In an aim to introduce people to the early European history of Bicheno, a new history trail has been installed through the town.
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The self-guided walk consists of 18 plaques which highlight sites of early European settlement and of historical significance.
The trail was proposed by long-time “proud” Bicheno resident Sallie Brockman.
“Over the past six years or so, I have done quite a bit of ‘grey nomad’ touring, and when visiting many of the towns, large and small, I am always interested in seeking out the history trails,” Mrs Brockman said.
“I made notes and took photos along the way, thinking that it was something that could be developed here at Bicheno as it’s important to offer our all-important tourists things to do within our town.
“I also believe it important to record and document our history so our future generations have some knowledge and understanding of what went before.”
Bicheno was named after James Ebenezer Bicheno, the Colonial Secretary of Van Diemen's Land.
In the early 1800s sealers and whalers used Waubs Boat Harbour, as Bicheno was known, for shelter. It was the location of numerous shore-based whaling stations in the late 1830s and early 1840s.
Bicheno was declared a township back in 1866.
Mrs Brockman’s trail proposal was supported by the Bicheno Community Development Association and the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.
The information was collected and the plates and frames were then created and installed.
Brian Winspear AM unveiled the new historical walk on Friday, March 1.
Bicheno Community Development Association president Jenny Logie said this was fitting, as Mr Winspear had contributed significantly to the more recent history of the town.
Now in his 90s, Mr Winspear was involved in the development of the supermarket and service station, a freight service between Bicheno and Launceston, the Silver Sands Hotel Motel, the former Midway Motel, Sea Life Centre, the former Bird Life Park, and the golf course and bowls club.
He also went on to become managing director of Innkeepers, and started a wholesale fish distribution business. He was responsible for the development of the abalone industry at Bicheno.
Prior to making Bicheno home, Mr Winspear service in the Australian Air Force and is the sole surviving member of the Hudson Squadrons, involved in defending Darwin in WWII.
Mr Winspear was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 1993.