New interpretation panels have been developed by the South Channel Ratepayer’s and Residents Association (SCRRA) to tell the story of the township of Gordon.
The project aims to tell the story of the area’s Traditional Owners, the township’s early days and the devastating impact the 1967 bushfires had on Gordon.
The interpretation panels will be unveiled at a short ceremony to be held at Three Hut Point in Gordon on Saturday, February 6, at 2pm.
The interpretative signage project is a collaboration between the SCRRA and Kingborough Council, with contributions from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC), the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) and weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation.
Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter, encourages all who have an interest in the area to attend the unveiling ceremony, which will be an opportunity for some to reminisce about old times and for others to learn something new about the township at Gordon, including its key civic buildings and residents.
“I am proud see Kingborough Council has supported the SCRRA in their efforts to educate locals and visitors about Gordon’s history,” Mayor Winter stated.
“SCRRA’s members have demonstrated leadership and genuine interest in consultation with all relevant stakeholders throughout the process.
“Valuable information about the township’s early residents and buildings was uncovered during a consultation event held at the Middleton Community Hall in late November 2020.
“I am especially pleased that council was able to support the project by liaising directly with Aboriginal organisations, who represent the area’s traditional owners and Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, on behalf of SCRRA’s members,” Mayor Winter continued.
“Contributions from SETAC and weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation have added value and integrity to the project.
“Council thanks the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for its contribution to the project, which enriches Gordon’s story.
“The TAC’s contribution does this by presenting information from the perspective of the area’s first inhabitants.
“I’ve really enjoyed reading these contributions and look forward to seeing more truth telling in Kingborough.”
The panels also include tales of Gordon’s early colonial families, who were timber getters, whalers, policemen, orchardists, farmers, builders, congregants, midwives, teachers, postmasters, grocers, bus drivers and much more.
President of SCRRA Gloria Lonergan said it has been a pleasure to work with the members on the project.
“We are very excited to present it to the community on this particular weekend, which is when the Middleton Fair would normally be held,” explained Ms Lonergan.
“We are, of course, disappointed the fair will not be going ahead this year due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, we are pleased to be able to share more of Gordon’s history with locals and visitors to the area.”
Members of the Channel community, and those who have a connection to Gordon, are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony, which will be held adjacent to the Gordon jetty this Saturday.
The panels will remain on permanent display at Three Hut Point and Abbott’s Point, the site of the Gordon Recreation and Camping Ground.
All those wishing to attend are asked to follow all safety measure for this COVID-Safe event.
For more information, please contact Kingborough Council on 6211 8200 or email kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au
