Speaker Night
The Disappearing Islands of
Sydney Harbour
presented by Richard Michael Dawes
In plain sight but barely known: the beauty and mystery of Sydney harbour’s islands. Some are off limits to the public, others are easy to visit and one used to be two – but all have fascinating and sometimes tragic histories.
Sydney boasts “the finest and most extensive harbour in the universe” – or so the first fleet chief surgeon, John White, rhapsodised in 1790.
The islands of Port Jackson were mapped in the first weeks of settlement. They had to be: the sea, the harbour and the rivers were vital to the survival of the colony.
In 1788 Captain Phillip’s maps show 14 islands. Now there are eight. Chances are that you have visited some of these islands without knowing it.
Richard Michael Dawes, will give the history of the harbour's islands and how it has changed and developed over time.
Richard, a man of diverse experiences that span across four continents. While he may not be an ancient mariner, Richard's journey through life has taken him to remarkable places and professions. He has ventured into the remote Canadian Arctic for survey work, participated in potato picking in East Anglia and clerical work in the vibrant city of Singapore. His passion for lecturing is only surpassed by his special connection to Sydney Harbour, where he intertwines his idiosyncratic perspective on early history in the colony of New South Wales. Richard promises to be a captivating and multifaceted speaker for our upcoming event.
Date: Monday 4 March 2024
Time: 5.30pm for networking and nibbles, 6pm for presentation
Place: Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Level 1, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney
Cost: Only $20 for both Professional and Affiliate members. $30 for non-members, an opportunity to attend and networking other tour guides.
Cost includes light refreshments
Be quick to book only 30 seats available
Kind regards
Gaille, IATG Committee
E: gailledargan@gmail.com M: +61 414885619