Richard Offen, CEO of Heritage Perth, describes the history of the gothic Victorian building on Adelaide Terrace that was once the Perth Girls’ Orphanage.
In 1829 the Swan River Colony was founded by Captain James Stirling and, although the population was small, by 1868 the colony already had children who were orphaned or destitute.
“Before 1868 in Perth any waifs and strays and orphans were generally put into the workhouse, but it was considered unsuitable, and early in 1868 the Sisters of Mercy set up a Catholic orphanage in Leederville, but that was strictly for the Catholics,” Mr Offen said.
“This galvanised the Church of England into forming a committee to create an establishment that would be for all the Protestant children who were orphaned or destitute.
“In 1868 the committee raised £400 and a large block of land with two comfortable cottages near the Causeway was purchased.
“On 1 June 1868, the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Swan River Colony, the Perth Orphanage was officially opened.”
The word Protestant was dropped from the name because the committee wanted to include any children who needed care.
The orphanage began with seven children but quickly grew, and by 1871 there were 27 girls and 24 boys in the building.
“Clearly times were pretty tough in Western Australia and there was a lot of need for help.
“The committee asked for the government’s help and in 1873 the government gave 29 acres of crown land out in Middle Swan.
“Three years later the boys moved out to the new boys’ orphanage on that site.
“In the 1890s the gold rush brought a huge increase in the population and that had a lot of social implications as well. Again the Perth girls’ orphanage was really creaking at the seams.”
Between 1899 and 1903 the Federation gothic building, with a chapel on the eastern side, was built, and the orphanage continued to house girls until 1942, when all the children were evacuated to the country.
“There was a real fear of attack from Japan,” Mr Offen said.
“Then the army took over this building and they had it for the duration of the war.
“In 1945 the title for the building was transferred from the Anglican Church to the Crown.”
Ever since the building has been used as offices by various government departments, including at one time, the Heritage Council of WA.
The old orphanage is now on the state heritage register and is considered a fine example of Federation Gothic architecture and a rare reminder of nineteenth century Perth in the city.
On 'What's all that about?' Kimberly Howie explores a hidden part of Perth's past, every Monday at 7.15am on 720 Breakfast.