Our Local History Photographic Competition for 2026 has wrapped up and we would like to thank and congratulate everyone who participated in preserving City of Belmont photographic history.
In first place was Penelope Marai. Her photo captures a rare moment in time when the Bart Clayden Aquatic Centre became Belmont Oasis. The pool had been drained as part of the upgrade works and tile replacement, and this is the very same pool still in use at Belmont Oasis today.
Lorraine Grinstead was awarded highly commended with her photo of the 'Girls' Jetty'. The photograph was taken in the 1950s, during a time when the Swan River was in flood. The image features the jetty at Cracknell Park, in an area that is now known as The Springs.
The People's Choice Award was won by Maxine Latham. Maxine's photo shows the rear of Maria Pellegrini's home in the 1990s - the last house standing on President Street behind Tomato Lake. The land was later resumed to be part of the Tomato Lake Reserve. View the photo on Belmont Connect.
This year our theme was Urban Landscapes, showcasing the unique places where people, industry, and the environment come together. The winner of this category was Robert Namestnik. Taken in 1973, his image shows a group of boys riding motorbikes across vacant, undeveloped land on Oats and Gabriel Streets. At the time the area was open space, but by 1981 the streets joined to improve access, and the patch of land in this image had disappeared entirely.
To view the winning photos visit Belmont Connect or see them in person at Belmont Museum.
Thank you to everyone who entered and we can't wait for next year's competition!