Published on Friday, 26 June 2026 at 3:33:55 PM

The stories, people and moments that have shaped Serpentine Jarrahdale were celebrated on Thursday evening at the 2026 SJ Remembers Community History Awards.

Held at the Shire's Civic Centre, the awards recognised community members who have helped preserve and share local history through oral histories, written memoirs, photographic memories and original research.

This year's awards attracted 13 entries across four categories, demonstrating the community's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Serpentine Jarrahdale's unique history.

Award winners included Eton Farm Primary School's Mary McKay-Walton in the Oral History category, Trevor Senior for his written memoir William Gerrard: The Serpentine River and Rabbits, Judy Purkiss for her original research entry A House with Deep Roots, and Debra Armstrong for her photographic memory entry Old Post Office.

Judy Purkiss also received the prestigious Jan Skillington award for A House with Deep Roots. Named after the late Jan Skillington, a respected local historian whose work helped establish and preserve the Shire's community history collection, the award recognises exceptional research, engaging storytelling and detailed exploration local history.

The event also coincided with a significant milestone for the Shire, marking 65 years since Serpentine Jarrahdale became a local government in 1961.

Shire President Rob Coales said the awards played an important role in preserving the stories that have helped shape the community.

"Our history lives in the places we know, the people who shaped them and the stories that have been passed down through families and community groups," President Coales said.

"As we celebrate 65 years as a local government, it is important that we continue to preserve and share the stories that help us understand where we have come from and how our community has evolved."

Attendees also enjoyed a screening of The Last Rooster, a documentary featuring renowned local artist Len Zuks, whose sculptures have become a distinctive part of the Byford landscape and reflect the history and identity of the community.

President Coales said the awards were about more than preserving the past.

"Every photo, memory and piece of research submitted helps strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the community," President Coales said.

"These stories remind us that Serpentine Jarrahdale is a special place, and by preserving our history we help build a stronger and more connected community for future generations."

Award Winners

Oral History

Winner: Eton Farm Primary School – Mary McKay-Walton
Runner Up: Sue Wilkins – Diana Hennike

Written Memoir

Winner: Trevor Senior – William Gerrard: The Serpentine River and Rabbits

Original Research

Winner: Judy Purkiss – A House with Deep Roots
Runner Up: Debra Armstrong – Francis Fraser Armstrong
Runner Up: Athol Wigg – Mud Sand and Gravel

Photographic Memory

Winner: Debra Armstrong – Old Post Office
Runner Up: Peter McBeath Stephenson – Byford Aussie Rules Football in the 1960s

Jan Skillington Award

(Chosen from all category winners and is an additional honour recognising an outstanding contribution to preserving and sharing Serpentine Jarrahdale’s local history).

Winner: Judy Purkiss – A House with Deep Roots

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