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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm

Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre

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Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre

Discover Gawler’s rich past at the Cultural Heritage Centre — where local stories, archives, and exhibitions bring the town’s history and community to life.

Visit award winning exhibitions at the Gallery or explore the resources at the Research Centre. Please read our Social Media House Rules before engaging with us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3b9srGC

10/11/2025

Lest We Forget
This Remembrance Day 2025, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have served and continue to serve in our Defence Force.
In Gawler, we are reminded of their legacy through the solemn beauty of the Honour Roll in the Gawler Civic Centre, the Memorial Balcony gracing the front of the historic Institute Building, and the proud presence, a symbol of strength, vigilance, and dedication of the No. 86 Squadron Eagle, currently on display in the Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre.
As the town gathers today in reflection, may these sacred spaces inspire gratitude and remembrance in us all.

Town of Gawler
Gawler Libraries
RSL Gawler Sub Branch

30/10/2025

👗✨ Step into the stylish world of John Martin’s — the department store that dressed generations and shaped South Australia’s fashion identity!

Author Paul Flavel will share stories from his captivating book John Martin’s, revealing how this beloved store transformed shopping into an art form — from elegant window displays and glamorous fashion parades to the everyday joy of finding the perfect outfit.

Through stunning photographs, vivid memories, and rich research, Paul brings back the charm and style of a retail era that defined how we shopped, dressed, and dreamed.

📚 Presented by Gawler Libraries & the Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre.
💫 A must for lovers of fashion, history, and a touch of nostalgia!
📅 Thursday 13 November 2025
🕕 6.00pm–7.00pm
📍 Institute Hall, Gawler
🎟️ Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/paul-flavel-author-event

21/10/2025

🛍️ Step back in time with John Martin’s! 🛍️

Gawler Libraries and the Gawler Cultural Heritage Centre are delighted to welcome author Paul Flavel to Gawler for an evening celebrating one of South Australia’s most beloved department stores — John Martin’s.

Thanks to Paul’s impeccable research, rarely seen photographs, and the memories of former staff and customers, the doors to this iconic store are open once more. His book brings to life over 130 years of John Martin’s history — from its opening in 1866 to its emotional closure in 1998.

Join us as Paul shares fascinating stories and nostalgic memories of riding the lifts, dining in The Buttery, and preparing for pageant day — moments that defined a bygone era of Adelaide retail.

📅 Thursday 13 November 2025
🕕 6.00pm–7.00pm
📍 Institute Hall, Gawler
🎟️ Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/paul-flavel-author-event
Books available for purchase on the night.

Don’t miss this warm and engaging journey through South Australia’s retail heritage!

02/10/2025

🌟 What a great success! 🌟

The Heritage: A Concept in Evolution Symposium was an inspiring and thought-provoking event, bringing together heritage professionals, architects, planners, community members, and passionate advocates for our built cultural heritage.

Together we explored how heritage is not static but evolving – shaped by new ideas, adaptive reuse, and the communities who continue to give these places meaning. From engaging discussions to real-world examples, the day highlighted the value of collaboration and the importance of caring for the past as we plan for the future.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, partners, and attendees who made the symposium such a resounding success. Your insights, questions, and contributions have sparked conversations that will continue well beyond the event.

✨ Heritage lives on through the people who share, protect, and reimagine it – and this symposium proved just how powerful that commitment can be.

Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler

24/09/2025

✨ Meet Our Panellists ✨

We’re excited to welcome Katrina May from Petite Pear Gawler and Kirsty Neild, heritage consultant with ON Architecture, to the panel discussion at the upcoming Heritage: A Concept in Evolution Symposium.

Katrina brings her creative flair and community connections, while Kirsty—together with her husband Mark—completed the celebrated restoration of Pisé Cottage in South Australia, featured on ABC’s Restoration Australia.

With extensive experience in heritage consultancy, Kirsty provides expert advice to owners of historic buildings, prepares plans and specifications for conservation work, and supports local councils in managing Local Heritage Places and Character Area overlays.

Join us as Katrina and Kirsty share their knowledge, passion, and unique perspectives on how heritage continues to evolve in our communities. 🌿🏛️

Presented by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in partnership with Australia ICOMOS.
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution
Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
Gawler Civic Centre

22/09/2025

🌿 Speaker Spotlight | Heritage: A Concept in Evolution Symposium 🌿

We’re thrilled to welcome Anthony, founding director of Mulloway Studio, as a speaker at our upcoming symposium.

Anthony’s work sits at the crossroads of cultural narratives and architectural expression, with a practice spanning urban design, architecture, and exhibitions. His projects—often developed in close collaboration with communities, including First Nations—bring stories to life through design, weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of place.

From award-winning works like Harts Mill (Port Adelaide) and No. 1 Pump Station (WA) to major redevelopments including Subiaco East and Elizabeth Quay, Anthony has shaped spaces that reveal and reframe histories.

A past National Vice President of Australia ICOMOS, former SA Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Architects, and co-creative director of the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale (Australia Pavilion), Anthony continues to influence practice, teaching, and research—most recently recognised with the 2024 Sir James Irwin President’s Medal.

Join us at the symposium to hear Anthony share insights into how storytelling shapes place, heritage, and design innovation.

