Honouring Our Past,
Inspiring the Future.
Information about Kingsley Fairbridge
Kingsley Fairbridge was born in 1885 in Grahamstown and spent much of his childhood in rural conditions, which strongly shaped his views on hardship and opportunity. He later moved to England and studied at University of Oxford, where he developed his ideas about social reform.
Fairbridge was known for his strong sense of purpose and belief in giving disadvantaged children a fresh start. He married Ruby Fairbridge in 1911, who supported his work and continued his legacy after his death.
He struggled with poor health for much of his life and died young in 1924 at just 38 years old. Despite his short life, he was driven, idealistic, and deeply committed to helping others, leaving a lasting personal and humanitarian legacy.
The Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School
The Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School was established in 1912 to support underprivileged children from Britain. Set on 1,200 hectares near Pinjarra, it operated as a self-sustaining village community. Children lived in small cottages with “cottage mothers,” creating a family-style environment. At its peak, around 300 children lived on-site, supported by farms, workshops, and shared facilities.
The school focused on practical, hands-on learning rather than traditional academics. Students were trained in trades such as carpentry, dressmaking, and farm management. This approach built independence, responsibility, and real-world skills for future employment.
Fairbridge Chapel
Fairbridge Chapel known as the Church of the Holy Innocents was constructed in 1932 as the spiritual heart of the village. Positioned at the very centre of the village, the chapel has been a place where the Fairbridge community could come together not just for religious services, but for special events, reflection, and community building.
Rosa Nobes Cottage
Rosa Nobes Cottage is a replica of the original Fairbridge “Old Boys Cottage” from the 1930s. The project began in 2004 when John Lane wanted to recreate the cottages as they looked in Fairbridge’s early days. With help from his family, Fairbridge staff, volunteers, local businesses, and trainees, the project was completed almost three years later. The cottage was named after Rosa Nobes, John’s foster mother, to honour the care and support she gave him as a child. Today, it is part of the Fairbridge Heritage Courtyard, where visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like as a Fairbridge kid.
Fairbridge Western Australia History Timeline
Fairbridge Chapel History:
Church of the Holy Innocents
Fairbridge Chapel was designed by architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1928 and completed in 1931. The chapel resembles earlier architectural styles Baker had developed in South Africa, fitting with Kingsley’s origins. The building was largely the gift of Thomas Wall of English Ice Cream fame, who donated £6,000. Construction was carried out by builders, Sumpton and Sons, along with unemployed Fairbridgians’ who helped dig the foundations.
The first foundation stone for the chapel was laid on 14th February 1931 by A E Joyner. Dedication followed 10 months later on the 12th December 1931, by the Bishop of Bunbury. The Chapel is 56 feet long and 25 feet wide and was built using local materials including brick, jarrah, and karri and a shingled roof. The most prominent features of the chapel are its high ceilings, glass stain windows, and dramatic chandeliers. The glass stain window at the western end of the chapel was placed by the Old Fairbridgian’s Association in memory of its founder.
Kingsley’s grave lies a short distance from the chapel, with views of the rolling hills that lay backdrop to the church. A Pipe Organ was donated by a London hotel and shipped over to Western Australia. The organ can still be heard playing in the chapel today. The chapel roof has been restored thanks to the team at Fairbridge and funding from the Heritage Council of WA, and Alcoa of Australia.
The Fairbridge chapel is open to the public 7 days a week from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The chapel is available free of charge for school and community groups.
The venue is for hire for civil weddings, funerals, and christenings.
For more information or to make a booking contact:
bookings@fairbridge.asn.au or telephone (08) 9531 1177.
Contact Us
Fairbridge Western Australia Incorporated Fairbridge Village South West Highway P.O. Box 173 Pinjarra WA 6208