Whitlam Library Photographic Collection

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Collection SummaryThe Whitlam Library was designed by the well-known architect, the late Harry Seidler, and named after one of Cabramatta's most famous former residents – the former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. He was elected as the Werriwa federal Labor MP in 1952. In 1957, he moved his family to a home in Albert St, Cabramatta. The Whitlam Library in Cabramatta was named after him after he secured a massive federal government contribution towards its construction.

This Architectural award winning building housing the new Cabramatta Library was opened on Monday 20th October 1975 to the public. A year later, the building was officially opened by the Governor of NSW at the time, Sir Roden Cutler, on the 22nd May 1976.

The library building also attracted an Australian top award in 1976 for lighting installations.

On the 20th November 1982, the library was renamed in honour of the former prime minister, Mr. Gough Whitlam, who was present and also launched on the day a heritage publication written by Vance George, titled "Fairfield : a history of the district".

Major renovations took place in 1991 where the first floor was added. Ralph Willis (brother of Noel Willis), the then treasurer officially opened the first floor extension on 11 December 1993.

Today the library services a population of 200,000 people with a highly multicultural mix which represents 130 countries and speak over 75 languages. Community language materials are highly circulated in particular Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer languages.

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