THE Cataraqui shipwreck memorial and grave site on King Island is the first shipwreck site to include a land based element to be entered on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
The register contains almost 5,000 places of heritage significance to Tasmania, with the Cataraqui site approved for provisional registration by the Tasmanian Heritage Council following a nomination from a member of the local community.
The community member nominator said that the application for registration commenced in February 2020.
“It’s satisfying that the registration on the Tasmanian Heritage Register has been confirmed.
“The site has national and international importance, and state registration is the first step in the process in recognising this as a sacred site.”
The 1845 wreck of the Cataraqui remains the largest civilian maritime disaster in Australian history, with close to 400 people losing their lives. The place is significant for demonstrating the shipping hazards of Bass Strait and in combination with the other nearby shipwrecks, prompted the development of navigation aids in Bass Strait.
There are two memorials that commemorate the wreck and the lives lost, one on the shore overlooking the wreck site, and a second marking the location of a mass grave for victims.
“It’s pleasing to see the Heritage Council receiving nominations for places of significance that extend beyond the traditional colonial building that perhaps come to mind when thinking about Tasmania’s built heritage,” Tasmanian Heritage Council chair Brett Torossi said.
“Tasmania has such a rich collection of built heritage due to the protections provided by state legislation and the passion of local communities to preserve our heritage places,” she said.
Ms Torossi also holds board positions with Brand Tasmania, Tasmanian Development Board, Tourism Tasmania, she is a trustee of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, a member of the Premier’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council, Vice President, International Women’s Forum Australia and is project lead for the new King Island Hub to be built in the Currie lighthouse and museum precinct.