The History of Cockatoo Island
The history of Cockatoo Island will be the focus of a presentation at the next Hawkesbury Family History Group meeting on Wednesday, 8 November.
Historian Sue Castrique and author of ‘Under the Colony’s Eye: Gentlemen and Convicts on Cockatoo Island 1830-1869’ will tell the story of the penal settlement on Cockatoo Island, which is located in Sydney Harbour.
Her research includes the account of the penal settlement which was established in 1839 and how it was utilised as a convict prison until the 1860s. Shipbuilding was also an important function of the island, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having explored the hidden secrets of Cockatoo Island, Sue will share some of these revealing stories in her presentation.
Sue has a background in researching, writing and bringing history to the screen through historical documentaries. Her work has been recognised with a number of awards including three Australian Writer’s Guild Awards.
Anyone interested is encouraged to attend this free event. The meeting starts at 10am and bookings are not required. Refreshments are available after the meeting. The Library is located at 300 George Street, Windsor.
