Augusta hosts 400th birthday celebration for mapping of Leeuwin region

A major celebration marking 400 years since Dutch explorers first mapped Cape Leeuwin is scheduled for the end of this month.

Based at the Leeuwin Lighthouse and developed by a team of collaborators led by keeper Paul Sofilas, the day of talks, activities and celebrations kick off on October 30 between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

The Augusta Community Resource Centre, Augusta Community Development Association, Augusta Historical Society, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association were all involved in bringing the region’s past history to life.

Mr Sofilas told the Times he floated the concept as a member of the historical society back in 2016.

“I was just making people aware of the upcoming connection between 1622 and 2022, and it was felt that it would be worth commemorating,” Mr Sofilas said.

“The initial mapping on that voyage was a reference for later maps used by mariners.

“And Cape Leeuwin is regarded as one of the three most dangerous Capes for mariners in the southern hemisphere.”

The lighthouse keeper said the history of Aboriginal people in the area was always an item of key significance considering any celebration of the anniversary.

“Four hundred years is a footnote to a very long history of human settlement of the region,” he told the Times.

“Acknowledgement of that ongoing history will be made during the event, and we are hopeful that will encourage people to go further back to inform themselves of that prior history.”

The region was named for the Dutch vessel Lioness which charted the South West coast, and while logs from that voyage were lost, the first reference crops up in a map from 1627 by Hessel Gerritsz which builds on Dirk Hartog’s early voyages and names the region “the land of Eendracht” after the cartographer’s own ship.

The Leeuwin 400 event includes a Welcome to Country by Iszaac Webb which will be attended by the Dutch Ambassador who will also unveil a commemorative plaque.

The Anchormen sea shanty singers will perform, and a photography exhibition, community art project, animal nursery, face painting, food and drink vans, and Aboriginal craft workshops with the Undalup Association will round out the day.

Augusta’s Colourpatch Cafe will also host talks from local history experts.

Bookings were crucial for the Maritime Stories In Conversation event starting at 4pm which will be focused on Dutch maritime exploration, history, and Wadandi-Pibelmen perspectives and hosted by historian Bill Bunbury.

Shire community development officer Rebecca Young said the event was free and open to all residents.

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

Visit leeuwin400maritimestories.eventbrite.com for more or contact admin@augustacrc.net.au.