Reading the Proclamation

Reading the Proclamation

The first reading of the Proclamation at Holdfast Bay on 28 December 1836 is one of the greatest known events in South Australia's history. It has been commemorated under this tree each year since 1857.

Nine [sic] ships, carrying over 500 colonists, had arrived on the shores of Holdfast Bay by December 1836. The last of these ships to arrive was the Buffalo, captained by South Australia's first governor, John Hindmarsh.

Gathered under the shade of the Old Gum Tree, more than 200 colonists witnessed the reading of the Proclamation. Issued by Governor John Hindmarsh, the Proclamation announced the commencement of colonial government and stated the governor's intent to protect the rights of Aboriginal South Australians.