Settlement Art Project

In 2009 Busselton celebrated the 175th Anniversary since the arrival of European settlers to the area of The Vasse. A significant commemorative project was undertaken by the City of Busselton to celebrate this milestone, the Settlement Art Project. Over 10-years, six life-sized bronze sculptures were created by Fremantle artist, Greg James. They represent the people and industries that contributed to the town's development.

Whaler’s Wife

The whalers were among the first non-Aboriginal visitors to hunt along the Geographe Bay coastline. After European settlement, Captains often had their wives accompany them on the journey. The wives, left in a new and harsh environment, would have watched as their husbands sailed away, wondering when they might return.

Timber Worker

The timber industry was the mainstay of the Vasse region in the 1800's, with family mills set up in strategic locations throughout the area. The timber was shipped as far as the United Kingdom and United States as well as used in the growing town's own government buildings.

Spanish Settler

The Spanish immigrants contributed to the region with their hard working ethic and wine making skills. They brought diversity to the population.

John Garrett Bussell

Settlement came from John Garrett Bussell’s exploration of the Vasse area with surveyor Robert Edwards, when looking for better soil and land. The sculpture represents the four families which founded our town: brothers Henry, George and James Chapman, George Layman, Elijah Dawson and brothers John, Charles, Vernon and Alfred Bussell and their maid Phoebe Bower.

Gaywal

Following a period of consultation with the local Aboriginal community, Gaywal was their unanimous choice of subject for the fifth statue. An Aboriginal Elder at the time of settlement, Gaywal symbolises strength and tradition.

Pioneer Woman

"Felicity" represents the hardworking pioneering women from the time of the European settlers and group settlers. She is taking produce that she has grown (lemons, oranges and potatoes) from her farm to the jetty where it will be traded for other goods like fabric, oils or many other items that whalers and visiting ships would bring.