Augusta's 2001 Commemoration of Matthew Flinders Naming of Cape Leeuwin
THE community of Augusta celebrated the naming of Cape Leeuwin by Matthew Flinders and the bicentenary of the commencement of his mapping of the Australian coast with a picnic and speakers on Friday, December 7, 2001.Our Speakers
Helping us to bring Matthew Flinders' story to the local community were botanist Alex George and local historians Dr John Williams and Gail Cresswell. Margaret River Senior High School Principal Ray Harwood read extracts from A Voyage To Terra Australis as waves could be heard breaking in the bay.
Former politician Barry Blaikie reminded us of the importance of local history in charting a course for the future and local resident Judith Mackintosh gave us further insight into Flinders' personality, with stories of his beloved cat Trim. Our MC Alan Melchert has initiated the Voyager Collection of bronze sculptures featuring explorers and was born in Lincolnshire not far from Flinders own birthplace. For more details, see our events program and our collection of articles and links.
Our Picnic
Flinders Bay is the perfect spot for a picnic, and a light breeze and a few flies did not keep away picnickers and local historians who were keen to learn more about Matthew Flinders and to share a day in the sun. The Lions Club of Leeuwin held a sausage sizzle at the park and Friends of the Augusta Hospital provided refreshments. Boules enthusiast Erl Happ of Happs Winery gave picnickers an opportunity to try a new sport and teams played for fun and a cash prize.
Augusta Primary School students joined in the spirit of the day, entertaining picknickers and wearing sailor hats and flop hats made by our local Parents and Citizens. Adults were also invited to wear period costume and a few took up the challenge, including Dr John Williams (pictured left) and Augusta Promotions Co-ordinator Sue Bussau. If you're wondering what clothing was fashionable when Matthew Flinders sailed past our shores, check out our collection of costume links.
'Rails to Sails' Opening
The day also marked the official opening of the Augusta Historical Society's 'Rails to Sails' project. 'Rails to Sails' commemorates the M.C. Davies Timber empire and incorporates details of timber mills and jetties connected by approximately 60kms of railway line. The project was instigated, planned and implemented by Augusta resident Doug Miller, with the generous support of the Lotteries Commission of Western Australia, the Lions Club of Leeuwin and our local community.