John Forrest Address

Document

Adoring welcome to explorers

When John Forrest completed his arduous trek from Geraldton to Adelaide in 1874, dignitaries presented him with this silk transcript of their welcome address. “We have the pleasure of giving you a hearty welcome... We congratulate you on your arduous and dangerous task...The citizens are convinced you must have been exposed to great hardships, privations and anxieties and frequently put your life and the lives of your brave companions in imminent peril”, read excerpts from the address. The trek was indeed arduous. Forrest and a party of five men, including Aboriginal trackers Tommy Windich and Tommy Pierre, left Geraldton to explore “the real nature” of the Western Australian interior. They reached Adelaide in September of the same year. All of the party survived the trek. Forrest went on to become WA Premier in 1890 and later came within a single vote of becoming the country’s Prime Minister.

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City of Greater Geraldton Local History Collection

Treasure trove of historical records

The City of Greater Geraldton’s Local History Collection holds a treasure trove of material recording the region’s colourful past. From research documents and historical books to photos, oral history...

Address:

Geraldton Regional Library
37 Marine Tce
Geraldton WA 6530
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9956 6659

Email:

library@cgg.wa.gov.au

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Mon, Tues, Fri 9.30am - 5pm; Wed 1 - 5pm; Thurs 9.30am - 6pm; Sat 9.30am to 1pm

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City of Greater Geraldton Local History Collection Overview

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