Minister presented with model of historic corvette by Banque Nationale de Paris

4/11/99

Arts Minister Peter Foss was today presented with a model of the historic corvette Geographe by the Banque Nationale de Paris.
Mr Foss said the Geographe was French Post Captain Nicolas Baudin's vessel during his 1801 voyage of exploration and scientific collection along WA's coastline. Next year marks the 200th anniversary of Baudin's expedition.
"This is a very generous gift to the State from BNP," the Minister said.
"During the past 30 years BNP has made a major contribution to the development of our State through investment and its presence as a foreign banking facility.
"With recent acquisitions it is the largest bank in Europe and we expect it to play a bigger role in the State's development in the future.
"Next year there is a host of celebrations planned to mark Baudin's bi-centenary of his landing on our coast near Cape Hamelin on May 27, 1801.
"Napoleon Bonaparte approved the expedition to explore Australia and collect significant scientific specimens. Baudin was given two ships, the corvettes Geographe and Naturaliste to map the coast, search for good harbours, examine land and sea resources and study the customs of Aboriginal people."
Mr Foss said the expedition made an important contribution to its knowledge of Australia and its indigenous people through the work of some very distinguished scientists who took part. These included Bernier, the astronomer, Leschenault, the famous botanist, and Peron, the well-known zoologist and anthropologist.
The model of the Geographe would feature in a travelling exhibition next year being developed by the WA Museum to celebrate the Baudin bi-centenary. It will later be part of the display in the Great Southland Gallery of the new world-class Maritime Museum planned to be built on Victoria Quay in Fremantle.
Mr Foss said that the gift of the model by BNP was opportune because it would arouse much interest next year during the Baudin bi-centenary celebrations.
Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222