The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
Connecting with the past
Connecting with the past
When the skeletons of two American whaling ships are excavated from the sands of Koombana Bay later this year, a fascinating chapter in Bunbury's past will be revisited.
Starting with the Samuel Wright and the North America in 1840, 29 vessels met their end in the waters of Koombana Bay. About 12 of these shipwrecks are believed to remain in the area.
In the near future, the wrecks of two American whalers will be dug up by the WA Museum.
This will be an exciting event that will not only connect Bunbury with its past, but also with the United States where the ships originated.
The Samuel Wright and the North America hold special places in Bunbury's history. Timber from the Samuel Wright, for instance, was used by the ship's captain to construct the building that would become St Marks Church (the old Picton church).
No doubt the excavation of the ships will also be of interest to Americans, especially relations of the sailors.
And with the curiosity that is likely to surround the dig and
because of its historical significance, the South West Development
Commission is pleased to provide support to enable Vue Group to
film the event.
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Musicians, filmmakers, interactive multimedia creators and other creative professionals will be able to find out how next year's South by Southwest festival in Texas might be able to benefit them by attending a meeting in Yallingup this Friday July 22.
The West Australian Music Industry (WAM), in conjunction with the South West Development Commission, will host the meeting.
The meeting will be conducted by representatives from South by Southwest and WAM.
For more information, contact Mat Lewis by emailing mat.lewis@swdc.wa.gov.au .
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
July 2011