News Archive

In 1846 two Spanish monks, Dom Rosendo Salvado and Dom Joseph Serra, members of the Order of Saint Benedict, arrived in Western Australia with the intention of becoming missionaries. They were allocated an area now known as the Victoria Plains by Bishop Brady in Perth. The early years were quite a struggle but over the decades they established a farm, developed a successful mission, built a monastery, and in later years boarding schools for girls and boys were constructed. Secondary education programs were delivered at New Norcia until December 1991 when the New Norcia Catholic College eventually ceased operation.

The Town is now popular with tourists and school groups, the latter heading there for periodic camps during the school year. The architecture in the town provides opportunities for keen photographers, as the Spanish influence extends to the buildings as well as in the chapels in the schools and the Monastery.

This talk will cover the history, development, and architecture of the Town, as well as its artworks and carvings.

About the Speaker

Roy Stall’s first experience in New Norcia was as a first year high school student, boarding at St Ildephonsus’ College. Many decades later he returned as an occasional tour guide, escorting groups on two-hour walking tours of the Town, often staying overnight at the Monastery Guesthouse and conducting morning and afternoon tours during his two-day visits. Over a period of about 15 years he got to know more about the Town, its history, and the monks.

Roy has also canvassed the views of ‘Old Boys’ of the boys’ college and has compiled an anthology of their reminiscences. He continues to maintain an interest in this unique town in WA’s wheat belt.

Roy Stall on “New Norcia – a little bit of Spain in Western Australia”

Tuesday 8th August 2017, 7:30pm

Reid Library, Second Floor Conference Room

Doors open 7pm, talk commences 7:30pm Cost: $5 donation (Free for Friends of the Library Members)

Media references

University Library +61 8 6488 7425