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Rockingham's heritage is a story of connection, resilience and change. From the enduring cultural heritage of the Nyoongar people to early European settlement, maritime industries, tourism and community development, our heritage helps tell the story of who we are today.
Discover the people, places and events that have shaped Rockingham and continue to contribute to our community identity.
A Shared Heritage
The City of Rockingham acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Nyoongar people, whose connection to Country extends back thousands of years. Rockingham sits within the traditional lands of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Nyoongar peoples and remains an important cultural landscape today.
The City's heritage includes Aboriginal, maritime, natural and European heritage, recognising the many stories that have shaped our community.
Heritage Projects and Conservation
The City undertakes projects that help conserve, research and celebrate places of cultural heritage significance. These projects contribute to protecting important heritage places while improving community understanding and appreciation.
2021 Western Australian Heritage Awards
In 2021, the City of Rockingham received a Western Australian Heritage Award for its outstanding contribution to heritage, guided by the Heritage Strategy 2020–2025.
The award recognised the City’s work in protecting and celebrating cultural heritage through key projects and strong partnerships with community groups, helping to enhance appreciation of heritage across the region.
Chesterfield Inn Restoration
The historic Chesterfield Inn, dating back to 1855, has been stabilised and conserved through works by DevelopmentWA.
Once a key stop for travellers between Fremantle and Mandurah, the building reflects Rockingham’s early history and pioneering families. Today, it remains an important and rare example of an early wayside inn in Western Australia.
Heritage Assistance Grants
As part of the City’s Heritage Strategy 2020–2025, Heritage Assistance Grants were introduced in 2023 to support conservation of privately owned heritage properties.
Grants may cover up to 50% of conservation works and documentation costs, for eligible places on the Heritage List (some exclusions apply). Applications can be submitted anytime and are assessed twice yearly through the Community Grants Program.
Darile Street Old Abattoir Restoration
The City has restored the historic Old Abattoir in Hillman, originally built in the 1940s and later used as a dairy, preserving an important link to Rockingham’s past.
With support from heritage groups and Council, the building’s original limestone walls and roof have been carefully reconstructed, ensuring this significant site can be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery Conservation Management Plan
In 2022, the City completed a Conservation Management Plan for the East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery, guiding its ongoing care and maintenance.
Established in 1866, the cemetery reflects the history of early settlers and includes graves from the late 1800s, as well as soldiers connected to the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. Today, it remains an important heritage site, preserving the stories of Rockingham’s early community.
Houtman and Dedel Plaque, Safety Bay
In July 1619, Dutch explorers Frederick de Houtman and Jacob Dedel sighted the Rockingham coastline near Safety Bay, marking an early European encounter with the region.
In 2019, this historic event was commemorated through community celebrations and the installation of a plaque overlooking Safety Bay. Today, the site recognises Rockingham’s important place in early maritime exploration history.
New Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List
In August 2025, the City adopted an updated Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List following a comprehensive review and community consultation.
The survey now includes 100 places, with 51 recognised on the Heritage List for their significance. The update reflects new research, site assessments, and improved heritage records.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to consultants, community members, and heritage groups for their contributions.
Peelhurst Ruins – Conservation and Community Dig
In 2023, the City completed an updated Conservation Management Plan for the Peelhurst Ruins, guiding the protection of this significant heritage site.
A community archaeological dig brought the site to life, uncovering artefacts from the late 1800s and offering locals a hands-on opportunity to connect with Rockingham’s past. The project was recognised with a commendation at the 2023 WA Heritage Awards.
Today, the Peelhurst Ruins in Golden Bay remain an important link to the area’s early settlement history.
Places of Pride
The City is contributing to the national Places of Pride register, an Australian War Memorial initiative documenting publicly accessible war memorials across the country.
Local sites include the Naval Memorial Park, Village Green War Memorial and Remembrance Flame, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These places honour Australians who served and continue to preserve important stories of remembrance within the community. Find more information here: Places of Pride
Point Peron Replica M1917/18 Gun
A replica 155mm M1917/18 gun was installed at Point Peron in December 2020, honouring the site’s role in coastal defence during World War II.
Supported by community groups and the City, the memorial reflects the original guns that once formed part of the Fremantle Fortress. It stands as a tribute to those who served and helps preserve an important part of Rockingham’s military history.
Rockingham Museum
Did you know the Rockingham Museum was originally the Rockingham Roads Board Office, built in 1946 as the district’s civic hub? Since 1979, the building has been home to the Rockingham District Historical Society.
Carefully preserved in its original Art Deco style, the building reflects Rockingham’s growth through the post-war period and continues to share the City’s history through exhibitions and community engagement.
Open regularly and run by dedicated volunteers, the Museum remains a valued place to explore Rockingham’s past.
Rockingham Rd Board Officers - Conservation Management Plan
In 2022, the City completed a Conservation Management Plan for the former Rockingham Road Board Office, guiding its ongoing care and use.
Built in 1946 as the district’s original civic hub, the building now houses the Rockingham Museum, operated by the Rockingham District Historical Society. Recognised for its high heritage value, it remains well maintained and continues to play an important role in preserving and sharing the City’s history.
Saw Home Restoration
Built in the 1920s for the Saw family, ‘Lakeside’ is an important local heritage home tied to Rockingham’s early farming community and the legacy of nurse Lucy Saw.
After a proposed demolition in 2020 was declined, the property was sold and carefully restored by new owners in collaboration with the City. The result is a thoughtful restoration that preserves the home’s heritage significance for future generations.
The Alfred Hines Seaside Home
Following storm damage in 2019, the historic Alfred Hines Hall facade was carefully restored in line with its original Art Deco design.
A valued community landmark since the 1950s, the building reflects its long history supporting children with disabilities and their families, and continues to hold strong social significance for the Rockingham community.
The Founders' Memorial
Originally installed in 1979, the Founders’ Memorial commemorates Rockingham’s early settlers and pioneer history.
As part of the Foreshore Revitalisation, the memorial was carefully redesigned and relocated in 2019, retaining key elements of the original artwork. It continues to hold a position on Railway Terrace, celebrating the City’s heritage for the community and visitors.
Heritage Strategy
The City of Rockingham's Heritage Strategy guides how we identify, protect and celebrate places of cultural heritage significance across our community. The Strategy provides a framework for conserving heritage places, sharing local stories and improving community understanding of Rockingham's heritage.
Recognising Rockingham's rich and diverse history, the Strategy embraces Aboriginal, maritime, natural and European heritage as a shared heritage that contributes to our community identity and sense of place.
The Strategy also helps guide heritage projects and initiatives across the City, ensuring that significant places, landscapes and stories continue to be recognised and valued for future generations
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