The house in question is an original Soldier’s settlement house. The timber for this home was carted to the site in Lyons Road from the Jandakot siding and the house was built in 1922 and was the home of Harold Willis and Families. The house is an example of the Soldiers Settlement and Group Settlement period of our history. This part of our history is very important as from this developed the market gardens and dairy industries of Baldivis and Mandogalup.

It was once thought the building was the old Mandogalup Post Office, however advice from local residents and the Kwinana Heritage Group has indicated the building is part of an old house from the original Soldier Settlement Scheme and was previously located on Lyons Road. During the 1970s the need for a Guide Hall was evident and the house was moved to Lot 2 Mandogalup Road for this purpose. Members of the Mandogalup committee, which included the De San Miguel and Willis Families, and Alf Lydon moved the house.

According to the Kwinana Heritage Group there is very little evidence of remnants of this period and they believe that it would be an excellent opportunity to preserve the building. The group requested the building be transported to the location of Smirk’s Cottage as an addition to a future museum to complete a journey through history.

The Settlers Cottage has at last been set to rest on the ground’s of the Kwinana Heritage Group Inc, where it has been so lovingly restored by the dedicated group of helpers within.