The Western Australian Museum – Albany is proud to announce it has taken over visitor management for the Brig Amity replica after an extensive refurbishment program by the City of Albany.

Rachel Wilsher-Saa, WA Museum – Albany Regional Manager said since opening in 1976, the replica of the Brig Amity has been an integral part of the Albany landscape.

“The replica is positioned on the foreshore of Princess Royal Harbour, almost at the point where its predecessor landed the first garrison to settle King George’s Sound in December 1826,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.

The Brig Amity replica was conceived as a venture to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the City of Albany, and the late Stan Austin and his small team of carpenters faithfully recreated the ship which, in December 1826, brought Europeans to settle in the west of the Australian continent for the first time.

“It makes a lot of sense to have several attractions and exhibitions that are grouped together in this Museum precinct managed under a single authority. The Amity is a very important part of that,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.

The City of Albany owns the Brig Amity replica and regularly conducts maintenance work on the ship, including some significant refurbishment during 2014.  The City will continue to maintain the Brig to ensure the best possible visitor experience.

City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the new visitor management model had been developed following positive discussions between the WA Museum – Albany and the City of Albany.

“The Brig has been an Albany icon for many years and it is great to see the WA Museum bringing its considerable expertise to enhance the visitor experience of one of our most famous tourism assets,” he said.

For many years, the Albany Historical Society staffed the ship and facilitated the visitor experience.  The Society still maintains and opens the Albany Convict Gaol, which is just north of the WA Museum precinct.

Visitors will find some changes on board, including being able to participate in some of the shipboard activities that were part and parcel of maritime life in the 19th Century.

Ms Wilsher-Saa said this remarkable project would not have been possible without the continuing support of the community.  Now the Museum is calling for more volunteers to assist in showcasing this very important part of the early history of the region and the incredible hardships endured by the original European settlers when building this outpost.

“The WA Museum is very keen to encourage locals and tourists to visit the Brig Amity and is looking to recruit some more volunteers to welcome visitors aboard, and to provide background to the story of the foundation of Albany and its Menang heritage,” she said.

Further details on the volunteer scheme can be found from Malcolm Traill, Public Programs Officer, WA Museum – Albany, on (08) 9841 4844 or via email on malcolm.traill@museum.wa.gov.au

 

 

Media contact

Sharna Craig

Media and Publicity Officer

Western Australian Museum

(08) 6552 7897

sharna.craig@museum.wa.gov.au