THE final point of the journey of the three explorers Blaxland Wentworth and Lawson is under intense discussion.
At an enthusiastic meeting at the Lithgow Workmens Club, various theories were animatedly addressed.
What was clear is that Mt York is undisputedly not the terminus of the journey.
The correction of this commonly held belief is part of the work of the 1813 Committee of the Hartley District Progress Association.
Some 25 people had gathered to hear the committee outline its proposed projects for the Bicentenary of the Western Crossings.
The meeting was called with the intention of raising interest and support within the local community.
Local identity Helen Riley, representing the Wiradgari peoples, opened the meeting with a warm and evocative “Welcome to Country”.
Lithgow mayor Neville Castle gave an overview of the time line to date, and offering support from the council up to $20,000.
This has been included in the proposed budget for this year and, if approved, would be offered in cash and kind.
There is also a further item for $20,000 to fund the heritage signing of Coxs Road in the Lithgow council area.
This will be a most welcome seed fund to assist with financial requirements.
Chairman Duncan Wass gave a short history of the development of the committee’s work.
It was established in June 2010 at a public meeting, and called for ideas from the community, settling on some 20 or so.
They varied widely, and many had much merit.
Ramsay Moodie spoke on the history conference.
He touched on the 2011 meetings, and explained the format for the 2012 “Before the Europeans” meeting on June 2.
All are welcome to attend this free discussion.
The 2013 conference will be much larger, with speakers from many different areas of study, culminating in a publication documenting the event.
Ramsay pointed out that the planning is a work in progress only, and that ownership of any or all events is not an issue.
What will be able to be achieved will be largely Joan Kent spoke about the Images Exhibition, laying out the format and scope being planned.
She would greatly appreciate help in adding to the collecting any documents or images which might be relevant.
Assistance was needed to digitise any information gathered into a permanent record.
If any one has any items they consider to be of interest, contact Joan on 6355 2393, or Linda Lovegrove on 6355 2460.
, those who came after showed the real courage.
They transported themselves and their families into the unknown and had their whole lives in the balance.
Cr Colin Hunter contributed to conjecture centred around the actual endpoint of the First Crossing, and there were a number of other speakers offering to continue research, both oral and documentary.
The next meeting of the HDPA 1813 Committee is at the Hartley Valley Teahouse on Sunday May 20 at 5pm.
For further information contact Duncan Wass on 6355 2043 or Ramsay Moodie on 6355 2259.
For full report, see Saturday's edition of the Lithgow Mercury.
