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Visit keeps history alive

By Matthew Killoran

25 July 2006 - Part of Australian history entered Brisbane yesterday as the replica of the Duyfken, the first European ship to explore Australia's coast, docked at the Customs House wharf for her official state welcome.

The visit celebrates the 400th anniversary of the original ship's crew being the first Europeans to map Australia.

Representatives of Brisbane City Council and State and Federal governments were joined by Aboriginal elder Maroochy Baramba, of the Turrbal people, to welcome the vessel.

The name Duyfken means "little dove" but Graeme Cocks, board member of the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation, said its history had not always been a peaceful one. "It was the first time in history Europeans met the people of Australia, though they weren't always happy times," he said.

Mr Cocks said part of the ship's mission was to carry an invitation note from Brisbane's Turrbal people to the rest of Australia as a form of reconciliation.

The Duyfken will remain in Brisbane until Sunday.

Source: Courier Mail

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