A Heritage Cruise to Broken Bay and Dangar Island

On Monday 16th May a group of 50 descendants of first fleeters enjoyed a day cruising on the Hawkesbury River, being shown indigenous and early settler sltes in Broken Bay and exploring Dangar Island.

The group from the Hunter Valley and Central Coast Chapters of First Fleeters chose the date to commemorate the departure of the first fleet from Plymouth on 13th May 1787.

Dangar Island has a rich indigenous history being known as a gathering place for aboriginal people and harbours rock carving and fishing sites. It is also significant in the establishment af the colony. Governor Arthur Phillip with his senior officers visited Dangar Island in March 1788 only two months after arriving at Botany Bay, on a quest to find suitable agricultural land. A plaque commemorates that landing and was of great interest to the visitors.

The Central Coast Chapter of First Fleeters meet on the second Saturday of the month at the Point Clare Community Hall at 10 for 10.30. An invitation is extended to interested parties, whether you are a first fleeter, suspect you are a first fleeter or are interested in early Australian history. All are welcome.

For more details contact the Chapter Secretary Jon on 4311 6254.

Since the fellowship was formed in 1968 over 9000 individuals have established their descent from nearly 200 of those
original arrivals in 1788.