History

Swanleigh has adapted to changing demand over time. The Middle Swan campus is the remnant of land bought for the church mission in the 1835. More information about the site history is available HERE.

The entire Swanleigh site has been recognized for its heritage value and in 2005 was listed by the Heritage Council of WA.  Heritage Council listing for Swanleigh

As shown in the history, the Swanleigh site has been used for different caring functions since 1835. The Anglican Church has acknowledged and deeply regrets that its institutions and personnel did not always provide environments in which children were protected and nurtured. The Diocese of Perth adopted a resolution at the 2008 Synod. More details are available HERE.

Swanleigh archives contain some historical record from the past including the original orphanage registers. Almost no individual children’s files remain from the orphanage times however general information and some photos exist. Access requests may be made by contacting the Swanleigh Office.

Literature

With such a diverse and significant history both in the Anglican Church and more broadly in the Western Australian community, two books have been written about Swanleigh. Overviews of these two books, In My Father's House - The Stowell Years at Swanleigh and The Noisy Mansions - The Story of Swanleigh are available HERE.