The Boorloo Heritage Festival is a vibrant celebration of Perth’s rich history and culture, running from 1 to 30 April. As part of the festival Raine Square features a diverse array of events, including storytelling sessions with elders, exhibitions of historical photographs, interactive heritage trails, and artistic installations.
Highlights include the Mary Raine Tribute Mural and the Evolution of Storytelling project, which showcase the contributions of local artists and the significance of Noongar culture.
From the Archives is, part of the broader City of Perth Boorloo Heritage Festival, aims to foster intercultural understanding and appreciation of Perth’s diverse heritage, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s past and celebrate its vibrant community.
 | Ngaluk Waangkiny
📍 Bankwest Place Retail Tunnel📅 1 April to 13 July
Listen elders share their experiences and learnings from the Perth Exclusion Zone. Learn the history of Booroloo (Perth), with the Community Arts Network. | The Community Arts Network’s vision is to build intercultural understanding and collaboration in the arts, producing work that is truly reflective of Australia’s diverse cultures and communities.Listen to Elders: AUNTY MURIEL BOWIE, AUNTY MARGARET CULBONG (in memoriam), AUNTY DOOLANN LEISHA EATTS (in memoriam), UNCLE ALBERT MCNAMARA,UNCLE NOEL NANNUP, UNCLE BEN TAYLOR CUIERMARA, AUNTY IRENE MCNAMARA,AUNTY THERESA WALLEY (in memoriam), UNCLE FARLEY GARLETT and UNCLE WALTER EATTS. |
 | From the Archives 📍 Bankwest Place Lobby📅 1 to 30 April
| From the Archives: An Exhibition of Recovered Streetscapes and PhotographsImmerse yourself in the rich history of Raine Square and the Perth CBD with our captivating exhibition. This unique showcase features a collection of meticulously recovered streetscapes and photographs that chronicle the evolution of one of Perth’s most iconic areas. |
 | Heritage Trail 📍Raine Square Precinct 📅 1 to 30 April 📚 Trail Map (incoming) | If you love a treasure hunt, you’ll be thrilled with our Heritage Trail this month! Print or download the map, and embark on a fascinating journey through Raine Square’s rich history. As you walk the trail, you’ll discover the stories behind iconic landmarks such as the Wentworth Building, 10 Queen Street, the Royal Hotel, and the Mary Raine Mural. This engaging experience offers a unique way to learn about the heritage of Raine Square while enjoying a fun and educational adventure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the past and uncover the hidden gems of our city! |
 | Short Stories📍 Raine Square, Ground Floor📅 1 to 30 April
| Bite-sized Archives | Dive into the City of Perth archives with bite-sized transcripts and and transcribed podcasts. The Short Story interactive machine will dispense stories at random with a press of the button. |
 | Mary Raine Tribute Mural 📍 Raine Square, Queens Lane ConnectionThe 13x13m interactive mural installation was painted by world renowned and local WA artist, Jerome Davenport, who commenced works on 17 February 2021, Mary Raine's birthday, and aptly completed the mural on 8 March 2021 in acknowledgement of International Women's Day. | Mary’s story is one of adventure, generosity and resilience. Born in London, she arrived in Australia in 1900 with 100 pounds to her name. Working as a barmaid she saved all her pennies to buy her first property in Perth, a remarkable feat in the male dominated age. Over time, she amassed a fortune built on smart investments and hard work. At one stage she owned most of the properties on William Street in Perth’s CBD and five hotels! |
 | An Evolution of Storytelling...
📍 Raine Square, Lower Ground In 2021 we collaboartated with local artist, Rosie Paine, to hand paint six totem poles symbolising the six different seasons. The totems formed an art trail displaying through the precinct. In 2022 we learned how the six Noongar seasons | guided food gathering, distributing recipe cards inspired by native ingredients that aligned with each season.We were proud to collaborate with local Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji man, Jayden Boundry, for cultural guidance and Whadjuk, Ballardong and Yuat artist Jarni McGuire. |
