[1] Although work on it started in 2003, the idea within the university for an historical encyclopedia of Western Australia dates to the early 1990s.

[3] In its introduction,[1]: vii  the encyclopedia suggests it provides an outstanding reference for researchers, teachers, students and the general public that will enable them to locate information about significant events, institutions and places, themes and topics in the history of Western Australia.Following publication of the encyclopedia, an index, alphabetical list of entries and a list of errata known at the time was published in 2010 to complement the encyclopedia.

[4]: vii  Hardcopies of the encyclopedia were sold at the State Library of Western Australia, advertised in part as follows.

[6] In 2010 the encyclopedia was shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier's Book Award.

[7] In her introduction, Gregory places the publication with others from other states:[1]: ix