Author Talk: Ian Forsyth on A Hazardous Port: Fremantle 1600-1900
Thu, 30 July
|Albany Public Library
Join Ian Forsyth for a special author talk at the Albany Public Library.
Time & Location
30 July 2026, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Albany Public Library, 221 York St, Albany WA 6330, Australia
About the event
Join us at the Albany Public Library for a special in-conversation with author, historian and former ambassador Ian Forsyth.
Ian's book A Hazardous Port explores how an isolated and hazardous port transformed into a safe and efficient harbour. The early Colony of Western Australia faced challenges in establishing itself, as it struggled to maintain a reputation beyond an isolated maritime outpost, derided by critics as a land of 'sand-gropers'.
The colonial Port of Fremantle witnessed at least 168 serious maritime incidents, including 88 wrecks. Ships that were essential to supplies had to contend with pitiful man-made harbours and dock conditions. This exposed any ships and crew engaged in supplying the Colony to great difficulty and hazard when loading and unloading cargo, creating heightened risk to their entire shipping enterprise.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from author Ian Forsyth as he relates the tale of Fremantle's origins as a port,…