Perth Trades Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Perth Trades Hall |
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Perth Trades Hall building in 2024
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| General information | |
| Type | Heritage listed building |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°56′59″S 115°51′46″E / 31.949780°S 115.862720°E |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 30 July 2004 |
| Reference no. | 8783 |
The Perth Trades Hall is a special old building in Perth, Western Australia. It has been a meeting place for groups of workers, known as trade unions, for many years. Today, it is the main office in Western Australia for the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
Contents
The Story of the Perth Trades Hall Building
How the Trades Hall Began
In 1891, a group called the Trades and Labour Council (TLC) started in Perth. This group helped workers come together. However, it took a while to gather enough money to build a special hall for them. In 1911, Alick McCallum helped raise the funds needed.
The design and building of the first Trades Hall were largely thanks to Ernest Henshaw. It was a three-storey building with a classic style, located at 80 Beaufort Street. This spot used to be where the first Scotch College in Perth stood.
Important People at the Opening
The first stone of the building, called the foundation stone, was laid by Australia's Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher, on August 8, 1911. This was a big event! The hall officially opened on April 20, 1912. John Scaddan, who was the leader of Western Australia (the Premier) and had worked with the trades hall before, opened it.
Changes Over the Years
In 1985, the building was sold and became an art gallery called the Delaney Gallery. Because of its history, the WA Heritage Council listed it as a special heritage place. This means it's an important building to protect. By 2010, the original name, "Trades Hall," was put back above the entrance.
For a while, a different building became the "new" Perth Trades Hall in 2000. It was a place for unions and other community groups to meet.
Returning to Its Roots
In 2013, the CFMEU Western Australia bought the original building. They wanted it to be used again for its first purpose: helping trade unions. Union workers carefully renovated the building, making it look as much like its original self as possible, but with modern updates.
On June 29, 2014, the building officially reopened. Michael O'Connor, a national leader of the CFMEU, unveiled a plaque. It said, "Back in the Hands of those who built it." Today, the building is home to the CFMEU and is a busy meeting place for many similar groups.
Images for kids
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Perth Trades Hall building in 2024
