The legacy of the Catalpa was alive and well on 25 July when Jim Ryan, great-grandson of the Catalpa’s Captain, George Anthony, visited the iconic “Wild Geese” monument in Rockingham as part of a wider trip across WA to see sights that are significant to his family heritage.During his visit from New Bedford in the United States of America Mr Ryan also visited Bunbury as well as the Fremantle Maritime Museum to discuss the enthralling rescue with a live audience.   City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the story of the Catalpa was one of the most colourful and stirring events in the City’s history.“The epic adventure of the Catalpa and the six outlaw Fenians who broke out of prison and fled to America is arguably one of the world’s greatest escapes,” Mayor Sammels said.“The City was delighted to welcome Mr Ryan and his family during their visit to the Catalpa Memorial, which occupies the place where the prisoners left these shores forever.“The sculpture stands as a reminder of the value of freedom and it was an honour to meet a direct descendant of one of the key players in this inspiring story.”In 1876 six Irish political prisoners escaped from prison in Fremantle and made their way down to Rockingham.They rowed a small boat out to the whaling ship Catalpa, which had sailed from Boston to rendezvous with them.Trailing police fired shots at the vessel, but when the American flag was raised the chase ended and the prisoners sailed away to freedom.Photo: Jim Ryan at the Catalpa Memorial with City of Rockingham Deputy Mayor Deb Hamblin and Mayor Barry Sammels

Residents in the City of Rockingham are encouraged to help shape the future of their Council, with the City seeking submissions on the Ward Boundaries and Councillor Representation Review 2018.

Mr Parker joins the City having previously been the CEO of the Shire of Harvey for 15 years, as well as former Chief Executive Officer at the Shire of Wagin.As a Fellow of Local Government Professiona…

Demolition works on the old Mersey Point Timber Jetty began on Monday 6 August, with marine civil contractor SMC Marine tasked with removing the damaged jetty.

A series of stormy weather systems lashing the City, coupled with isolated instances of illegal dumping, have seen large amounts of debris and rubbish become lodged in the City’s drainage systems.  Fr…

In keeping with this year’s official theme of “ending homelessness together,” the City proudly supported the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group’s free event at the Salvation Army Rockin…

Libraries across the City of Rockingham will be filled with wonder later this month, as Children’s Book Week 2018 kicks off.

From 20 August until 11 September, Caroline Marshall from Ningi Careers WA will present four workshops at both the Warnbro Community Library and the Rockingham Central Library.Tips on goal setting, bu…

More than 15,000 garage sales and stalls will be held across Australia over one fun and social weekend: Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October 2018.Each year the City of Rockingham gets involved by encoura…