Jolimont history: suburb began to take shape in late 19th century

Blocks were small and cheap and the houses were built of timber.

At the time of early development, the small suburb was separated from Subiaco by vacant land to the east, along the railway.

The only link to Subiaco was a rough track, roughly where Hay Street is.

The vacant land was later occupied by industrial sites, only being redeveloped for housing in the early 21st century.

The Jersey Street precinct continues to support a range of business and light industry.

Mabel Talbot Park is a popular park. In the early days of European settlement, this wetland was known as Perry’s Watering Hole after herdsman Joseph Perry who grazed cattle there and at Perry Lakes.

In 1891 it was renamed Jolimont Swamp after the area was subdivided and called Jolimont Estate by developer John Maddock.

The surveyor, J Irvine, came to Perth from Jolimont in Melbourne and it is believed that suburb was named after ‘Jolimont’, the residence of Governor La Trobe.

In 1966, Jolimont Swamp was renamed Mabel Talbot Park after the founding president on the Subiaco Branch of the Tree Society.

An important community and social centre was the Jolimont Progress Hall, a timber hall built in 1915 by the residents.

Jolimont remains a small suburb of about 700sq m with a population of 1200.

JOHN and Addy Carroll lived in Subiaco for 21 years before moving to Jolimont.

“We love Subiaco,” they said.

“It’s very convenient, the public transport is good, it is close to the beach, hospitals and shopping, and has great facilities.

“We were looking to downsize, but didn’t want to leave the area.”

They bought their apartment in the St Ives Centro complex four years ago.

“We did look at some of the new apartments in Subiaco, but they weren’t quite what we wanted,” Dr and Mrs Carroll said.

“We visited St Ives on a number of occasions before buying and found that it has a great community that you can become involved in.

“The facilities are very good, with a gym, bowling green and on-site restaurant, and the grounds are beautiful and very well-cared for.

“We also like to travel and it is a very secure complex that allows us to lock up and leave.”

Dr and Mrs Carroll like their home’s location, between Subiaco and Cambridge Street.

“Before moving to Jolimont we didn’t realise how convenient it was,” they said.

“It is so close to Cambridge Street, which has a life of its own with restaurants and coffee shops, and we wouldn’t have gone there before.

“We have two train stations within walking distance and access to the bus, and Floreat Forum, Coles and IGA are nearby.

“We also love to walk, and there are some wonderful parks within walking distance.”

The redevelopment of Subi Centro added a new ambience to the area.

“It is a lovely walk from here down to the park, with the deciduous trees lining the street,” they said.

“We like to call it the Champs Elysees as it feels quite European.”

As Jolimont is still within the City of Subiaco, Dr and Mrs Carroll can still enjoy all that they like about the area.

“We like the City of Subiaco as a community,” they said.

“The council are good and do a lot for the community, holding a lot of local events as well running programs for older people.”