Gypsies or Romani peoples

are the focus of June in the library.

It is not known how many Romani people live in Australia, but they first arrived on the First Fleet in 1788.  The current population is thought to be more than 20,000 with many emigrating here from Europe after WW 2..  They are not commonly acknowledged as an ethnic group, and often referred to as the 'invisible' community. 

The FHWA resources are mostly about the Romany people (or Gypsy or Travellers) of Great Britain.  The library guide 'Researching Gypsy Ancestors" has a range of journal articles about this community around the world.

Search our catalogue for gypsies, romaines, tinkers and 'travellers'.

Mundaring joins the People of WA Ghosts Towns project for Phase 7 

Mundaring, as we now know it is not in its original location.  Read about its origins here. 

Over the next six to eight weeks, the Phase 7 ghost town webpages will be progressively released. Here is a preview some more of the communities being added to the website:

Kudardup is located within the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Kudardup's story begins more than 45,000 years ago with the Wardandi people, the traditional custodians of the land. The name Wardandi means "People of the Sea," reflecting a deep connection to the coastal environment.  Kudardup evolved from the bustling era of timber mills and railways in the 1880s to the social experiment of the Group Settlement Scheme during the 1920s

Kunanalling is a former goldfields town situated approximately 32 kilometres north of Coolgardie, Kunanalling, emerged following the discovery of gold in December 1892 by James Speakman's prospecting party.

Paynes Find is located in the Shire of Yalgoo, around 430 kilometres northeast of Perth, Paynes Find was established after Thomas Payne discovered gold in the area in 1911and became an important centre for prospectors and pastoralists.  

To view the complete list of Phase 7 ghost towns click here. Subscribe to our website and receive notifications of new information.. 

Photo:  Goldfields Weir Hotel, 1928, State Library of Western Australia (n.d.) Photographs of the West; BA1913/1/48. Retrieved 18 Mar 2026 from https://encore.slwa.wa.gov.au/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2611094