Perth Town Hall and Perth Foundation Plaque, Perth

The Perth Town Hall stands out as the only town hall across Australia that was constructed with the help of convict labor. It was designed by Richard Roach Jewell and James Manning, showcasing the Victorian Free Gothic style, and its construction from 1867 to 1870 saw the involvement of both convicts and free individuals. Unique features of the hall include decorations inspired by convict life, such as window designs reminiscent of the broad arrow symbol and hangman's noose motifs.

The hall's cornerstone was set in place on May 24, 1867, by Governor Hampton during a lavish ceremony. Despite heavy rain, the event proceeded with a grand procession from the Government House and a staged battle by local military groups, demonstrating the community's resilience and spirit.

Perth's establishment goes back to 1829, credited to Captain James Stirling. The formal founding moment involved Mrs. Helen Dance cutting down a tree on August 12, 1829, a historical moment now marked by a plaque near the Town Hall.

Throughout the 20th century, the ground level of the Town Hall hosted a variety of businesses such as a pharmacy, bank, and various shops, offering the only public restrooms in the vicinity. These commercial entities and accompanying structures were cleared out before the early 2000s renovation.

For a long time, the Perth Town Hall was a key landmark in the city's civic landscape. Even today, it remains an impressive structure that continues to attract and fascinate visitors and locals alike.