See new side of Old Mill with Open House Perth

The Old Mill will offer tours of its previously inaccessible upper level and host a range of historical activities and games when it hosts Open House Perth on the weekend of 16-17 November.

Open House Perth is an annual event that encourages heritage buildings and other interesting sites to open their doors and showcase rare behind-the-scenes elements the public doesn’t usually get to see. 

The City of South Perth will participate in the event for the first time, opening heritage site the Old Mill, which is one of the state’s oldest and most recognised landmarks. 

Some visitors will even receive a visit from the ghost of Thomas ‘Satan’ Browne, former proprietor of the Mill during its "Pleasure Gardens" days in the late 1870s. He’ll have plenty to say about the current state of the Mill and Perth as we know it, in a performance by Genrefonix on Saturday night. 

Genrefonix is a local arts and music collective that combines experimental sound engineering and filmmaking techniques to create unique live events. Employing a strong gothic style, the creative team often focuses on bringing both real and imagined local histories to life through innovative and surprising multimedia experiences.

That evening there will also be a live band and refreshments to add to the atmosphere. 

In addition, the City will commemorate its commitment to research and the indigenous history of the site with a ceremony and presentation by Professor Simon Forrest of Curtin University on Saturday morning from 10am to open the event.

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner will read the stories at Storytime on Saturday at 11.30am, and is thrilled to have the Old Mill participating in state-wide event Open House Perth. 

“It’s great to have the City on the program for an event running across the CBD to showcase some of the most unique and interesting locations we have to offer,” Mayor Milner said. 

“The Old Mill is an iconic part of South Perth and reminds us how much things have changed in the past 100 years. I imagine ‘Satan’ Browne will have some interesting insights on how life has changed since his time, in what I expect will be a top-notch performance on the Saturday night. 

“We’re opening up the never before seen upper level of the mill to the people, and with the performances and games enhancing the atmosphere, it’s a great time to visit, whether you’re a first time visitor or a regular.”

The Old Mill is open as part of the Open House Perth event on Saturday and Sunday 16 and 17 November for this free event. Bookings are essential, via the Libraries page on the City's website.

For more information on the Old Mill – which can be visited from Thursdays to Sundays or booked for special events – visit the Old Mill page on the City's website.