Settlement Sculpture Walk

In 2009, the City of Busselton celebrated 175 years since the district of The Vasse was settled by non-Aboriginal people in 1834. In response to community interest, the City commissioned the sculptor, Greg James, to create a series of life size bronze figures based on the history of The Vasse.

Timber Worker

The timber industry is acknowledged as an integral part of the successful economic development of the region. Jarrah timber was exported all over the world.

Whaler’s Wife

The American whalers were the first non-Aboriginal people to hunt whales in Geographe Bay. Often their wives accompanied them on the journey, were dropped off to The Vasse and never sure when they would see their husbands or return home.

Spanish Settler

Spanish migrants started arriving in the late 1800s and contributed to the region with their hard work ethic and wine making skills. They mainly settled in the Yoongarillup area and brought diversity to the population.

John Garrett Bussell

Settlement came after John Garrett Bussell’s exploration of the Vasse area and he was granted land in 1832. He moved from Augusta to his new property in 1834. The sculpture represents the four families who founded the town: the Chapmans, Laymans, Dawsons and Bussells.

Gaywal

Gaywal was an Aboriginal Elder, and this sculpture represents the Traditional Custodians who have lived on Wadandi Country for 50,000 years. It acknowledges the impact that the European settlers had on the culture and lives of the Aboriginal People.

Pioneer Woman

The women in the community worked as has any of the men, from gardening and caring for livestock to sewing, teaching and childrearing. They often traded their agricultural goods for items they couldn’t make when ships came to port.