Mary Lindsay Homestead: from coastal home to community culture hub

Following the construction and refurbishment works that were completed earlier this year, the homestead building has been used by groups including the Two Rocks Yanchep Culture and Arts Network (TRYCAN), who will host demonstrations and an exhibition during the open day.

Mayor Tracey Roberts will officially open the refurbished building which is steeped in local history.

“The original timber-framed house was built in 1926 by the Bunnings Brothers for the Honourable Mary Lindsay, daughter of Australia’s first Baronet,” Mayor Roberts said.

“It was the first permanent homestead constructed on that stretch of coastal land, with Mary Lindsay establishing the significant property – also known as Yanchep Estate - as a reserve.”

In 1955, the Wydgee Pastoral Company purchased the land from Mary Lindsay. The homestead was modified and passed into the hands of overseer Cecil Cockman and his family.

In 1969 the farm was sold to Alan Bond Corporation, commencing the Yanchep Sun City development project. Remaining under leasehold and tenanted until 2004, the property - inclusive of the homestead and surrounding area of public open space - was gazetted in 2006 as a Reserve and vested in the City of Wanneroo for community purposes.

The building now has gallery space with moveable walls, wet and dry areas for art projects, kitchen and an ‘artist-in-residence room’, with some of the original jarrah roof beams retained as part of the redevelopment.

The surrounding public open space is picturesque and has already become a favourite park amongst locals, with plenty of space and barbeques for gatherings, as well as play and fitness equipment.

To celebrate the opening, a time capsule has been prepared, which will be kept in the gallery and opened in 50 years.

The time capsule is a titanium cylinder, with the majority of items being scanned and burned onto a stone M-Disk, designed to last one hundred years.

“Some of the thousands of items include biographies and stories from long-term Yanchep residents, historical images, newspaper clippings, current items from the people using the centre and some wonderful drawings from students at Yanchep Lagoon Primary School,” Mayor Roberts said.

“It is remarkable to think that we will be adding another chapter to the history of the Mary Lindsay Homestead which will be uncovered in half a century.”

The City received a $750,000 grant from Lotterywest which went towards funding the $3.6 million project.

Event details: Friday 14 September 10am – 12pm (formalities at 10.30am) Capricorn Esplanade, Yanchep