 |
Grace Bussell was an Australian born farmer whose parents were early settlers near Cape Leeuwin, in Western Australia.
She is a hero to me because of the brave deed she performed on December 1, 1876. Grace Bussell, helped by a black servant, Sam Isaacs, saved 40 to 50 people from drowning aboard a damaged ship (The Georgette). She took them back to her parent's house and comforted them until they felt well enough to return home.
On the 8th January 1878, Grace and her brave servant were presented with the Royal Humane Society's medal.
Page created on 8/28/2011 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 8/28/2011 12:00:00 AM
GRACETOWN
Latitude : 33 52 S Longitude : 114 59 E
The south western townsite of Gracetown is located on the coast at Cowaramup Bay, about 12.5 km northwest of Margaret River. The area was first proposed for development as a caravan park and camping place in 1957, but the government decided it should be developed as a townsite. Planning of the townsite took some time, and the lots at "Cowaramup Bay" were not surveyed until 1961. The sale of land and gazettal of the townsite took place in 1963.
The name of Gracetown was a decision of Stewart Bovell, the Minister for Lands in 1962. It is named in commemoration of Grace Bussell for her bravery in saving passengers from the wrecked steamship "The Georgette" in 1876. The vessel had sprung a leak and was wrecked off the coast near her residence "Wallcliffe". When the condition of the vessel was discovered some of the passengers were placed in lifeboats and safely reached shore. The bulk of the passengers however, were still on board. Seeing the plight of the remaining passengers the 16 year old Grace Bussell and stockman Sam Isaacs rode their horses into the surf and out to the stricken vessel. By allowing the passengers to cling on to their clothes and to their horses manes and tails they managed to transfer them safely to shore. About 50 of the passengers were cared for at "Wallcliffe". Grace Bussell received the silver medal for bravery from the Royal Humane Society to mark her exploit, and Sam Isaacs the bronze medallion.
