Letter to the Editor: Is Albany celebrating its bicentenary a year early, wonders Perth resident Drew Bellamy

As a concerned Perthian, I feel it is my duty to speak up for the people of Albany who seem to be celebrating their bicentenary a year early.

If Albany turns 200 in 2026, how did it manage to turn 150 in 1977 and 100 in 1927?

For more than a century, Albany’s founding has been tied to January 21, 1827, the formal proclamation of the settlement following the arrival of Edmund Lockyer.

Now, however, the bicentenary appears to be anchored to December 24, 1826, the date of the Amity Brig’s arrival in King George Sound.

But in Australian history, we do not date a founding from when a ship sails into a harbour.

We date it from the act of establishment, when authority is declared and the flag is raised.

That is the standard applied to Sydney in 1788 and Western Australia in 1829.

By that logic, Albany’s 200th birthday falls on January 21, 2027.

I raise this in good humour, but also with curiosity.

Has Albany discovered an extra year, or have we all been celebrating a year late for the past century?

Yours faithfully, a Perthian looking out for Albanians.

Drew Bellamy, Hamersley, Perth

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address and daytime contact number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons. Email news@albanyadvertiser.com or post to PO Box 5168 Albany, WA, 6332.