29 August 2007
Melbourne Day, held on 30
August each year is a very special day and marks 172 years since
the founding of Melbourne - the day the first European settlers
sailed from Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on board the schooner,
Enterprize.
The settlers were led by Captain John Lancey. The landing party
included builder George Evans, carpenters William Jackson and
Robert Hay Marr, blacksmith Charles Wise and his wife Mary, and
Evan Evans a servant to George Evans. They came from Launceston in
search of new land on which to graze their sheep.
The Enterprize was owned by John Pascoe Fawkner but the
expedition was led by John Lancey. Fawkner was unfortunately forced
to remain in Launceston for this first voyage to the Port Phillip
District.
They landed on the north bank of the Yarra River, close to where
Customs House stands today and the place now known as Enterprize
Park.
On 21 August 2002, Melbourne Lord Mayor John So unveiled a
commemorative plaque in Enterprize Park and every year on 30 August
the city celebrates the historical arrival of Melbourne first
European inhabitants.
To commemorate Melbourne Day, Lord Mayor John So will tomorrow
host official celebrations to celebrate our city's founding.
A letter from the Mayor of Launceston to Lord Mayor John So will
arrive in Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania at 7:00am to
acknowledge the historical link between the two cities.
At 10:00am, the Lord Mayor will join the 2007 Melburnian of the
Year, Lyn Swinburne, and the City of Melbourne's town crier,
Neville Stonehouse, and Spirit of Tasmania Captain Mark Davis for
an official flag raising ceremony to commemorate 172 years of
European settlement in the city.
The Historical Re-enactment Society will perform a rifle salute
upon the raising of the flag and the event will include live
entertainment, school children in period costume and morning tea
including a display of 172 cupcakes made by students from the
William Angliss Institute of TAFE to mark the occasion.
To celebrate Melbourne Day, Melburnians and visitors can enjoy a
range of special deals and offers at some of the city's most
popular attractions including the Observation Deck, Melbourne Zoo,
Old Melbourne Gaol and the Enterprize replica.
What: Melbourne Day
celebrations, including the official flag raising ceremony and
rifle
salute
Who: Lord Mayor John So
2007 Melburnian of the Year, Lyn Swinburne
City of Melbourne town crier, Neville Stonehouse
Spirit of Tasmania, Captain Mark Davis
School children in period costume
When: Tomorrow - Thursday 30 August,
10am
Where: Enterprize Park (Cnr Williams Street and Flinders
Street)
Melway ref. 2F C7
For further details about Melbourne
Day activities, please visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au or www.melbourneday.com.au
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
