The Wanneroo Museum – From Gloucester Lodge to Rocca Way

The Wanneroo Museum previously operated out of Gloucester Lodge in Yanchep National Park, occupying the historic hotel from November of 1979 until 2005. Gloucester Lodge was recognised as a Museum on 6 June 1983 under the Museum Act of 1969. In 2005 the museum collection was relocated to storage as plans began on construction of a cultural centre in Wanneroo.

In July/ August 2009 the Heritage and Museum Services team have worked tirelessly to clean, pack and move the museum collection from its several locations to the completed Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre on Rocca Way.

The building meets the highest industry standards for collection storage and conservation including two large collection storage spaces, an exhibition preparation room, designated quarantine and wet conservation treatment rooms as well as a custom designed gallery space accessible to the public.

For further information on the history of Gloucester Lodge, visit the Wanneroo Museum to purchase a copy of the “Gloucester Lodge” booklet.

To view a brochure of the Wanneroo Regional Museum & Community History Centre click below:

Wanneroo Regional Museum & Community History Centre Brochure.PDF 

The Public Gallery

The Museum reflects the diverse communities that make up Wanneroo’s history through a range of exhibits, audio visual and interactive displays that are based on the central theme of “journeys”. This is epitomised by a reconstruction of Wanneroo Road, the lifeline of people living in Wanneroo reaching out to the rest of the metropolitan and the beginning of adventure for those travelling to Yanchep and beyond for holidays.

The museum features nearly 300 objects and a vast array of historic photographs to interpret life in Wanneroo as it evolved. The recollections of local residents interpret the regions journey from an open land of lakes and traditional Aboriginal lifestyle to an isolated community of pioneers, and its growth into a thriving centre of industry and a contemporary multicultural society.

Events

For current and upcoming events, visit the City of Wanneroo event page by clicking  here . 

Learning in the Museum

Children are encouraged to learn through engaging in their own market garden trade in the Children’s Space. They can pack and load vegetables into a market truck, make sales at the deli counter and get hands on with activities aimed at 3-8 year olds and their parents/guardians.

School Visits

Education Learning Programs have been developed around the theme, “Wanneroo – a Changing Landscape”. The programs are available for all primary school aged students and are developed in accordance with the WA Department of Education Curriculum Framework.

School tours aim to provide a high quality, and memorable learning experience for students, teachers and support staff. During the visit, students will journey through Wanneroo’s history to discover who the first settlers were in Wanneroo and how through the years, the changing land use has evolved and shaped Wanneroo into the diverse community of today.

Information for School Visits

Contact the Wanneroo Museum Education Officer:
Phone: 9405 5920
Or visit the Museum in person at: 3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo.

Other Heritage Education Opportunities at the City of Wanneroo

Donations to the Museum Collection

The Wanneroo Museum seeks to collect, document and conserve objects that record the history, culture and natural environment of the municipality and adjacent coastline, with interpretation of the collection promoting education, enjoyment and community participation.

In order to collect objects with the highest significance and to ensure the relevance of the collection the Wanneroo Museum aims to collect objects in accordance with the following criteria from the City of Wanneroo Museum Collection Policy.

1.1. Those objects that relate to the natural and human history of the Wanneroo area. New acquisitions should relate to the 1999 City of Wanneroo boundaries.

1.2. Objects that demonstrate and preserve the unique natural and human heritage of the area.

1.3. Objects that pertain to any person, family or group who were born, lived or established in the area and have made a contribution to local, state or national history.

1.4. Documentary materials that demonstrate the continuing social history of the area. Consideration should be given to these items being placed in the Community History collection.

1.5. Materials not directly related to the history of the area but reflecting the known social environment of the district that can be used in Education or Pioneer activities should not be accessioned but accepted only on the basis that future use and disposal is at discretion of City of Wanneroo or relevant committee.

1.6. Decisions regarding donations are to be made by the Curator in consultation with Heritage Officer and/or Manager Leisure & Library or nominated representative.

If you are interested in donating an object please contact the Wanneroo Museum on 9405 5920 and you will be directed to the Museum Curator.

Pre Donation Form

Community Showcase

As the Wanneroo Museum hopes to represent the community as accurately and fairly as possible, allowance has been made for community groups to display within the museum itself. A community showcase is available for hire whereby local organisations can put together small exhibitions reflecting their part in Wanneroo’s history.

The first exhibition being presented is by the Wanneroo Agricultural Society who is presenting 100 years of the Society in conjunction with the Centenary Show.

For enquiries regarding hire of the Community Showcase, please contact the Wanneroo Museum on 9405 5920.