Leeuwin 400 Event to Bring History to Life

A local working group are set to bring history to life with a special event at the Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta, to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the mapping of Cape Leeuwin.

A community day will be held on Sunday 30 October 2022 from 11.30am to 2.30pm to acknowledge the historical event with a range of activities for all ages.

The working group behind the event, which is made up of the Augusta Community Resource Centre, Augusta Community Development Association, Augusta Historical Society, Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, have collaborated to bring the historical event to life with a range of community activities, as well as historical talks at the Colourpatch Café.

Shire Community Development Officer Rebecca Young said the event was a collaborative effort of the group and aimed to bring together people of all ages and cultures to recognise shared stories.

“Leeuwin 400 is a free and inclusive community event with something for everyone,” she said.

“The community day will be a celebration that is unique, rich in history and offers opportunities for everyone to get involved.”

The Leeuwin 400 event will include a Welcome to Country by Iszaac Webb and will see the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands attend and unveil a commemorative plaque. As well as food and coffee vans, The Anchormen sea shanty singers will perform, and a photography exhibition, community art project, animal nursery, face painting, rope tying and reed rope making with Undalup Association will make for an entertaining day out.

Those with a keen interest in the history of the milestone event are encouraged to book tickets for Maritime Stories In Conversation at Colourpatch Café in the afternoon from 4pm to 6pm, to listen to shared stories of Dutch maritime exploration, history and Wadandi Pibelmen perspectives. Former ABC Presenter, Author and Historian Bill Bunbury will interview special guests including Maritime Archaeologist for the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Martjin Manders, Wadandi Pibelmen Cultural Custodian Iszacc Webb, Maritime Archeology - WA Museum Jeremy Green and Historian Nonja Peters.
Tickets for the Maritime Stories In Conversation event are $15 and are available at https://leeuwin400maritimestories.eventbrite.com

Find out more about Leeuwin 400 event or contact Rachuel Knapinski at the Augusta Community Resource Centre on 08 9758 0002, email [email protected]