Southern Beaches members Judy Pearson, Moya Sharpe and Melinda Reed with their project, a new sign on the walkway at the end of Gary Street (off Lewisham Scenic Drive) commemorating events of August 1832 when the Princess Royal, carrying the first 200 free female settlers to Van Diemans Land, was guided to shore in treacherous seas. With ‘four bumps’ the stricken ship came safely to rest on the sand flats near China Creek at Dodges Ferry.
Judy Pearson, Moya Sharpe and Melinda Reed at the ‘Princess Royal’ history sign on the foreshore at Gary St, Lewisham, 24th August 2016.
The project was made possible thanks to the talents of local people and a Sorell Council community grant.
A special Princess Royal commemoration in 2017 brought students and community members together on the 185th anniversary of the stranding. Plans are underway for a history walk map linking local points of interest.