The townsite of Chidlow, like the many different trees that surround it, has at its heart many different strands of WA's pioneering life from the late nineteenth century. While most of those strands are no longer visible today, they became part of a fabric strong enough to enable the small townsite to embrace change but still grow and stay connected… which is still the case today.

Land had already been set aside for the purpose at the instigation of the Progress Association and [Charles] Cook organised the finance and construction of a roomy weatherboard hall and the opening ceremony was held on 26th January 1905. Decorated by palm fronds and flowers the opening was attended by four parliamentarians and almost every resident in Chidlow.
Swan Express 28 January 1905 (p70)

The connection between Chidlow and wartimes extends back to WWI when out of 88 locals who received honourable mention, 12 did not return. After the success of the inaugural ANZAC Day celebration in 2015, the CPA felt it was time Chidlow had a lasting retreat where appreciation for those who paid the ultimate price – not only for their country but also their community – could be shown.

Australia – as a relatively young nation with preservation in heritage sites still in its growth – has few wartime historical sites remaining to nurture public interest, however, Chidlow has one such site: an army camp erected in March 1943 as a defence against a Japanese invasion.
Designated a Brigade Camp with three battalions, Chidlow's army camp was constructed to accommodate up to 1,000 troops in some 15 camp areas.

The Post office... Until 1896, in common with many other localities, Chidlow's postal services were handled by the local station-master. In 1896, a post office was built south of the Eastern Railway line, but when the town's activities moved to Thomas Street it was...

The Tavern... The first Inn burnt down in 1908 (located opposite the current tavern on the southern side of the railway station) and, fortunately, the owner managed to save all of the furniture. He subsequently rebuilt an 8-bedroom brick hotel at the current site...

The area now known as Lake Leschenaultia was built during the period 1897-8 as a railway reservoir to supply water for the steam locomotives stopping on the Eastern Railway at Chidlow's Well station.

Australia – as a relatively young nation with preservation in heritage sites still in its growth – has few wartime historical sites remaining to nurture public interest. Nevertheless, the 21st Century has seen a big leap forward in historical interest with the...