The First Fleet Fellowship Victoria Inc. is an historical society formed
in 1984 to provide an association for all those people who have ancestors who
arrived in Australia in 1788 aboard one of the ships of the First Fleet.
ITS AIM!
The aim of the First Fleet
Fellowship Victoria Inc. is to promote the social, cultural and historical
important and significance of the settlement and establishment of modern
Australia and to promote caring fellowship within all segments of the Australian
community. It also communicates with other societies and associations with
kindred aims and interests.
MEETING NIGHTS!
General Members Nights
are held on alternate months, from February to December, in the meeting room, at
Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street Melbourne. The evening begins at 7.30 pm with a guest speaker
following a short business meeting. Supper and time for catching up with friends
concludes the evening. Fundraising efforts have contributed to the establishment
of a comprehensive library which is available for borrowing by members on
Members Nights.
WITHIN THE COMMUNITY!
The First Fleet
Fellowship attends many public functions, most often in costumes appropriate to
the period. A trailor has been fitted out to be taken to these functions and a
display tent can be assembled by members. The display tent contains maps, charts
and photographs for viewing by the public. Members are available to answer
questions about the First Fleet or genealogy in general.
Participating in
Australia Day functions is a highlight of the First Fleeters calendar and the
First Fleet Fellowship Victoria Inc was a keen supporter for the Australia Day
holiday and celebrations to be held each year on the 26 January.
OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY!
Many interstate trips
have been organised for members of the First Fleet Fellowship to participate in.
Some of these trips include a visit to Sydney for the Bicentenary Celebrations
and to Hobart for the unveiling of a cairn commemorating First Fleeters who went
to Norfolk Island then resettled in Tasmania. Members have travelled as far as
Norfolk Island to celebrate the landing there of Philip Gidley King and other
members of the First Fleet. It also allowed members to further their research
and to identify land held by their ancestors during the first settlement of the
Island.
SPECIAL EVENTS!
Members of the Fellowship have
participated in re-enactments at Sorrento Victoria with the replica of the
sailing ship the 'Lady Nelson'. This area being the first white settlement in
Victoria. When the replica of Captain Cook's sailing vessel 'H.M. Barque
Endeavour' visited Melbourne on good will visits, members were able to become
voluntary guides. With the Fellowship's close ties to the Polly Woodside
Maritime Park members join in with their special days. For Australia Remembers,
the First Fleet Fellowship donated a bronze plaque to commemorate Polly Woodside
(Rona's) war service in New Guinea. From 1993 until 2001, the Fellowship was a member of
the Living Past Association Inc. along with other Victorian historical and
re-enactment groups. Many enjoyable re-enactments were attended during
this period. A yearly event
arranged by The Australia Day Council is an afternoon reception to honour the
birth date of Captain Arthur Phillip RN. Members attend this function and have
had the honour of proposing the toast to Captain Arthur Phillip.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES!
Social activities are
organized by the committee for the enjoyment of members and the promotion of
fellowship within the group. 'First Fleet Folio' is published every alternate
month as a general newsletter to members and historical groups. It features
current activities as well as items of historical interest.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF A VIBRANT GROUP!
If
you know or believe that your forebear/s arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, just
fill in the Membership
Application form. A Joining Fee of $5.00 each applies for all new members
and their children. Membership is $25.00 per annum for Descendant Members,
Spousal Members and Friends of the Fellowship. $10.00 for dependant children.