Crown Perth, the glittering fixture of the Burswood riverfront, has officially turned 40, celebrating the milestone by transporting itself and its guests back to the vibrant era of the 1980s. The landmark resort, which today houses a world-class complex of entertainment, dining, and gaming, marked four decades since it first opened its doors as the Burswood Island Casino on December 30, 1985.
From Humble Beginnings to Riverside Icon
The site's transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Four decades ago, the land now occupied by the sprawling Crown Perth resort was merely a rubbish dump. Today, it stands as a premier destination featuring 30 restaurants and bars, a theatre, and the casino itself. To commemorate the anniversary, chief executive Brian Pereira joined several 'day one' employees who have been with the venue since its inception.
The growth in its workforce mirrors the physical transformation. When Burswood Island Casino launched, it employed 1000 people. Now, Crown Perth holds the title of the largest single-site employer in Western Australia, with a team exceeding 5000 members.
Memories from the Original Team
The celebration was deeply personal for long-serving staff like Ann Joel and Lorette Spicer, who both started on that very first day. Joel worked in public relations, a role that took her around the world, while Spicer was the wardrobe manager, famously known as the 'Dragon Lady' for her meticulous grooming standards for staff.
"I took our beautiful Australian girls who love the beach and dressed them up every night," Spicer recalled, emphasising the requirement for perfect nails and makeup. Joel remembered the intense camaraderie and effort leading to the opening. "We worked 18 hours a day, we had blisters on our feet... but I never heard people complaining. This was so new, and we were so proud to be part of it," she said.
Other original employees, including cage supervisor Roy Williams and cage shift manager May Wong, also shared their stories. Wong joked about Williams being "very mean" when she started, though they are now lifelong friends. Williams reminisced about encounters with celebrities, notably recalling the visit of the gigantic wrestler, The Big Show.
A Week of Nostalgia and a Message for the Future
To honour the milestone, Crown Perth has fully embraced the spirit of the 80s this week. The property has been transformed into a wonderland of themed music, décor, and entertainment. A special photographic exhibition charts the evolution of the Burswood Peninsula, and tributes are being paid to dedicated team members.
A poignant moment in the celebrations saw the burial of a time capsule, containing mementos from 1985 and present-day items, which is scheduled to be unearthed in 2065. Williams and Wong had the honour of placing the capsule in the ground.
CEO Brian Pereira paid tribute to the enduring team. "Anyone who has worked at Crown will tell you, it is the people who make the place so special, and that rings true today," he stated. He also looked ahead, announcing that early next year, Crown will expand further by adding 12 new venues at the urban food district across the road.
The 40th anniversary is not just a look back at an incredible journey from a dump to a dynasty; it's a celebration of the community and workforce that built it, setting the stage for the next chapter in Crown Perth's storied history.
