18/1/01
In 1616, Dirk Hartog made a wrong turn and instead of landing on the Spice Islands, dropped anchor in the Shark Bay area.
He spent the next three days exploring the area and was sufficiently impressed by what he saw to nail a pewter plate to a tree before heading off to the Moluccas.
On Australia Day, the Shire of Shark Bay will commemorate another important piece of history at a spot not far from where Dirk Hartog landed.
Works; Services; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson said the Shire of Shark Bay would commemorate the Centenary of Federation by opening a new gazebo and barbecue area on the Denham Foreshore.
The Federation Gazebo project was partly funded by a grant from the WA 2001 Community Centenary Project worth almost $7,000.
More than 200 communities throughout the State have shared in $3.5 million committed by the State Government to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Federation.
“The WA 2001 Community Centenary Project has benefited a wide range of communities right across our vast State,” Mr Johnson said.
“The projects, which have a total value of more than $18 million, will enhance the lives of everyone in Western Australia, whether they live in remote communities like Gascoyne Junction, regional centres like Kalgoorlie - or the heart of Perth itself.”
Mr Johnson, who is also the State Minister responsible for the Centenary of Federation, said the organisers of the Shark Bay festivities hoped the entire community would turn out on Australia Day.
“The Denham community represents a rich mix of cultures,” the Minister said.
“They are united in love for their unique, World Heritage Listed area, a belief in the ideals of Australia and an insatiable appetite for the appetising products of that great Aussie icon, the barbecue.”
Entertainment on the day will include the Mucky Duck Bush Band, family games and barbecues christened by a visiting celebrity chef.
Media contacts :
Fran Hodge (Minister’s office) 9215 4800
Michelle Plume (Project co-ordinator) 9948 1218
