23/08/2024
Today a group of Residents enjoyed an outing together, visiting Parliament House and being treated like Royalty, receiving scones and tea and a commemorative pin. The tour and talk was hosted by Jordy and Veronica and was a different experience to our previous visit.
During a slide show we learnt that Parliament House is affectionately known as the 'house on the hill' and is one of the oldest civic buildings in WA. July 28, 2024 marked the 120th anniversary of the completion of the original building.
Sir John Forrest was the state's first Premier, serving 1890 - 1901. During this time he oversaw the commencement of the construction of Parliament House, however due to two world wars and economic issues the house was not completed until 1964 and was a stark contrast to the initial design concepts created in the early 1900s, which were considered too palatial and the plans were rejected due to the building costs. A more simplistic and modern design was adopted to meet financial constraints.
We learnt that Edith Cowan, a remarkable woman, was the first woman parliamentarian in Australia, elected in March 1921 - 1924. She advocated strongly for women's rights, education and equality, migrant welfare, infant health centres, child endowment and s*x education in schools. She was responsible for campaigning for the er****on of King Edward Memorial Hospital for women.
In walking around the House we were able to take in the beautiful artwork, stain-glass, woodwork and timber throughout.
After the tour we travel to Karrinyup Shopping Centre to allow residents to experience the shopping precinct and have a bite to eat. It was a first time visit for a few of them. Florian contemplated taking a ride in the Alien Patrol, she is such a child at heart.