a picture of local heritage-listed house "Kandahar", the home of the West Torrens Historical Society

Our Objectives


Our Objectives

The aim of the West Torrens Historical Society is to maintain our connection with the past by documenting our history and preserving the memories which link the past and the future together. 

1. To preserve the history and memories of the West Torrens area.

2. To recognize and acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional inhabitants of the coastal plains we now occupy in the City of West Torrens.

3. To collect, research and record information and photographs relevant to the history of the area.

4. To provide access to the Society’s digitised collection via the City of West Torrens Library website. 

5. To provide information and presentations of the history of West Torrens to interested organisations, groups and individuals

6. To publish a periodic newsletter “The West Torrens Historian”

7. To interview current and former residents in order to access and preserve precious memories of the past.

8. To hold regular monthly meetings and include where possible a guest speaker. 

The West Torrens Historical Society acknowledges the co-operation received from the City of West Torrens and, in particular, the City of West Torrens Hamra Centre Library in supporting our ongoing project of digitizing all our records

2022 School History Project


To stimulate and arouse interest in local history among the younger generations, primary schools in the West Torrens area were approached to be involved in a Local History Project.

Plympton Primary School Year 6 teacher Gabrielle integrated the idea into the History Curriculum. Research was undertaken on local residents, especially former Plympton School students, who enlisted as soldiers in World War 1.  They focused not only on their war service, but also highlighted their subsequent recognition in the area by way of street names and other focal points.

The students presented the results of their research at a school assembly on November 18th.

The West Torrens Historical Society recognised the school’s efforts by donating $500 to the school library for the purchase of history books. A cheque was presented to the school librarian, Sandi at the final assembly of 2022.

The Society also awarded Certificates of Merit, and Certificates of Participation to all students involved in the project. 

 

The WTHS was actively supported in the project by the City of West Torrens Hamra Library. Graham Parry from the Society and Thomas Campbell from the City of West Torrens attended the final assembly to present the cheque and congratulate the students on their efforts.