Graeme started his lifetime interest in shipwrecks at the tender age of 16, when he found the 1656 wreck of the Dutch East India Company ship Gilt Dragon 100 kilometres north of Perth. His interest in its preservation, and strong community support, led to the creation of the internationally-recognised WA Shipwrecks Museum, located beside the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and now featuring the remnant hull of the 1629 Batavia shipwreck. As Director of that Museum he worked toward the creation of the WA Maritime Museum, the world-class tourist attraction featuring the America’s Cup winning yacht Australia II, located on Victoria Quay Fremantle and overlooking the Port and Indian Ocean. His lobbying activities were also instrumental in persuading UNESCO to ratify its 2001 Convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage, encouraging countries around the world to follow the example set by the WA government and community in supporting and promoting our underwater cultural heritage. In recent years Graeme has been investigating the intriguing stories relating to the shipwrecks of the Cocos and Christmas Island.
Wednesday 4th September 1930 Hours in the Bridge. All members welcome.