A celebration of heritage in South Perth

The City of South Perth is celebrating the annual Australian Heritage Festival by inviting the community to discover the rich and compelling history of their local area. Events and tours will run throughout April and May to showcase the City’s unique heritage and provide a deeper understanding of how well known attractions like Mends Street and the Old Mill have transformed over time. 

The Australian Heritage Festival, run by the National Trust, has become the country’s largest festival that celebrates built, natural and cultural heritage. This year’s theme is Our Heritage for the Future’, focusing on lived heritage as it evolves in the present.

On Friday 16 April, families are invited to see out the school holidays at the historic Old Mill with a ride on the driverless RAC Intellibus, robot games, virtual reality helicopter rescue, and transport technology activities. RAC Imagine Day will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm with activities starting every half hour. 

Mends Street After Dark is a local history walking tour with a difference. Participants will experience a rare look at the long forgotten past of Mends Street, with stories that will ensure you never look at the area in quite the same way again. Tours will be held 6 to 7pm every Friday evening from 23 April to 14 May.  

Another lesser-known story, the use of an Angelo Street building as an Air Raid Precautions Unit during World War II, will be uncovered at a local history talk on Thursday 29 April. 

An exhibition of photographic prints, A Question of Heritage by Valerie Schönjahn, will be on display at Box Gallery, Manning until 25 July. The works showcase ten historical buildings from around the City in contrasting natural settings that represent how the sites could have looked before construction. The exhibition can be viewed outside Manning Community Centre.    

Mayor Greg Milner said the City of South Perth has a fascinating past.

“Our City is a unique place to live. Discovering the stories of generations who lived here in the past is not only interesting, but a way to enrich our understanding and respect for the place we call home today. 

“Thanks to the City’s partnership with the RAC, we continue bring revolutionary experiences like the driverless RAC Intellibus and RAC Imagine Program to our community. 

“Usually only open to schools, we have expanded the RAC Imagine Program for everyone to enjoy at the Old Mill on Friday 16 April. It’s set to be a great family event that is both fun and educational, with a host of activities relating to the past and future of transport.”

See all City of South Perth Heritage Festival events.