About the Event
As Albany marks the 200th anniversary of European settlement in Western Australia, this exhibition reflects on two significant milestones in the region's maritime history: the early development of boatbuilding around King George Sound and the 50th anniversary of the Amity replica.
Following the arrival of the brig Amity in December 1826, shipwrights, sailmakers and carpenters began carrying out repair and construction work around King George Sound. In the decades that followed, vessels were built along the banks of the Kalgan and King rivers, supporting the growth of the settlement and helping connect Albany to the wider world.
The exhibition also commemorates the remarkable achievement of Stan Austin and his team, who completed the Amity replica in 1976. Built against considerable challenges and tight timelines, the vessel has become one of Albany's most recognisable landmarks and a lasting symbol of the city's colonial history.
Featuring photographs, drawings, ship models and historical publications, the exhibition explores the people, skills and stories that shaped Albany's maritime heritage.
On Tuesday mornings during the Maritime Festival in July there will be engaging talks at The Co-Op Building, starting at 10.30am.
- July 7: History of Maritime Albany presented by Malcolm Traill
- July 14: Amity Replica Maintenance presented by Darren Russel
- July 21: Restoring Albany's Maritime Heritage presented by Lawrence Cuthbert
- July 28: The Forsyth Family and Albany's Maritime Story presented by Ian Forsyth.