Premier opens John Boyle O'Reilly interpretive display

2/7/02
Premier Dr Geoff Gallop today opened an interpretive display featuring John Boyle O'Reilly, who staged a daring escape from captivity from the shores of Leschenault Peninsula near Bunbury in 1869.
The JB O'Reilly story has created enormous interest in Ireland, Western Australia and the United States.
A member of the British Army, O'Reilly was transported to WA in 1867 due to his involvement with the Fenians.
Following his escape from WA he fled to the United States, where he became a noted writer.
A notebook containing some of O'Reilly's dedications, poems and coded messages was presented to the State Archives of WA in 1989.
During his short stay in WA, O'Reilly made significant observations of our society and environment.
His novel 'Moondyne' was set in the penal colony and dealt with the brutalising impact of convictism.
Several of his poems also deal with WA.
For a long time now, the daring escape of O'Reilly has captured the interest of Western Australians, particularly those living in Bunbury and Australind.
Each year a ceremony is held at the west end of Buffalo Road, Leschenault, to commemorate O'Reilly's escape.
The interpretive display follows a commitment given by Dr Gallop at the 11th commemoration in 1999.
It will provide an important tourist destination and encourage others to learn from the life and times of a passionate humanitarian and insightful social commentator.
Dr Gallop said the new memorial to John Boyle O'Reilly was also part of a State Government election pledge to upgrade facilities in the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation park, that was not only a landmark for the Australian-Eaton-Bunbury region but also was an area with significant recreation and tourist value.
In the past 12 months, the Department of Conservation and Land Management had held extensive consultation with the Irish community, local Nyoongars, the Shire of Harvey and Government agencies in relation to concept plans for the redevelopment.
The aim has been to provide interpretative information about John Boyle O'Reilly, as well as the indigenous history and use of the area and the intrinsic conservation values of the peninsula.
This initial stage of the overall project involves expanding and surfacing the parking area, a new public toilet, a 500m walk trail, including an elevated boardwalk over wetland areas, lookout platforms and seating, interpretive information and the
John Boyle O'Reilly interpretive shelter.
Other works planned include upgrading the Belvidere picnic area, rehabilitating degraded sand dunes, installing a lookout at Buffalo Beach, interpretive and educational material and sealing roadways.
Premier's office: 9222 9475