ORAL HISTORY (AUDIO): HENDERSON, HEATHER, 2005

Mrs Heather Henderson's father was a stonemason who moved from Aberdeen, Scotland, to South Africa in 1937. Heather was educated at Durban Girls High School and Peter Marrisford Teachers College. She travelled extensively and with her husband bought at house in Keightley Road, Subiaco, in 1979. Her neighbour was Tony Costa, later Mayor of Subiaco. At his suggestion she stood for Council and was elected for the Central Ward in 1990, which position she held for 13 years until resigning in 2003. Jim McGeough was the Town Clerk and worked well with the Council. Recycling was a big issue, when initially Councillors delivered the bags to households. Other important issues were the installation of underground power, replacement of footpaths, development of children's playgrounds, improvements to Library services and the Youth Advisory Committee. Sporting facilities were developed at Rosalie Park. The Subiaco Redevelopment Authority was established. Patrick Walker became CEO. Social housing was developed for people with disabilities. Side B: Subi Centro was developed and her wish is for it to be integrated into the Subiaco community. She believes in listening to people for community needs. 'Heritage Gone Mad' was a group objecting to certain heritage restrictions. She consider the built fabric of Subiaco should be retained. A proposal to hold the Gay Parade in Subiaco divided the community. Tony Costa made a decision to retire as Mayor in 2005 and Heather Henderson was elected in his place. Her first goal is to establish a Council that best does the community's business through governance and financial management. Considerations include the future of Subiaco as the major sporting venue in Perth; the possible redevelopment of Charles Gairdner, King Edward and Princess Margaret Hospitals; the winding down of the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority; and support for the Regal Theatre as an icon in the community.
Interviewee: Heather Henderson
Date of Interview: 12 July 2005
Interviewer: Ken Spillman
Transcriber: Unknown
Indexer: Shelley Campbell