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Heritage Fleurieu Coast

The Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival is a biennial festival organised by the Yankalilla and District Historical Society (YDHS) to coincide with South Australia’s History Month in May. It consists of several events across the region celebrating the heritage of our buildings, towns, open spaces and natural resources. 


The aim of the Festival, which was first held in 2018, is to promote heritage tourism in the whole district and to promote its rich and diverse heritage value. The 2020 Festival was cancelled due to COVID.

HERITAGE FLEURIEU COAST 2022

The Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival 2022 was awarded Community Event of the Year by the District Council of Yankalilla Council. The Award was presented to YDHS President Sue Speck at the Australia Day Ceremony on 26 January 2023.

Named Aboriginal Places on the Western Fleurieu

Saturday 21 May 2022, Yankalilla Uniting Church Hall

For those who expressed an interest on the day, here are the references mentioned during the presentation:


The full Place Name Summary (PNS) includes downloadable essays by Chester Schultz:

  • Introduction to Kaurna Place Names essays project

  • The Geography of Language Groups around Fleurieu Peninsula at First Contact

  • Ask the right question, then look everywhere. (Presentation on Chester’s research methods)


The Kaurna Place Names website, by KWP (Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi) features a Google map with index & popup windows of public information.

KWP are preparing a new independent website at www.kaurnawarra.org.au where all the same essays will become available again, hopefully by early July 2022.

Wonggayerlo Western sea (Gulf Saint Vincent)

Two Aboriginal males on hill looking at ship in the distance 1870
Photo courtesy: W.A. Cawthorne, State Library of NSW

Two Aboriginal males on hill looking at ship in the distance,  Cawthorne (SLNSW)

HERITAGE FLEURIEU COAST 2018

In August 2017 a public meeting was held to support the idea of a local Heritage Festival every two years, in conjunction with the South Australian History Trust Festival, for the month of May. The name reflects the District Council of Yankalilla signage ‘Fleurieu Coast' and the word 'Heritage' to suggest a broad interpretation of history.

The inaugural Heritage Fleurieu Coast Program 2018 was a tremendous success. The opening event at the Yankalilla Historical Museum was a great start to the Festival, with many fascinating displays, musical items, demonstrations (including the forge in operation), as well as the official speeches.

 

The inaugural HFC Festival launch was also the SA History Trust Regional Launch.

Other memorable events included the bus trip around Myponga and Myponga Beach (so popular that a second bus had to be hired to cater for the number of bookings).

 

Also popular was an archaeological dig at Bald Hills (120 people attending over the two days), and the rededication of the historic Garnet Kelly Reserve. There were also many talks, displays, a play and concerts enjoyed by all.

Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival inaugural opening at Museum 2018
Greg Mackie - Regional launch History Month 2018
Rededication Garnet Kelly Reserve 2018

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