Replica Duyfken expedition launched

30/3/00
One of the biggest global energy companies, Chevron Petroleum, will contribute to sponsoring the 2000 Duyfken Expedition to northern Western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Queensland.
Announcing the company's $300,000 involvement in the replica Dutch sailing ship's $1 million expedition, Energy Minister Colin Barnett said today Chevron had a long involvement in the State's economy.
"It is terrific to see such a company supporting a project like the Duyfken," Mr Barnett said.
He said the expedition by the replica Dutch sailing ship would rewrite history books.
Most Australians were unaware that the Duyfken was the first ship recorded in history to visit Australia.
"This expedition will help all Australians understand the events in Europe and South East Asia which led to Australia's European exploration," the Minister said.
"It will also be a showcase for the shipbuilding of Western Australia. Fremantle is a world shipbuilding centre.
"The remarkable success of Duyfken demonstrates that WA not only produces the best fast ferries in the world but also has a broad range of shipbuilding expertise.
"Everywhere Duyfken sails in our region she and her crew will be ambassadors for WA's skills and expertise."
Mr Barnett said a feature of the expedition would be the screening of micro documentaries from the ship over the Internet so school children could witness some of the excitement of life on board Duyfken.
He urged schools in regional areas along the North-West coast to book - through the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation - to visit the vessel.
A special education package was also available to WA primary schools.
The public were invited to the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour between 9am and 11am on Saturday, April 8 to farewell the ship and her crew.
Mr Barnett launched the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation in February 1995 and the State Government provided $500,000 to help with its construction.
The original Duyfken sailed from Banda in Indonesia to the Pennefather River near Weipa in the Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland in 1606.
Mr Barnett said the expedition would help bring the story of the Dutch exploration of Australia to a worldwide audience and help understand the long historical connection between Australia, the Netherlands and Indonesia.
Duyfken will sail the WA coast to Geraldton, Denham, Carnarvon, Dampier, Port Hedland and Broome.
Her crew will then sail into Indonesia via Kupang in mid-May.
The expedition will include the Spice Islands before beginning the re-enactment voyage from Banda.
From Banda she will retrace Janszoon's original voyage of discovery to the Pennefather River near Weipa in early August before beginning a six month exhibition visiting all major Queensland ports.
Media contact: Diana Callander 9222 9699