Image of community members watching the model boats at Jackadder Reserve

Woodlands

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Image of soccer players at Richard Guelfi Reserve

The local community describes Woodlands as a friendly, peaceful and friendly neighbourhood. To better understand what is means to be ‘a local’ our suburb profile seeks to understand the local stories Koora (past), Yeyi (present), Boordawan (future) and respond to Ngalang Maya (our place). This snapshot identifies the unique character of Woodlands’ neighbourhood and helps the City rethink how we deliver services with a local focus.

The name "Woodlands" came from the original subdividers of the land. It was considered a good choice of name, as at the time, there were several streets in the area with "wood" in their names.

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The name "Woodlands" came from the original subdividers of the land. It was considered a good choice of name, as at the time, there were several streets in the area with "wood" in their names. Part of the area that is now Woodlands was originally assigned to Thomas William Mews in 1831. However, as Mews could not fulfil the location duties, the grant passed to T. R. C. Walters in 1840. It was later part of the extensive lands owned by John Daniel Manning.

In 1842 the locality was recorded as 'Jackadup', which was the Aboriginal name for the area. This was later adapted to 'Jackadder', the name that is still borne by the lake at the centre of Woodlands.

Development in Woodlands began in earnest in the 1960s and growth is still occurring, as the Floreat Lakes Estate to the south east was only subdivided in 1991 and still contains vacant land.

To echo the title of the suburb, many of the streets in Woodlands are named after trees such as oak, elm, birch, sandalwood and willow.

Significant landmarks

The parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary was the architectural vision of building supervisor Fr Bonaventure Leahy OP. The building was constructed in 1973 by stonemason Adrian Gosatti using Toodyay stone especially hewn for the project. The church, parish centre, priory and neighbouring school form a historically significant complex, which is valued by local Catholic community and reflects the work of the Dominican Order and growth of Woodlands.

View the Art and History Collection - Woodlands

Local community groups

Transition Town Stirling.

Local Facebook goups

Local sporting clubs

Local schools

Woodlands Primary School.

What you've told us so far

"Public art spaces, live music."

What we're doing

The key output of the City of Stirling’s Events and Sponsorship service is to support the delivery of a variety of enjoyable, high-quality, inclusive and accessible event experiences for the community across the City. The Events team is currently working with several event operators to delivery unique events to Woodlands in 2025-26. The service also provides funding and support for local artists and community-led events. The City invests $1.6 million per year in this service.

Learn more about the City's Community Grants Program.

What you've told us so far

"Dogs on leads at parks around wetlands to protect the native animals birds/turtles etc."

What we're doing

The City of Stirling's Dog Area Control Policy regulates which reserves require dogs to be kept on a leash. This policy is scheduled for review in 2025.

To make a report, call the City's Community Patrol on 1300 365 356 (24/7 services) or report online.

Learn more about responsible dog ownership in the City.

What you've told us so far

"Corner of Rosewood and Pearson is very busy and needs lights."

"Roundabout - Rosewood and Pearson."

"More 50km signs to remind those travelling at higher speeds."

What we're doing

The City acknowledges community concerns about safety at the intersection of Pearson Street and Rosewood Avenue. While the area may appear large, there is insufficient space within the existing road reserve to accommodate a roundabout without acquiring land from the abutting corners. The City continues to explore further options to improve safety at this intersection.

The provision of regulatory signage on all public roads - including speed zone signage - is the responsibility of Main Roads WA. However, it is their policy to not install 50km/h signs on all roads, as drivers are expected to be aware that the default 50km/h limit applies where no signage in place.

To male a report, call the City's Community Patrol on 1300 365 356 (24/7 services) or report online.

What you've told us so far

"More connected cycle paths."

What we're doing

At its meeting on 1 July 2025, Council considered concise, high-level principles covering all aspects of active transport, including walking, cycling and e-mobility. These Active Transport Principles will guide strategic and operational decision-making on the provision of infrastructure and the promotion of active transport across the City.

View the City of Stirling Minutes and Agendas.

Discover current projects in your local area

The dominant type of dwelling in Woodlands is the single detached home, although there are some higher density developments beginning to be established in the area. The prolonged development of Woodlands has ensured a varied mix of housing designs.

The majority of dwellings are built of brick and date from the 1960s and 1970s, while many of the newer homes are architecturally designed.

Woodlands have 13ha of public open space and is well serviced by parks and reserves. The most significant open space surrounds Jackadder Lake and provides primarily for passive recreation. Jackadder Lake was first recorded as "Mews Lake" in 1831 and provides a local recreation area.

There are several smaller parks in the locality, including Sweeting Reserve and Woodlands Reserve.

The neighbourhood retail area is called 'Woodlands Village' and is conveniently located in the centre of the suburb. Ribbon development along Scarborough Beach Road in the north of Woodlands forms part of the Stirling Regional Centre and supplements local shopping.

The locality also contains a retirement village and entertainment is provided by Event Cinemas on Liege Street.