Bassendean, Western Australia


Bassendean, originally named West Guildford, is a northeastern suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its local government area is the Town of Bassendean.
It is also the name of the sand dune system on the Swan Coastal Plain known as the Bassendean Dune System.

History

The land along the Swan River was quickly divided as settlers arrived in the Swan River Colony. Guildford was established in 1829 and within three years all of its town lots had been sold. A government reserve to the west, across the river, was deemed suitable for a town site, and the town of West Guildford was established. After he purchased a nearby farm from the Stokes family, Colonial Secretary Peter Broun named the homestead Bassendean.
In 1922, West Guildford was renamed Bassendean.
Flooding in 1929 caused severe damage, especially to the primary school oval.
In December 1934, Bassendean Road Board held a referendum, seeking approval to borrow funds for the improvement of an area, known as Hays Swamp, on the edge of the townsite. The development would include a bowling green with floodlights, a croquet lawn, Bassendean Oval, tennis courts and provisions for other sports.

Rail heritage

Bassendean is home to the Western Australian Rail Transport Museum which opened in 1974. The display has a collection of steam and diesel locomotives, most of which have been restored to operating conditions. Also as part of the collection are a number of carriages and other equipment associated including the Zanthus station and a signal box from the Perth city station. The West Australian Model Railway Club is also housed within the complex. The display's centrepiece is a working scale model featuring engine characters from the children's series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.

Facilities

Cyril Jackson Senior High School was built in 1962, and was converted into Cyril Jackson Senior Campus in 1990 to provide specialised study for post high school students gaining entrance into university study.

Notable people