Clockwise from top left: Chairman Ian Curlewis and Marlene Carter ('63); (l-r) Reverend Geraldine Nixon, Catherine Bock, Marlene Carter ('63), Reverend Joyce Polson, Bishop Kate Wilmot, Mrs Lynne Thomson, Hollye Wooding and Sarah Coopes at the opening; standing (l-r) Hollye Wooding, Sarah Coopes, Catherine Bock; sitting (l-r) Isabelle McKerracher, Charlotte Grose, Selina Spiers, Natika Riordan and; (l-r) Marlene Carter, Diana King, June Gardner, Helen Williams in Forrest Place 1963, donated by Marlene Carter ('63)
THE OPENING OF THE MARLENE CARTER HERITAGE CENTRE THE MARLENE CARTER HERITAGE CENTRE WAS OPENED BY MR IAN CURLEWIS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, AND DEDICATED BY THE RIGHT REVEREND KATE WILMOT, ON WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2015.
The Centre was named in honour of Marlene Carter (’63), an Old Girl, former President of the Old Girls’ Association 1988 – 1998, member of the Board of Governors 1996 – 1999, member of the Board of Management of the Foundation since 1989, a Trustee of the Foundation and Chair of the Bishop Riley Bequest Society. Marlene has also been a devoted supporter of the archives for many years, making numerous donations, facilitating other donations, helping with research and practical assistance. Marlene said, "The history of our school is rich and diverse, from its small beginnings in St Mary’s Church Hall in Colin Street, West Perth, to the beautiful wide open spaces and incredible facilities in Karrinyup. The St Mary’s archives preserves this long history and the stories of our students, staff, Old Girls and friends, and I am delighted that its new home has been named in my honour." The new Heritage Centre houses the extensive St Mary’s archives collection and provides a multipurpose curriculum and display room. The building was previously the old uniform shop, which underwent a custom-designed refurbishment and extension by Ferguson Architects. This makes the storage areas fireresistant and they are fitted with dehumidifying systems suitable for conservation. The office and workroom facilities now accommodate the needs of the collection to enable its preservation into the future.
Stephanie Neille, Archivist at St Mary’s, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to consolidate the school’s collection of photographs, minute books, publications, oral histories, maps and uniforms in the new heritage centre. "The Centre will be a new and exciting way to preserve the archives collection here at St Mary’s and will offer a wonderful opportunity for curriculum participation and involvement from the St Mary’s community in the heritage of the school. With the approaching centenary celebrations in 2021, the Centre will play a pivotal role in bringing the story of St Mary’s alive," Ms Neille said. The opening and dedication was attended by many friends of the archives, who were entertained by Year 3 students, Isabelle McKerracher and Charlotte Grose, recounting their experiences of participating in the Perth Then and Now programme, which incorporates the history of St Mary’s. The audience was also delighted to see Year 6 students, Selina Spiers and Natika Riordan, who were dressed in old St Mary’s uniforms of the era when Marlene Carter attended the school at the Colin Street, West Perth campus. Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the 2014 Annual Giving Building Fund; your support enabled us to best develop the Centre.
Archives Opening
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