A place rich in history
Occupying the iconic Midland Brick site and nestled within the established suburb of Viveash, Rivermark is a place of layered history.
Breathing new life into heritage and re-establishing a lost connection to the river, residents of Rivermark are part of a story that stretches back in time, in a place that’s poised for a rich future to come.
Traditional Owners
Whadjuk people are members of the Noongar nation and traditional owners of the land where Rivermark is located. Whadjuk people practice culture through their ‘connection to country’ and share with you their knowledge and lived experience, connecting all things to each other, a customary practice since time immemorial.
To develop a narrative that is historically authentic and representative of Noongar culture today, we engaged cultural specialists Karrda and TheFulcrum.Agency (TF.A). Together our role was to facilitate meaningful engagement with local Elders to truly understand the area’s Noongar history. This rich heritage is celebrated and integrated through a range of initiatives including public art, planting palettes and traditional ceremonies.
We pay respect to Whadjuk Noongar Elders past and present and thank them for their contributions in developing the story of country here at Rivermark.
Colonial Beginnings
In 1827, James Stirling led an expedition to explore the Swan River to persuade the British Government to support a colony there. This led to the establishment of many farms and estates that benefited from the rich alluvial soil of the wide river flats – a colonial history that can be explored today along riverside walking trails.
Industrial Heritage
Rivermark’s past as the site of the iconic Midland Brick can be found in the rustic beauty of its old kilns. Founded in 1946 by brothers Ric and Gerry New, Midland Brick drew upon the rich clay deposits of the area. Using adapted war machinery for production, the brothers and their bricks built the homes of a post-Second World War Perth and eventually became one of the largest brickworks in the world.
Original components and materials from the Midland Brick site will be utilised within Rivermark’s public realm to reflect the site’s industrial heritage.
