Recent Stories
These stories come from the items in our collection.
Conservationist and naturalist
SLWA on ABC Radio
Dr Kate explores the life of Harry Butler (1930-2015). He was an Australian naturalist, environmental consultant and conservationist, best known for the ABC TV series "In the Wild" from 1976-81.
Noongar version of Better Beginnings Baby Ways book launched
Noongar version of Better Beginnings Baby Ways book launched
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Join Dr Kate with Professor Jane Lydon, the Wesfarmers Chair in Australian History at UWA, discussing some of the oldest and most precious treasures held within the State Library collections – daguerreotypes, an early form of photography.
SLWA on ABC Radio
Join Dr Kate as she explores the life and cultural legacy of WA writer Randolph Stow.
The Red Witch
SLWA on ABC Radio
Dr Kate explores the archives and writing of Katharine Susannah Prichard (1883-1969) with her biographer Dr Nathan Hobby. Katharine Susannah Prichard is one of Australia’s most beloved authors, who depicted a new vision of Australia within her writing.
SLWA on ABC Radio
Join Dr Kate as she delves into the Serventy family archives held by the State Library.
Joan a sex worker in the 1940s
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
ABC Perth radio interview with Jules Kim, the CEO of the Scarlett Alliance, about Joan who was a sex worker and ran brothels in Perth in the 1940s and 50s.
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Dr Kate and Julie Raffaele, discuss her research into the Smelters' Camp (aka Robb Jetty Camp) - a transient person's campsite that existed for over half a century (1898 to 1960) among the dunes of Cockburn Sound and was originally an Aboriginal gathering place.
Australia’s first female Labor parliamentarian
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Join Dr Kate as she explores the extraordinary life of May Holman, Australia’s first female Labor parliamentarian, a member of the WA Legislative Assembly from 1925 -1939.
Small towns & regional cities
Wongan Hills is located 185km from Perth in the Shire of Wongan – Balidu in the Wheatbelt region. The shire falls within the traditional lands of the Ballardong Noongar and Yued Noongar people.
Stories
To celebrate the Harmony Week theme 'Everybody Belongs', we are sharing the stories of the people that bring the Library's spaces to life.
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Sadie Canning (nee Corner) was Western Australia's first Aboriginal nurse. She was a member of the Stolen Generations and grew up at Mount Margaret Mission in the north eastern goldfields.