The City of Gosnells is located on the banks of the Canning River (Djarlgarra Beeliar) and is Whadjuk Noongar boodja (country). The Whadjuk Noongar people inhabited and used this land for many thousands of years prior to European colonisation. There are known sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance within the City of Gosnells including the Canning and Southern Rivers.
In November 1829, only two months after the first Swan River Colony land grants, land was allocated to colonists in the area which became known as 'The Canning'. Many homes and farms were established on this land, all of which included frontage to the rivers. These properties included 'Maddington Park' and 'Thornlie', both later subdivided to became the suburbs of Maddington and Thornlie, and 'Chenies', which was purchased in 1862 by Charles Gosnell, a wealthy cosmetic company owner from London.
By the early 1900s, demand in the area was strong and a consortium of developers purchased the land owned by Gosnell, subdividing and marketing it as the Gosnell Estate. In 1907, when a new municipality was established, it was called Gosnells.
Under the direction of the City’s History and Heritage Strategy, staff aim to document, interpret and preserve this significant history and heritage for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
You can read the Local Heritage Strategy 2025-2029 (PDF, 8MB)here.