Mary Davies to be honoured

The new Baldivis library and community centre will be named in honour of the late Mary Davies, a tireless volunteer for Rockingham.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said Mrs Davies was a Freeman of the City and a highly respected member of the community.

“Naming the centre in honour of Mrs Davies will be a positive and significant way to recognise the sustained work she did volunteering and building community values over many years,” he said.

The new building, which includes a function hall children’s activity room and IT training room, is nearing completion and is ready for fit-out of furniture, shelving and library stock.

It is due to open to the public in the middle of this year.

Mrs Davis moved to Baldivis as a child more than 80 years ago.

Mr Sammels said Mrs Davis was known for her ability to recall important events in Baldivis’ history, dates and names.

“She was often thought of as ‘a walking library’,” he said.

“She was often the go-to person for council, the tourist bureau and local organisations when they needed information.”

Mrs Davies’ passion for history inspired her to sort, caption and catalogue thousands of photographs, creating a valuable pictorial archive that will inform many future generations.

She was also actively involved in many volunteer groups, committees and other activities.

John Davies, Mrs Davies’ eldest son, said his mother loved being busy.

“Mum was so busy after she retired from the farm that even her own kids had to make an appointment to see her,” he said.