaded his way through Perth's lunch-hour throng in 1945. The sullen heat of noonday clinging stickily to his person and simmering around him. The thought of crowding into a hot eating house made him shudder, so instead he sought a place "where peace and at least an illusion of coolness might receive him". ...Continue reading

04.01.2022 SNAKE VERSUS MOTOR CAR A dugite can kill a man in twenty minutes after biting him, but it can't fight a motor car! In 1929 Mr Fred Hansen of Wembley Park, backed his car over a dugite "adventurously writhing" across the intersection of Thomas Street and Heytesbury Road. The car won.... The dugite was "a fine fat five-footer, but the tyres of the car had more effect on the poor thing, than one of Count Zarynoff's aeroplane spins and dumps." In the summer of 1929 snakes in Perth seemed more plentiful, daring and adventurous than usual. The public was warned to "keep an eye open for the reptiles", as they emerged from their winter sleep. Quite a number had been caught "adventuring in populated parts" and were a "source of deadly danger" for playing children. The Curator of the Perth Museum at the time, a Mr Glauert, was particularly keen to determine as far as possible, the snake population and the various species in the metropolitan area. He asked that "anyone who may kill a snake bring it to the museum to have it identified". Do you have a 'snake story' to share? Note - This commentary was sourced newspaper articles using the magic of Trove. It provides an insight into the event at the time but is not intended to be a definitive history. ABC Perth PerthNow The West Australian POST Newspapers WAtoday.com.au

04.01.2022 FREE LIVE CONCERT AT DISRUPTED 2020 Music lovers will be in for a treat at this year's Disrupted Festival on 7 November in the Perth Cultural Centre. A FREE outdoor concert of WA songs from the last five decades. Songs in the set will include iconic tracks from Dave Warner, The Triffids, The Waifs, Eurogliders, Drapht, Tame Impala, Jebediah and The Stems.... The supergroup curated by the SLWA's Dr Adam Trainer, will be led by Luke Dux (guitar) with Tara John (keys), Malcolm Clark (drums) and Vanessa Thornton (bass). Guest vocalists will perform each track including Dom Mariani, Lois Olney, Lucy Peach, Queency and Johnny Young. It’s a perfect opportunity to show off the depth and breadth of music which has come out of WA and celebrate how the State Library collects WA musical content as part of its collecting focus. Also part of Disrupted's evening entertainment, a virtual fireside yarn with Ron Bradfield Jnr a saltwater man of the Bardi people and an impressive 30 minute sound and light projection. The annual Disrupted Festival of Ideas is a FREE EVENT for all ages. proudly brought to you by the State Library of WA. All welcome. No bookings required. To find out more go to https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/ Image - a collage of Disrupted's 2020 evening program. ABC Perth The West Australian The Court Connections Nightclub The Rechabite Mega Music PerthNow WAtoday.com.au X-Press Magazine Crescendo Music Perth, Western Australia Northbridge, Western Australia City of Vincent City of Vincent Library Community News - Perth POST Newspapers Propel Youth Arts WA

03.01.2022 READING TO CHILDREN HELPS THEM BECOME SCHOOL-READY Early exposure to books has many benefits for children - from greater confidence, to a broader vocabulary, to a higher IQ. The results are even greater when friends and family members are involved in reading time. Reading a bedtime story to a child six nights a week can put them almost a full year ahead of their peers when they enter school. To encourage imagination and early reading skills, parents, carers and children are invited to join the Open Book Club at the Disrupted Festival of Ideas on Saturday 7 November. Share your best-loved books and we’ll also select some of our favourites to read aloud and talk about. If you come to the babies and toddler sessions, we’ll be ready with plenty of songs and rhymes. https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/events2020/open-book-club

03.01.2022 Did you have chickens growing up? If "yes" then you may already know that the social hierarchy in a chicken yard is "as rigid as any at an army post". According to fowl scientists in 1946, each hen has a fixed position in the pecking roster.... No. 1 hen may peck all other hens but be pecked by none. No. 2 hen can peck all except No. 1 and may be pecked only by the latter. No. 3 hen at the bottom of the roster may be pecked by all but peck none. Roosters too have their pecking order, but with "lordly masculine privileges", may peck and attempt to mate with all hens. Or perhaps things have changed over the years. Today we’re sharing your stories and pics from the old hen house, memories of collecting eggs, prize fowls, yammering roosters and more also take a moment to enjoy these wonderful images from the State Library's collection. (Source - The Dowerin Guardian and Amery Line Advocate, Wyalkatchem, 13 December 1946) ABC Perth The West Australian Dowerin, Western Australia Shire of Wyalkatchem Wyalkatchem CRC Comp's Poultry and Birds Perth Poultry forum Backyard Poultry Magazine

