Former athletes and volunteers have gathered for a celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the VII British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Back in 1962, the former Perry Lakes Stadium in Floreat played host to dozens of athletic events during the 10-day event, from 22 November to 1 December. Just as importantly, the very first Paraplegic Games was held in Perth just prior to the start of the games, which was regarded as a beacon of rehabilitation in Australia.
The get-together held on Tuesday 22 November, was an opportunity for the Town and Floreat Forum to celebrate the event’s anniversary with community members linked to the 1962 sporting spectacle. There were plenty of stories and laughs shared on the day.
Amongst the guests were gold medallist pole vaulter Trevor Bickle and 880 yard runner Keith Wheeler. Unsung stars like Elise Jarman, a choir singer at the opening 1962 ceremony, and sporting official Leslie Arrowsmith also attended. Dennis Silver of Silver, Fairbrother & Associates, the business that won the housing design competition for homes
Fresh from competing in discus at this year’s Commonwealth Games, para-athlete Sarah Edmiston was a current day sportswoman on hand to recognise the local milestone.
A boon for Perth and the Australia sporting community, the 1962 contest ended with Australia topping the medal tally – collecting a total 105 medals.
Along with Floreat, City Beach featured prominently in the Games with construction of a dedicated Games Village featuring 150 houses, dining hall, administration building, post office and shop as well as a hospital and laundry.
Dennis Silver from Silver, Fairbrother & Associates, the business that won the housing design competition for the Games Village houses, was another attendee at the get-together.
After the Games, the houses were sold off as family homes with only a few original homes remaining today. The administration building was later converted into the Empire Village Shopping Centre.
Pictured are Keith Wheeler, Deputy Mayor Kate Barlow, Sarah Edmiston, Cr Georgie Randklev and Trevor Bickle.