Hat tip to a pioneer as statue unveiled

The third sculpture in the Settlement Art Project was unveiled to a big crowd at the ArtGeo complex on Saturday morning, with the statue of John Garrett Bussell the latest addition to the series.

City of Busselton councillor and chair of the Settlement Art Project steering committee Rob Bennett opened the proceedings, giving a background to the project and thanking those involved, including David Reid and the extended Bussell family.

Mr Reid, whose involvement goes back to the inception of the project, said the unveiling of the sculpture of one of the pioneers of Busselton was a “wonderful day” for the city. “It took a vast number of like-minded people for this to eventuate,” he said.

Members of the Bussell family also spoke, including direct descendent Elizabeth Staite, who reflected on the pioneering expedition that brought John Garrett Bussell south.

“What an incredible and dangerous life they must have lived during those first days of settlement,” she said.

Vernon Bussell, who is descended from one of John Garrett’s brothers, Alfred Pickmore Bussell, helped unveil the sculpture and told theTimes he felt artist Greg James had captured the settler’s likeness “admirably well”.

Visitors and residents can now tip their hats to the pioneer as they walk up Queen Street through the ArtGeo complex on the way to the foreshore, with John Garrett’s top hat always lifted in reciprocation.

A fundraising movie night for the Settlement Art Project will be held at Orana Cinemas on Thursday, with the screening of Bridget Jones’ Baby to start at 5pm. Tickets are $25.