Recent Stories
These stories come from the items in our collection.
Take a Chance on Me
Podcasts
Game Changers
At 17 years old Sandra was flying the flag for Australia and playing for the Matildas, shooting to fame when she scored Australia’s first international goal during her debut against New Zealand in 1979 and Australia’s first international hat-trick in 1980.
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Adam Trainer joins Sam Longley on ABC Radio to discuss a recent acquisition of rock legend Bon Scott's letters to the Library collection.
Aerial landscape photography
SLWA on ABC Radio
Richard Woldendorp AM (1927-2023) was a renowned Australian photographer known for his shots of Australian landscapes that have a painterly quality to them.
A Cossack pearling story
SLWA on ABC Radio
Dr Kate shares the incredible story of Jiro Muramats, his importing merchant business and his pearling ventures and role within the Cossack community
WA history
The State Library of WA recently acquired two previously unseen postcards from Bon Scott to his friend, Colin Moore. Local rocker Cal Kramer of The Southern River Band visited the conservation lab to be the first member of the public to read these incredible postcards.
1952 - 1956
SLWA on ABC Radio
The British conducted three nuclear tests on the Montebello Islands between 1952 and 1956. The final test was six times bigger than the Hiroshima bomb.
King Neptune reigns
WA history
When King Neptune's reign came to an end in 1990, it was a sad day for his subjects and fans of the once popular theme park. Images from Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks from the 1980's.
The WA women shaping the orchard industry
Podcasts
WA history
Podcast revealing the hidden backstory of the Lady Williams apple - hear from cultivator and innovator Maud Williams, Maud's family, Newton Orchards Director- Nic Giblett, author Jon Doust, Gina Pickering and Professor Susan Broomhall.
SLWA on ABC Radio
Dr Kate discusses the State Library’s collections relating to the LGBTQIA+ community in WA as part of PrideFEST celebrations and the acquisition of 270 Connections Nightclub posters.
WA history
The map was designed and engraved by the Nuremberg cartographer Philip Eckebrecht at the request of his friend Johannes Kepler. The map was intended to illustrate his Rudolphine Tables, used to more precisely calculate the positions of the moon and the known planets.
Audio recording of the panel discussion on death and dying
Podcasts
Death and Dying
What does a “good death” look like? Listen to four experts in a panel conversation - aiming to break taboos, ask and answer some important questions about death and dying.
WA history
A new addition to the State Library collection, the Hondius World Map by Jodocus Hondius the younger (1594 – 1629) is the earliest printed map to show the recent Dutch explorations on the West Coast of Australia.