Photo: City of Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle, Mr Robert Fyfe, Mrs Allison Fyfe. Shirley Fyfe Gazebo, Dalkeith.
A special morning in Shirley Fyfe Park
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the official opening of the restored Shirley Fyfe Gazebo in Shirley Fyfe Park, on Waratah Avenue in Dalkeith.
The ceremony was led by City of Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle, alongside Mr Robert Fyfe and his wife Elke, and Mrs Allison Fyfe and her husband Siegfried. Rob Fyfe’s heartfelt speech, honouring Shirley Fyfe’s lifelong dedication and tireless service to the local community, was an inspiration for all.
The City of Nedlands extends its sincere gratitude to the Fyfe family for their support in restoring this much-loved local landmark. The gazebo’s unique charm and character continue to make it a treasured feature of the park.
Constructed in the art deco inter-war period between World War I and World War II, the gazabo's octagonal shape was a rarity for the time. It was used as a bus stop over the decades.
With the generous support of the Fyfe family, the restoration of the historic Shirley Fyfe Gazebo was made possible.
About Shirley Fyfe
Shirley Fyfe was a cherished member of the Dalkeith community, where she lived for 52 years. Her lifelong dedication to service, education, and the environment left a lasting legacy.
As a teenager, Shirley taught Sunday School at St Lawrence’s Anglican Church. Before marrying, she worked with children with disabilities at the former Sir James Mitchell Spastic Centre in Mount Lawley, where she was highly regarded for her compassion and skill.
In the 1960s, Shirley joined the committee of Melvista Kindergarten and later contributed as a trained kindergarten teacher. She also served on the St Lawrence’s Anglican Church Mother’s Union, including as President, and was a member of the church vestry.
Shirley had a deep love for children and taught weekly scripture classes to Grades 1 and 2 at Dalkeith Primary School for 25 years. Her warm rapport with students and staff made her a beloved figure in the school community. She also served as a delegate to the Hollywood Christian Resource Council, coordinating interdenominational Religious Education at the school.
A founding member of Men of the Trees WA, Shirley served on its committee for 12 years. Her vision and generosity - donating land in Hazelmere - enabled the establishment of the organisation’s permanent headquarters and tree-seedling nursery, which produces around 180,000 seedlings annually. Over her 17-year membership, she participated in countless tree-planting events across Perth and regional WA, including coordinating two major plantings on the Nedlands foreshore. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded Honorary Life Membership.
Shirley also supported students in Churchlands in learning how to propagate tree seedlings and was actively involved in local charities, including the Red Cross and Community Aid Abroad (now Oxfam Australia). She was known for her kindness, always offering support to neighbours and those facing hardship or grief.
A nature lover, Shirley especially enjoyed visiting the local Dalkeith park with her children, drawn to the lemon-scented gums along Wavell Road. In 1999, following her passing in 1996, the previously unnamed park was officially named the Shirley Fyfe Park, in recognition of her contributions, following a recommendation to the City of Nedlands by her husband, Christopher.