Western Australia

This State has had eighty Toc H Branches since 1925 and nearly all of them were in country towns. History shows that World War II had a significant impact on Toc H in this State with many Branches closing in 1941. The following are some notable milestones for Toc H in Western Australia:
  • 1927

    Toc H Western Australia (Don Clelland) instituted the World Chain of Light, which started in Perth.

  • 1928

    Guildford Branch established “Corn Tars” at the Swan Boys’ Orphanage to train promising boys in leadership.

  • 1931

    The first Australian Mark was opened in Albany.

  • 1934

    The Harvey Toc H Branch established the first Junior Farmers’ Club for young people living in the country. This became a very successful national movement and evolved into Rural Youth.

  • 1940

    Locksley Hall was officially opened as a hostel for servicemen (From 1940 to 1944 105,792 meals were served). Nearby Queen’s House likewise provided accommodation and a vast number of meals for service women during this time.

  • 1955

    The Santa Lolly Run started: delivering lollies to every child in Kwinana on Christmas morning.

  • 1971

    A Library Service was provided for the elderly and the disabled.

There have been many very worthwhile projects undertaken by Toc H members in Western Australia: camps for young people (The Children’s Holiday League), help to the New Settler’s League, involvement with the Sister Kate’s Home for Aboriginal children, and support for country communities. 

​From 1929 to 1938 the reverend A. E. White was Rector of the Anglican Church in Albany and it was on the 25th April, 1930 that he held the first ANZAC Day Dawn Service on Mt Clarence. He was Chaplain to the Albany Toc H Branch and after the Service, Toc H members provided a breakfast in the Church Hall.
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The Santa Lolly Run.
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The Toc H Hall, Kwinana.