Notre Dame University ND24 and 25 - Formerly Naval Drill Hall, School of Philosophy & Theology
Corner Croke St and Marine Terrace
Lot 1374/1377 (former Crown Land)
In 1924 The Bruce-Page Federal Government built the Drill Hall. It opened as a Naval Cadet Training Centre, named HMAS Cerberus V on 8 October 1926:
1926: The ball was a huge success, some 480 couples being on the floor. The new drill hall is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth. (reference)
1930 About 250 members of the 44th Battalion marched through 'the main streets of Fremantle on Thursday night. At the Town Hall the Mayor of Fremantle (Mr. F. E. Gibson) took the salute. The battalion marched back to the drill hall, where supper was provided by the Mayor and councillors. At the back of this picture of the drill hall can be seen the battalion colours and some of the trophies won during the past year. (reference)
21 May 1932 NAVAL RESERVE Ball in Drill Hall. The Royal Australian Naval Reserve held the first of their enjoyable naval balls for the season in the drill hall, Mouatt-street, Fremantle, last evening. Streamers of gay tonings radiated from the centre of the ball and the stage was set with a gay leafy scene. Flags and shields of the arms of the States of the Commonwealth decorated the walls, and in the centre there was a model Island with working model of a lighthouse and tiny house attached. The work was chiefly done by Commissioned Instructor O. Harmon and Dr. Martell, and the island followed in general outline Breaksea Island, in St. George's Sound. (reference)
1935 NAVY v. MILITARY BOXING- Naval and military authorities are arranging for the annual Navy versus Military boxing tournament next month. The contest will decide the winner of a trophy, and will be held in the Navy Drill Hall, Cliff-street, Fremantle. Members of the public will be invited. (reference)
1937 A call for men to become Gunners and join the 7th Heavy Artillery Brigade to defend the Australian coastline... 'Enlistment particulars can be had at the Swan Barracks or at Fremantle drill hall’. (reference)
In 1941 the Drill Hall was renamed HMAS Leeuwin. Many naval recruits and cadets received their training and instruction in seamanship, gunnery and navigation at the drill hall before departing to fight in World War II.
1947 Even Fremantle visitors will be surprised at the wide variety of goods produced in Fremantle on show at the Fremantle Industries Fair, which was opened at the Military Drill Hall, Fremantle, by the Minister for Industrial Development (Mr. Watts) last night. The fair has been organised by the Advance Fremantle Association… (reference)
1949 Deaf and dumb player Kevin Cooper (21) , of Plain st., East Perth, won two events at the table tennis tournament held in the Military Drill Hall, Fremantle, this week. Cooper won the final of the City of Fremantle men's handicap singles and, with Miss I. Levitzke, of Hay-st: East Perth, won the mixed handicap doubles, repeating their success of last year. (reference)
In 1964 the Commonwealth Maritime Safety Authority took over the building, made substantial alterations to the exterior and used it as a workshop and offices. (reference)
1999 Notre Dame
The major expansion of the Fremantle Campus beyond the original properties involved the acquisition of the Drill Hall in Mouat Street, which became a major facility for the University for lectures, and for graduation ceremonies, social functions and public lectures and events. It also contained much-needed academic offices. It was purchased from the Commonwealth through the personal intervention of the then Labor Prime Minister, Mr Paul Keating, following his attendance as guest of honour and principal speaker at a UNDA graduation ceremony in March, 1994. (reference)
