Education and Heritage Centre

Learn about our State’s natural hazards and fire and emergency services history in a unique and interactive setting.

The DFES Education and Heritage Centre offers a fun, interactive and free experience in the heart of Perth.

The Centre is located in the fully restored Perth Central Fire Station (established in 1900) and showcases the history and heritage of the WA Fire Brigades. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about natural hazards through our interactive and educational displays.

The Centre is also the custodian of the DFES Heritage Collection and Vintage Fleet. Research and care are carried out with the valuable assistance of the Education and Heritage Volunteer and Emergency Services Unit.

Acknowledgement of Country

DFES recognises that the Whadjuk Noongar people are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth Central Fire Station was built.

This area is known as Yandellup, which means ‘the reeds are on and by this place’. Yanjidee is the name given to the edible roots of these reeds. The yanjidee were collected by Noongar women using wanna (digging sticks) during the Noongar season of Djeran (April–May).

​Karla (Fire)

What you’ll see and do

Plan your visit

The DFES Education and Heritage Centre welcomes visitors of all abilities and ages. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please use the information below to help plan your visit and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

COVID-19
Location
Getting here
Open hours
Entry is free
Visitor and accessibility information

Activities and events

School excursions and group bookings

The Centre is a unique excursion venue where your group can reflect on the history and heritage of the building and learn about WA’s natural hazards.

Join us as a volunteer

The DFES Education and Heritage Centre is supported by a dedicated unit of volunteer Gallery Guides. Our volunteers form part of a registered Volunteer and Fire Emergency Services (VFES) unit known as Education and Heritage.

Apply now
More about gallery guides

History and heritage

The DFES Education and Heritage Centre is located in the state-heritage listed Perth Central Fire Station. The Centre houses DFES’ heritage collection and vintage fleet fire appliances. The ongoing research and care of the Collection and Fleet is carried out with the valuable assistance of the Education and Heritage Volunteer and Fire and Emergency Services unit.

All heritage enquiries, including donation offers and research requests, should be submitted in writing to educationandheritage@dfes.wa.gov.au. Please note that research requests are processed by a small dedicated team of volunteers. Response times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and their current research priorities.

Firefighters Memorial Grove

On 23 July 2000, the Firefighters’ Memorial Grove in Kings Park was unveiled to mark the centenary of fire services in WA and honour the contribution of career and volunteer firefighters in protecting our State.

Located on Forrest Drive, the memorial includes a granite arc representing the base of a burnt out tree and a ten tonne rock symbolising a flame, which reflects the impact and role of fire.

More about the Firefighters Memorial Grove

International Firefighters’ Day

International Firefighters’ Day is observed on 4 May each year, to coincide with the feast of St. Florian, the patron saint of all firefighters.

On this day we pay our respects to volunteer and career firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge current and past firefighters for their extraordinary commitment, exceptional courage and selfless pledge to serve their community.

Fallen Firefighters Honour Roll

Kevin Corbey
(1967-2015)
Grant Cowper
(1953-2012)
Ian Ding
(1956-2006)
Ian Oliver
(1973-2006)
Maurie Parker
(1968-2015)
David Parkin
(1961-2019)
Ian (Gary) Peat
(1945-1997)

Contact us

The DFES Education and Heritage Centre can be contacted via email educationandheritage@dfes.wa.gov.au or by phone during opening hours on (08) 6381 1110.

More Information

Education and heritage overview

The history of disaster response in our State.

Learn more

Schools and young people

Research shows a large number of young people in Australia want to learn more about natural hazards.

Learn more

Young people misusing fire

To reduce fire risk behaviour, children should be taught from a young age that fire is not a toy.

Learn more