Crown Perth turns into a 1980s wonderland as staff celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary

Crown Perth is now a defining feature of the Burswood riverfront, but 40 years ago, the site was merely a rubbish dump.

Today, it’s home to a world-class resort, 30 restaurants and bars, a theatre and the casino.

On Tuesday, chief executive Brian Pereira, alongside several ‘day one’ employees, who began their jobs back in 1985, marked Crown Perth’s 40th anniversary.

When the property opened its doors as Burswood Island Casino on December 30, 1985, it employed 1000 people.

Today, Crown Perth is the largest single-site employer in WA, with more than 5000 team members.

Lorette Spicer and Ann Joel both began working at Burswood Island Casino on day one.

Ms Joel worked in the PR department and was able to travel the world as part of her role.

Ms Spicer was the wardrobe manager and met her husband through the casino.

“I took our beautiful Australian girls who love the beach and dressed them up every night with their nails done and their makeup,” Ms Spicer said.

“They had to be perfectly groomed, their nails were to be done, and they had to wear make up.

“You didn’t have to come in looking like a model, but you had to have your minimum makeup... which was hard for some girls… I used to stand at the top of the stairs and inspect the staff as they went out.

“My daughter worked in scheduling and heard somebody carrying on a bit about the ‘Dragon Lady’ upstairs, and it was me.”

Ms Joel said the casino opening was an exciting thing for Perth and the staff in those early days were all friends.

“We didn’t know much about what was going on outside - we were so involved here, as we worked towards the opening,” she added.

“We worked 18 hours a day, we had blisters on our feet, and everyone was wearing band aids, but I never heard people complaining.

“This was so new, and we were so proud to be part of it.”

To mark the milestone, Crown has embraced the spirit of the 80s this week.

There will be activities and events, including a photographic exhibition showcasing the evolution of the Burswood Peninsula and a tribute to dedicated team members, who have worked at the venue over its 40 years.

Crown has also transformed into an 80s wonderland, with themed music, décor and entertainment throughout the property.

On Tuesday, a time capsule containing memories from 1985, as well as items from today, was buried at the site, ready to be revealed again in 2065.

Cage supervisor Roy Williams and cage shift manager May Wong, who both started in 1985, were on hand to place the time capsule in the ground.

Ms Wong joked that Mr Williams was “very mean” when she moved from working in the buffet to the change booth, but both said they were now lifelong friends.

He said a highlight was running into some of the famous people who had stayed at the casino over the years.

“I remember there was that wrestler, the Big Show, he’s huge, he was like 7ft tall or something, he came in,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Pereira acknowledged the team members who started in 1985 and are still with the business today.

“Anyone who has worked at Crown will tell you, it is the people who make the place so special, and that rings true today,” he said.

“This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate our team members, guests and partners who have made this journey possible and, to this day, help us create memorable experiences.”

Mr Pereira said early next year, Crown will expand further, adding 12 new venues at the urban food district across the road.