Riley family collection

The Riley family have long associations with the North Beach area and this collection of objects was donated to the Stirling History Collection, facilitated by members of the North Suburban Historical Society. Several items can be found on display in the Mount Flora Regional Museum, including the Riley family suitcase with the original leather travel labels and stencilling.

Personal objects that belonged to the family are kept in the collection including an original copy of the Charles Riley Memorial Reserve opening brochure. The City of Stirling has film footage of the opening of the reserve in 1958 documented by Len Easton in his film 'A Tale of One City' which shows Bishop Riley giving a speech along with other dignitaries and includes a parade of local school children. 

The Charles Riley Memorial Reserve was officially opened on 23 August 1958, dedicated to Bishop Riley's son, Charles Owen Riley, who drowned in Watermans Bay while saving the lives of others.