Presented by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in partnership with Australia ICOMOS.
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution
Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
Gawler Civic Centre

17/09/2025

Kate Clarke is another exciting speaker who will be joining us at Heritage: A Concept in Evolution – our upcoming half-day symposium.

Kate is an industrial archaeologist with a career in museums and heritage in Wales, England and Australia. She has worked with Ironbridge Gorge Museums, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery fund in the UK as well as with Museums of History NSW and with Cadw the Welsh heritage organisation. Kate is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Canberra, jointly funded by Australia ICOMOS, on integrating cultural heritage into wider public policy.

She provides advice on strategic public policy issues and has a long-standing interest in the public value of heritage. Kate has published over 30 articles and book chapters on industrial archaeology, heritage management, the value of heritage and sustainability. Her latest book ‘Playing with the Past’ has around 80 heritage activities and games to inspire community engagement around heritage.

Heritage: A Concept in evolution is an opportunity to learn, discuss and debate why preserving our built heritage creates cohesive, connected communities and contributes to environmental sustainability. Presented by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in partnership with Australia ICOMOS.
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution
Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
Gawler Civic Centre

09/09/2025

Presented by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in partnership with Australia ICOMOS, this special half-day symposium will explore the vital role of heritage buildings in shaping our identity and community.
✨ Event Highlights:
🔹 Session 1: A conversation with Stephanie Johnston & Dr. Jane Lennon AM on the development of the internationally recognised Burra Charter.
🔹 Session 2: Architect Anthony Coupe and industrial archaeologist Kate Clark on the cultural, social & economic value of heritage development.
🔹 Session 3: Q&A with speakers and special guests
🔹 Networking drinks + the official opening of the exhibition “Past in the Present: Gawler’s Built Heritage”, curated by Daniel Down.
This event will be of interest to planners, builders, architects, property owners, historians, cultural tourism operators – and anyone passionate about our built cultural heritage.
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.
📅 Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
📍 Gawler Civic Centre
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution

08/09/2025

We are thrilled to introduce Stephanie Johnston another of the fabulous speakers who will be joining us at Heritage: A Concept in Evolution – our upcoming half-day symposium.

Stephanie is an urban and rural planner who is dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage. As a member of ICOMOS, she is actively engaged in preserving cultural sites and promoting heritage conservation efforts globally and locally. Stephanie is co-convenor of the AICOMOS Cultural Landscapes and Cultural Routes NSC and an expert member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes.

She is a former Project Manager at the Mount Lofty Ranges Agrarian Landscape World Heritage Bid, the Dinosaur Coast National Heritage Management Plan for the West Kimberley, the Hunter Valley Heritage Vineyards Strategic Study, and the SA Department of Environment and Water Building Upgrade Finance Project. Stephanie is a member of the State Planning Commission and Principal Consultant at Stephanie Johnston and Associates.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution
Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
Gawler Civic Centre
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.

05/09/2025

🌿 Meet one of our speakers! 🌿

We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Jane Lennon AM to Heritage: a Concept in Evolution – our upcoming half-day symposium.

Jane Lennon AM is an esteemed heritage professional known for her significant contributions to the field of cultural heritage. She played a prominent role in the establishment of the Burra Charter, a fundamental document guiding the conservation of cultural heritage in Australia. The charter emphasizes the importance of managing and conserving heritage places with respect for their historical significance and integrity.
Jane Lennon has written extensively on heritage conservation, advocating for sustainable and sensitive approaches that balance conservation with community and environmental considerations. Her work has influenced heritage policies and practices in Australia and in international practice.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most respected voices in heritage!

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution
Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
Gawler Civic Centre

Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.

29/08/2025

Presented by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in partnership with Australia ICOMOS, this special half-day symposium will explore the vital role of heritage buildings in shaping our identity and community.
✨ Event Highlights:
🔹 Session 1: A conversation with Stephanie Johnston & Dr. Jane Lennon AM on the development of the internationally recognised Burra Charter.
🔹 Session 2: Architect Anthony Coupe and industrial archaeologist Kate Clark on the cultural, social & economic value of heritage development.
🔹 Session 3: Q&A with speakers + special guests
🔹 Networking drinks + the official opening of the exhibition “Past in the Present: Gawler’s Built Heritage”, curated by Daniel Down.
This event will be of interest to planners, builders, architects, property owners, historians, cultural tourism operators – and anyone passionate about our built cultural heritage.
Proudly sponsored by Business Gawler.
📅 Friday 26 September 2025, 1.30pm-5.00pm.
📍 Gawler Civic Centre
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/heritage-a-concept-in-evolution

27/08/2025

Exciting Delivery from SA Water
When we heard about the Calton Road Tank Upgrade Project, we contacted SA Water to see if any of the original bricks from the site might be available, and we’re thrilled to share that they were.
We’ve now received a special batch of these bricks, which carry a tangible link to Gawler’s infrastructure history. Based on their appearance and age, we believe that some of them may have been locally made, adding even more significance to their story.
A huge thank you to SA Water for their support in helping us preserve this piece of our community’s heritage. These bricks will be an interesting addition to the Gawler Heritage Collection.
Town of Gawler

Address

89-91 Murray Street
Gawler, SA
5118

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

08 8522 9211

Website

https://www.gawler.sa.gov.au/about-gawler/events-recognition/cultural-heritage-centre

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