Stanage Bay celebrations

More than 400 people travelled to Stanage Bay on 7 September to join in celebrations of the bicentenary of the arrival of Matthew Flinders at Thirsty Sound in 1802. Mr Paul Murphy, President of the Stanage Township Committee said, "The celebrations were the result of weeks of planning by Stanage Township Committee and Livingstone Shire Council and were a huge success. We were so pleased to see so many former residents make the journey and take part in the tree planting ceremony and unveiling the sundial and plaque at Plumb Tree commemorating the visit of Flinders." Visitors to Stanage Bay were welcomed by Livingstone Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig who recognised the work of the community of Stanage Bay in planning the celebrations and their strong community spirit. The day was one of history, with local historian Henry Hinz giving a history of the voyages of Matthew Flinders and Mr Neville Kayes presenting a history of the township of Stanage. Mr John Fletcher, who has researched the life of Flinders, spoke on Flinders as a scientist, pursuits which later became important to the development of mining and exploration in the Thirsty Sound area.

A keynote speaker on the day was Mr Jim Wolfe who, 32 years ago, made a pact with the late Gil Foreman to celebrate the arrival of Flinders. "It is wonderful to see so many people coming to Stanage today to take part in these celebrations", Mr Wolfe said. Building Livingstone's Communities Officer Peter Scott said, "The people of Stanage Bay have a history of getting things done for themselves. Livingstone Shire Council has been pleased to provide assistance to the community for this event when it was under threat due to the public liability crisis. This is another example of Council working with communities as part of our community building strategy."

Last updated 16 October 2006. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au   Return to home