- Childhood home of Bob Hawke handed over to the National Trust of Western Australia
- West Leederville property to help preserve legacy of Australia's 23rd Prime Minister
- House will become a short- and long-stay accommodation facility with public open days
Bob Hawke's childhood home, a 1920s red brick and tile house on Tate Street in West Leederville, was today officially handed over into the care of the National Trust of Western Australia.
The late Prime Minister lived in the house during his formative years, from the age of 10 - 24, and continued to visit his parents there until it was sold in 1981.
The property holds great historical and cultural importance, serving as a living monument to the life and achievements of one of Australia's most influential leaders.
The State Government acquired 101 Tate Street, West Leederville (Tate Street) for $1.45 million in December 2020. It has since been entered in the State Register of Heritage Places due to its association with Bob Hawke and his uncle Albert Redvers (Bert) Hawke, who was Premier of Western Australia from 1953 - 1959. Tate Street is also significant as an intact and unaltered example of an inter-war era residence.
Putting Bob Hawke's House in the care of the National Trust of WA reflects the Cook Government's commitment to ensuring the preservation and accessibility of this important historical site, and to celebrating the life and work of a leader who had a profound impact on the nation.
The National Trust has a rich history of safeguarding WA's cultural heritage, and is the ideal custodian to carry forward the legacy of Bob Hawke.
Tate Street will continue to be a place where visitors can learn about the life and accomplishments of Bob Hawke. It is anticipated that the facility will offer short- and long-term accommodation - with opportunities to publicise its history, including on public open days.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Bob Hawke was a man of immense vision and passion, who dedicated his life to the betterment of Australia.
"During his tenure as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia, he introduced numerous policies and reforms that have had a profound and lasting impact on our nation.
"Bob Hawke's childhood home is not just a physical structure - it represents the living legacy of one of Australia's most beloved and influential leaders.
"In preserving this national asset, we are keeping alive a powerful symbol of Bob Hawke's rise to one of this country's highest offices, from a seemingly ordinary childhood in Western Australia.
"Bob Hawke's House will also be a place where visitors can learn about his life, his political career and the values and principles he held dear."
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"Bob Hawke's former home is very special because you can see the actual room where he slept and snuck out at night, or where he played backyard cricket with his dad.
"To honour those unique Western Australian stories is very important - because it tells us who we are and where we came from.
"It is pleasing to know that, under the National Trust of Western Australia, the house will continue to welcome guests who, hopefully, will be inspired to reflect on Bob Hawke's ideals of consensus, fairness and social progress."
As stated by Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin:
"I am delighted to hear that Bob Hawke's home has been handed over to the National Trust, a well-known and highly regarded organisation that will preserve and protect it for future generations.
"The fact that the home still features some of the elements that were in place when Bob lived there makes it extra special - this includes the stained glass, fittings such as ceiling roses and light switches, and the floorboards."
