Page 11 - Heritage A5 compile

In the 1970s there were significant infrastructure developments – a
concrete jetty (June 1971), planting of decorative coconut palms
(1971), town water (September 1971), community hall (stage 1
September 1973, stage 2 1991), electricity supply (25 September
1978). A regular ferry service and a bus service (now discontinued)
and, in 1987, a vehicular barge service became established. With
these amenities, the Island became more attractive to day trippers
and to people seeking to retire or have holiday homes on the Island.
The level of permanent residency has progressively increased but
housing and infrastructure construction has occurred in the island’s
interior. The Emerald Fringe continued to be preserved despite
steady population growth (see attachment 10).

The eastern beach was named Norfolk Beach at an official ceremony
in 1977 with the laying of a stone by Councillor Wood. A few years
later, in 1981, the Progress Association and Ted Jones, playing the
part of Matthew Flinders, began to re-enact Flinders’ landing (see
attachment 9) thus establishing a tradition that has continued for 36
years. The re-enactment has become a vital part of the annual
Flinders’ Day celebration (see attachment 10). During 2004-07, two
island organisations, the Historical Society (now the Heritage
Society) and the Progress Association, joined forces to restore a
classic dinghy for use in the re-enactments: the dinghy was named
‘Trim’, after Flinders’ cat. To add authenticity to the re-enactment, the
Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society, which also celebrates
Flinders’ birthday with an annual dinner, purchased an antique
sextant for ‘Flinders’ to use. Because of its close association with
Flinders, Norfolk Beach has been added to the local Heritage