Local Government
Victoria Park
Region
Metropolitan
5 Mackie St Victoria Park
Victoria Park
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1960
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
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| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 15 Jun 2021 | Management Category 3 | |
Victoria Park Senior Citizens Centre has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • The place has social value as a place of continual support and residence for elderly people of the Victoria Park community.
The Centre, located at 5 Mackie Street, is a single storey community building constructed of rendered masonry wall and corrugated steel roof in the contemporary architectural style. The Centre includes internal spaces suitable for a wide range of community driven services and activities.
The Senior Citizens Welfare Association of Victoria Park was founded in 1958 with support from the Perth City Council and Lotteries Commission in response to community pressure. It was the first of its kind in Western Australia (as distinct from Pensioner's Centre) and was used as a model for other communities. The Victoria Park Senior Citizens Welfare Centre was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Mr H Howard, in 1960. The Senior Citizens Association's purpose was to provide benevolent relief to the Senior Citizens of the Community. The Centre, which became known as 'The Homestead', was a former residence that was renovated to suit its new function. The Centre became the base for the Meals on Wheels programme and an attractive facility for social occasions such as dances, Keep Fit programmes, podiatry services and craft classes. In 1971, extensions to the Association's facilities were opened to include accommodation units for the elderly. In 1987 and 1990 further development led to a joint programme between the Senior Citizens group and Homeswest. This resulted in the J J Higgins Complex that was named in honour of the former President and Administrator of the Association. Higgins was also awarded Life Membership. In 1998 the Senior Citizens Welfare Association (Inc) managed a total of 70 housing units all within walking distance of the social centre, 'The Homestead'. Also in 1998, the role of President and Administrator was held by Ron Davies, former Member of Legislative Assembly. In 2020, Connect Victoria Park, formerly known as the Senior Citizens Welfare Association, is a wellestablished community organisation that provides opportunities for social connection for older people living in the local area and access to affordable housing. Other services include podiatry, hairdressing, hearing testing and volunteer tax assistance. Activities include carpet bowls, draft, bingo, coach tips, luncheons and musical concerts. Community groups using the facility include Leonard Old Time Dancing, the Country Women’s Association, Toastmasters and Victoria Park Community Yoga.
INTEGRITY: Medium AUTHENTICITY: Medium
Good
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU. 1996. Victoria Park Senior Citizens Welfare Association - Some Historical Notes. | Booklet | 1996 | |
| Davies, R. DU. | Oral Information | ||
| Gallop, G. 1990. Souvenir Programme Opening of Senior Citizens Welfare Centre. | Programme | 1990 | |
| AU. DU. History held at the Victoria Park Senior Citizens Centre Homestead. | Various |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Institutional Housing |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other Community Hall\Centre |
| Present Use | RESIDENTIAL | Institutional Housing |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.