Arthur Millea was an Apprentice Moulder at the Midland Railway Workshop from 1954 through 1959. At the time he was earning £8 per fortnight and in 1957, at the age of 17 years, he was ready to buy his first car.

He purchased an Austen 7 for the princely sum of £35 from 7th Avenue Car Sales in Englewood. Arthur kept his Austen for two years and then traded up to a Chrysler.

The photograph was taken on Military Road, Bellevue and you have to admit he looks pretty happy with his purchase. He also looks pretty handsome!!

During our conversation, Arthur mentioned that his name and employment dates are inscribed on one of bricks on the Number 9 wall at the Midland Railway Workshop’s Workers’ Wall. Arthur, you are a true “brick in the wall”, congratulations.

“This wall of names is an initiative of the Midland Redevelopment Authority that seeks to commemorate and celebrate the contribution of the many generations of workers at the Midland Railway Workshops throughout its 90-year history of operation from 1904 through to 1994. The Workers’ Wall will grow over the years as a permanent tribute to the thousands of Western Australians who wove the rich social history of this significant heritage site. Project architect Mr Philip McAllister worked in collaboration with artist Mr Mark Grey-Smith to design and oversee the construction of this unique art work. The Workers’ Wall was dedicated on 30th November 2003 by Hon. Alannah MacTierman MLA Minister for Planning and Infrastructure."