The Rotary clubs of Kincumber, Erina, Terrigal and Kariong/Somersby will hold an Historic Australia Day event at Terrigal Haven on January 26.
This will be the third such event, with the previous two held on the Kincumber Broadwater with the support of the National Australia Day Council.
The Haven was chosen this year because in the latter half of the1800s it was the site of a timber mill and shipyard owned by one of the four shipbuilding Davis brothers.
The brothers were orphaned at an early age and taken under the wing of Johnathan Piper, known as the father of Brisbane Water shipbuilding.
The shipyard was at today’s Yattalunga.
All four brothers eventually established their own shipyards on Cockle Creek Channel at a place that became known as Davistown.
In 1869 Thomas Davis moved his operations to Terrigal Haven; he dammed a small creek and created a lagoon in the area which is now the sports oval.
From this he drew the fresh water needed for the boiler of a steam engine, which powered the timber mill.
He began logging timber from north Avoca and also Avoca which he floated across Avoca Lagoon.
It then was brought up the steep hill via a tramway he built.
The route of this tramway is today marked by a road joining Scenic Hwy called Tramway Rd.
A stone slipway was built into the waters of the Haven upon which 21 ships were built over a 23-year period.
The most famous of these ships, in fact one of the most significant Australian ships in our history, was the General Gordon.
It was known as “the vessel that linked the nation” when it filled the gap in 2,700km of Inter-Capital City railway while Hawkesbury Bridge was built.
At The Haven on January 26, there will be a history display telling the story of Thomas Davis and his ship building, with models of: a steam operated saw mill; the vessel General Gordon; and working General Gordon’s engines, as well as other models, dioramas and information.
The day will begin with a Welcome To Country and a Smoking Ceremony, followed by a sausage sizzle.
Bottled water and other Aussie treats such as lamingtons will be available.
The day will feature live music, an entertaining MC and a magician.
Visitors are encouraged to park in the free multi-storey carpark and take the short cliff face boardwalk to The Haven.
Exhibits will be open from 9am, with the day officially opening at 11am.
My ancestor Patrick Humphries who was granted 100 acres in the area, had a small boat building concern nearby. He is recognised by Humphries Rosd and had built the church at Avoca from sandstone off his son in law Pickett’s land. He and his son buried in the churchyard.