Shovels in the ground at Edward Millen

30 October 2024

Speech

Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, Member for Victoria Park, Minister for Local Government and Youth, and the Minister Assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.

We recognise and honour their deep connection to this land and acknowledge that it has been a place of community and life for thousands of years.

Today, we’re here to talk about something important—our local heritage and why it matters.

This site has been part of our community’s story for over a hundred years.

Back then, Edward Millen was the only maternity hospital in the area.

 It offered a lifeline for families when getting specialised care wasn’t easy.

For generations, women came here to receive care, even when times were tough.

This wasn’t just a hospital; it was a place of comfort and support for families.

For women especially, it meant more than just medical care—it was a place where they found encouragement and support at one of the most critical times in their lives.

I know how important this is.

This reminds us how important it is to have healthcare services focused on women’s needs.

The need for such care is just as strong today as it was back then.

We’re excited to see this project moving forward, backed by Federal Government support.

The Federal Government is honoured to support efforts to preserve our local heritage while enhancing it for generations to come.

Preserving this site isn’t only about restoring an old building.

It’s about honouring our past and teaching future generations about the history of our community.

Reminding us to make sure we have healthcare services that truly meet the needs of everyone in our community.

As an East Vic Park local and mum of two young kids, preserving places like the Edward Millen buildings means our heritage will be around for them and other WA families.

The Federal Government’s $4 million for the restoration shows a real commitment to keeping Australia’s history alive.

The project is a great example of how public and private partnerships can create vibrant spaces that benefit our community.

I’m proud to work with State and Local Government to keep this site’s story alive—a story of resilience, community, and care for those who need help the most.

Thank you.