John Oxley bicentenary event in Laurieton on October 13

The Hastings region’s bicentenary marks a milestone for the community and commemorates 200 years since John Oxley and his team of 15 explorers traversed the mountains from the west, surveying the region for early European settlement. 

The event is on from 10am until 2pm to celebrate how John Oxley and his team made their way to the Camden Haven in October 1818. 

A replica of a map which marked the travellers’ route as they made their way across the Camden Haven will be on display, compete with compass readings and the initial names of locations. 

Camden Haven Historical Society president Phillip Bowman said it’s an important history which people should be aware of. 

“It gives us roots within our community through learning about how our area became what it is today,” he said. 

“It also provides us with pride and a sense of direction.” 

Phillip said Oxley died at the age of 42-years-old and the exploration did take a toll on his health and others. 

The men battled through scurvy, as they were not obtaining the appropriate vitamins. 

A number of speakers will present a series of short talks of the historical relevance of John Oxley and his expedition. 

A $5 donation at door will include a light lunch and free entry to the museum.

Hundreds flocked to the Bonny Hills’ beachside reserve on Saturday, September 29 to mark their own place in history, as part of the Hastings bicentenary celebrations. 

Market stalls and entertainment kept the crowd busy while long-term residents reminisced about the heady days of the surfing seventies.

Wauchope District Historical Society is also inviting people to join them in commemorating the bicentenary of John Oxley’s exploration of the Hastings Valley from Mount Seaview, following the Hastings River to Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie’s major event to mark the milestone will be the 200 Together – An Exploration Through Time community celebration on October 28 at Town Green.