03.01.2022 THE MAN WITH THE MISSING EYE William Norris Pickthall, was 32 when he looked over the deck railings of the Barrabool, at Fremantle and inspected the faces on the wharf looking up at the latest batch of "Pommies" arriving from the old Dart. It was the love of change and adventure that brought William to Australia in the late 1920's. With his mother's tears and blessing, he set sail across the sea "to the land of the brave and the free" with no encumbrances. A veteran of the G...Continue reading

02.01.2022 FREE KID'S ACTIVITIES at the Disrupted Festival of Ideas this Saturday November 7, between 10am - 4pm in the Perth Cultural Centre. No bookings required! See the full program here https://disrupted.slwa.wa.gov.au/ Activities presented by the likes of Awesome Arts, Scitech and Urban Indigenous, encourage children to contribute, create, play, share and imagine a better world. The Festival also includes insightful panels and conversations, live music and an amazing sound and l...ight projection show on the State Library facade. Make a date with Disrupted 2020.

02.01.2022 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!'... Two minute animated video from TED trying to make sense of the magnificent nonsense that is "Jabberwocky". Alice discovers the poem inside a book, inside the book "Through the Looking-Glass,and What Alice Found There". Very Jabberwocky indeed. Enjoy! #readthisandbesmarter #watchthisandbesmarter TED-Ed https://www.ted.com//lewis_carroll_jabberwocky_one_of_lite

02.01.2022 Another selection of "gems" from the State Library of WA’s photographic collection. This time by photographer, E.G Rome. Late of London and Melbourne, E.G Rome was a contributor to the Western Mail. Many of the wonderful images here, appeared in the newspaper in the early 1900's. Rome Studio was located at 631 Hay Street in West Perth, and specialised "in design work of every description", including indoor and outdoor photography". ... Take a moment to enjoy and please feel free to share "gems" of WA, from your personal collection. And for more wonderful images from the State Library of WA, follow us on Facebook. ABC Perth The West Australian Royal Western Australian Historical Society Museum of Perth Heritage Perth ABC Great Southern ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt

01.01.2022 MOTORISTS, MISS THIS! In May 1929, the Traffic Department placed a "Silent Policeman" on the corner of Kings Park Road and Thomas Street. Little did they know that something "the size of an ordinary bowler hat," could cause so much agitation.... The reporter at the Truth newspaper was deeply concerned about the new traffic hazard. Betting that before too long, this "Silent Cop" would be "the means of killing some motorcyclist, or causing damage to a motor car or horse drawn vehicle." "If a horse stumbles over it, or motorcyclist not using every precautionary method of riding comes in contact with it, it will be a case of "Good night" he wrote. Built of steel and thick glass reflectors, Subiaco's "Silent Policeman" was one of a few in Perth. Another had already incurred Cottesloe Council damages, when a cyclist hit it in Eric Street. Just two months later, Subiaco's "Silent Policemen" was gone. Considerable discussion followed at a meeting of the Subiaco Council, over the action of the Traffic Department to remove it. Cr. Elfverson said he was sorry it was gone and had considered it a great boon to motorists. Cr. Boas contended that it was both sharp and dangerous, preferring the semi-circular traffic hazards in use in the Eastern States. "Speaking as one who hit it" interrupted Cr. Hancock "I'd say it was the most dangerous obstruction, for it was not clearly visible either day or night." At this stage the Mayor pointed out that the discussion was "out of order", as there was no motion before the chair, and the matter lapsed. Note - This commentary was sourced newspaper articles using the magic of Trove. It provides an insight into the event at the time but is not intended to be a definitive history.

01.01.2022 "Escudo is like Alice in Wonderland, home to dozens of species including a fruit-eating bat, an armoured rat and a worm salamander that are found nowhere else on earth. It is little wonder it has been compared to the Galapagos." TED Ideas brings us this fascinating article about the marooned pygmy sloths of Escudo. #readthisandbesmarter... https://ideas.ted.com/in-search-of-the-rare-and-ridiculous/