What is behind the names Oblong, Bartlett and Grace/Grace Hardie?

The oblong turtle (Chelodina Oblonga), also known commonly as the narrow-breasted snake-necked turtle and the southwestern snake-necked turtle, is a species of turtle endemic to the southwestern part of Western Australia. 

The Oblong Turtle can be found in wetlands across the Eric Singleton Sanctuary, Gobba Lake and Maylands Lake. The Eric Singleton Sanctuary is approximately 650m from the ROW.

The oblong turtles received their name due to the shape to their carapace (upper shell) and snake-like long neck. They are dark brown or muddy black in colour, these turtles are found in waterways across Perth and throughout the south-west. They can be found in various permanent and seasonal freshwater habitats, including rivers, swamps, lakes, damp lands, and natural as well as artificial wetlands.

Adult turtles can grow large and measure about 30-50cms from the tip of their tails to the end of their beaks, whereas the young hatchlings are tiny, approximately the size of a 20-cent coin. 

The Oblong or snake-neck turtle can be found in the wetlands across the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, Gobba Lake and Maylands Lake. 

In commemoration of Rita Bartlett (nee Bannon), who joined Girl Guides Association of Western Australia in 1915 as a member of the 1st Swan Company. This was the first guiding group enrolled in Western Australia, and Rita celebrated 60 years of active guiding in 1975. In 1976 she was the longest serving uniformed member in Australia with the Girl Guides Association. Rita corresponded with Lady Baden‐Powell World Chief Guide over four decades. “My sixty years in the guiding I love” was written by Rita preceding her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1975.

Rita corresponded with Lady Baden‐Powell World Chief Guide over four decades. In 1978 she was awarded the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.) for her services to Guiding in WA and internationally. Rita and her husband Les also purchased the Bayswater Hotel during World War II, which at that time it was the only hotel in the district.

Les was not only the publican and barman but also a master of ceremonies who ensured that a drink at the hotel was also a night’s entertainment, as recalled by his daughter Betty Foster (nee Bartlett). “As always, there were some clients who poured their earnings into the hotel rather than their families and these were known to Rita, who packed up several cases of free food each week to deliver to their wives. It was still that kind of community. However, she is best remembered publicly for her great contribution to Western Australian and International Guiding, to which she devoted a great deal of her life.”^c

Rita passed away on 8^th September 1972.

Les and Rita Bartlett with memorabilia displayed at the Bayswater Hotel. 

 

In commemoration of Grace Hardie, who was a hard-working member of the community for many years. Examples of her community work include the establishment of the Bayswater Historical Society, contribution to the Morley Progress Association and also work done with the Bayswater Swimming Club. She has been recognised for her work by the creation of a memorial rose garden at Halliday Park which has been named after her. Grace was also awarded the Freedom of the City by the City of Bayswater to acknowledge her enormous contribution. 

The City is not proposing ‘Hardie Lane’ as there is an existing ‘Hardey Road’, in Maylands. As per Landgate’s Geographic Naming Policies, consideration may be given to use of the first name if the surname is deemed non-compliant due to overuse or duplication in the area. The City sought guidance from Landgate on whether it was appropriate to use the first name Grace in this instance. Landgate advised that ‘Grace’ or ‘Grace Hardie’ lane would be considered in this instance.

Grace passed away in 1998.

Grace Hardie and Les Burnett judging events at the Swimming Club Championship Day.