Midland turns 125

Published on 20 October 2020

The City of Swan is celebrating Midland’s 125th anniversary with two days of talks, guided walks, displays and a Flash Cycles exhibition over the second weekend in November.

Midland was officially established in 1895, when the municipality was formally proclaimed as Helena Vale.

“Midland has a rich cultural history and I encourage locals and visitors alike to delve in to our weekend program and learn about our fascinating past," said City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey.

“From before permanent European settlement through to present day, our history makes us who we are.”

Amongst the highlights is a talk from renowned archaeologist Dr Shane Burke, who will share his knowledge about the Midland area before Europeans began permanent settlement.

Sporting enthusiasts can attend a talk from world champion cyclist Steele Bishop who grew up in the area and went on to represent Australia and set world records in cycling.

Midland and Districts Historical Society will host two guided walks; one focussing on the City’s civic triangle and the other guiding visitors through the local railway workshops.

A Flash Cycles exhibition from the Western Australia Historical Cycle Club will include a display of historic bikes, photographs and interviews, opportunities to record your own cycling story and more.

If you have a Flash Cycle, bring it with you to have it added to the club’s register and receive a commemorative registration tag.

You can also enjoy a series of displays focussing on Midland’s History at the Old Midland Courthouse.

Most events are free, with the guided walks and Flash Cycles exhibit requiring a gold coin donation.

Midland Guildford Ward Councillor Ian Johnson said Midland has been through many changes since it was established in 1895.

"You can learn more about this over the four day celebration of our history," he said.

“We are very lucky to be hosting a series of notable speakers who can shine a light on the lesser known aspects of our history."

Shane Burke, Senior Lecturer Archaeology and History, The University of Notre Dame explains the present township of Midland dates from the 1890s, but a careful analysis of the landscape reveals previous land uses from prehistoric and early colonial British periods.

“In my talk, I will examine the early use of the place we now call Midland, and discuss the physical attributes that tell us more about the area’s original Aboriginal and early colonial functions,” he said.

For more information, go to www.swan.wa.gov.au/events

 Pictured above: interior Of The Track Equipment Shop, Midland Railway Workshops, c.1947. Previously The Shell Forging Annexe who made shells during WWII.

 Pictured below: 50 Mile Race, Railway Reserve (now Centrepoint Shopping Centre), c.1923.