As I walk around the suburbs of Perth I keep seeing intriguing sites that I never knew existed. Even though I grew up here I just took so much for granted. Now, at age fifty, I feel like I'm only starting to learn about the city's true character and history.

Recently, for example, I was in Wembley. Just near Lake Monger (which is quite picturesque, by the way) I came across a rusty old plaque on St Columbas Avenue. Referring to the olive tree just nearby, it described how it was planted by the Benedictine monks who set up a community nearby.



The olive tree itself was planted circa 1859. If the plaque were not there you would have no clue about its age or history.