Dr William Kennedy’s Surgery Historic Building 1916

In 1916, this historic house was built for Dr. William Adam Kennedy, the first resident doctor in Harvey, and was used as a hospital before the construction of Harvey District Hospital in 1933.

Born in Newcastle on Tyne, Kennedy graduated from Durham University and for several years practised with his father in Newcastle. On his father’s death, he carried on the practice alone, till he disposed of it to take a post as ship’s surgeon under sail on the ill-fated Hesperus. He forsook the sea to settle at Ballarat and later came to Perth.

In 1907, he returned to England, where he married.

In August 1908, he again arrived in Perth, where he practised till December 1914, when he took up residence as Harvey’s first resident doctor. Residents who had been isolated so far as medical attention was concerned welcomed his arrival in Harvey.

Of a kindly and understanding disposition, the doctor soon weaned his way into the hearts of residents of the district.

Dr. Kennedy was a keen yachtsman and was elected a life member of the Perth Royal Yacht Club. He was also a foundation member of the Harvey Bowling Club and till the time of his death was one of the most frequent habitants of the greens.

He continued in practice till the time of his death in 1938. Kennedy Street was named in his honour.

The building is now a private residence.