As a young woman in 1904, Alfreda Cooley sailed from South Australia to the distant shores of Western Australia, with her husband Oliver and two small children.

Over the years, she emerged as a mature woman of remarkable strength and courage; the heart of her large family to which she was entirely devoted. Despite many hardships, Alfreda embraced her life in the West, becoming a familiar and well-respected resident in the early days of Leederville and West Perth. As well, cultivating the loyalty of lifelong friendships.

Alfreda was one of many unsung pioneers of the early 20th century. Her life story is shaped by documentation and historic family recollections, researched and completed in 2026 by her granddaughter, award-winning author Lois D. Cooley.