Broome to receive gift honouring French explorer

30/10/02
A bust and plaque honouring French explorer Nicolas Baudin will be gifted to the people of Broome to commemorate the Bicentenary of Baudin's expedition to the west coast in 1801.
Kimberley Minister Tom Stephens, speaking in Broome today, said that Baudin's bust and plaque celebrated an important part of the region's heritage and would be welcomed and embraced by the community.
The bust and plaque have been funded jointly by a Centenary of Federation WA grant from the State Government with support from the French Government.
"Baudin embarked on one of the most significant voyages to the southern lands, adding so much to the new world's scientific knowledge," Mr Stephens said.
"Despite the hardships faced by Baudin and the crew, no other expedition, which came to Australian waters, added so much to the new world's scientific knowledge or accumulated so much material as this one.
"More than 100,000 animal specimens - 2,500 of them new species - were collected, with Baudin discovering the names of more than 260 coastal places in Western Australia."
The Shire of Broome will be co-ordinating an official presentation of the bust and plaque in conjunction with the Terra Australis 2001 Committee later in the year.
Minister's office: 9213 6500