A thematic history of Western Australia released last night offers a powerful insight into some of the influences and challenges that have shaped the State into our modern society.
Commissioned by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, the Thematic History of Western Australia is designed to provide context to help understand the heritage value of places being considered for inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places.
The work covers everything from devastating disasters, political turmoil and social injustices, to sporting triumphs, entertainment trends and even dietary preferences.
With a focus on the last 200 years following British settlement, the document is the first work of its type to cover the whole of the State. It will be added to and revised over time as our understanding of the State’s heritage develops.
It provides a concise overview of WA framed across eight themes and is expressed through key stories and chronological periods. The themes draw on the environmental, economic, social, political and cultural influences throughout the State’s development.
It is an invaluable resource for practitioners and others within the heritage sector and a captivating read for anyone who enjoys delving into WA’s history and heritage.
The Thematic History was researched and authored for the Heritage Council by historian Clare Menck, who sadly passed away before it could be published, and leaves a lasting legacy for WA.
The document is available online at
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“The Thematic History of Western Australia is a publication for every Western Australian.
“Author Clare Menck had the rare professional challenge of bringing a place with the size and diversity of Western Australia into focus over centuries.
“The result is an honest – and often confronting – look at how the Western Australia we know today, came to be.
“Importantly, the thematic also acknowledges the arrival of Aboriginal people some 70,000 years ago, with their stories, culture and ongoing contribution to the State’s identity an important inclusion.
“This is a remarkable piece of work that has something for everyone and will guide the Heritage Council for many years in building a rich and meaningful State Register of Heritage Places.
“I congratulate the Heritage Council and pay tribute to Mrs Menck for bringing forward the real stories of the State of Western Australia into our own unique history.”
