Willem Jansz Traditional Cache
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A Dutch cache in NSW.
My sister will be maintaining the cache for me.
Does Australia know its own history?
In 1606 the first Dutch explorers came in contact with Australia. This year the now 400 years relations between Australia and The Netherlands were fully celebrated.
The Australians had a full year to discover that the history as they had learned at school, was not quite correct.
In the Australians schoolbooks it says that Captain Cook discovered Terra Australis in 1788. Sure, Cook navigated part of the East Coast, but to say that Cook discovered Australia is a little bit of a big word.
After this year, I asked myself “ Do the Aussies know better now”. From my research I am “Sorry” to say, “No not really”. Almost 90% of all Aussies I questioned about who discovered Australia gave as answer “Cook”.
Willem Jansz.
After a bit more questioning a few people mention “Dirk Hartog” as the discoverer of the smallest part of the world. That is because the VOC captain nailed a tin plate on a tree in West Australia. It was Willem Jansz who for the first time charted some 200 miles of the Australian Coastline, though Janszoon was not aware; it was not part of New Guinea. Eventually it was Hartog, who left the European proof in the West of Australia. Many names still point to the Dutch. Arnhemland, Kaap Keerweer and Rottnest Island.
Bare and Desolate.
It might be psychological that the many Aussies ignore Willem Jansz as a discoverer. The Dutch called this land “desolate” and “bare”, however Captain Cook saw possibilities and he was a great “sea hero” in that time. The Aussies loved the positive stories and em braised them. They want to think positive and move forward.
Missed opportunity.
And now we look back on 400 years of relations between Australia and The Netherlands. There was something to celebrate every month. The visit of Balkeneinde and of the Crown Prince Willem Alexander and Maxima. There were exhibitions, art and music shows. But was it enough? I don’t think so. It all could have been more sparkling and exciting with big events and more input and involvement from the public.
Guus Hiddink
And so for the Aussies, Captain Cook will be the one who discovered the country. For the average Dutch it is not a big issue. Sad however for the people who put in a lot of effort to make this year a success. Luckily there is one consolation. The year 2006 gives us a new Dutch name to write into the history books.
GUUS HIDDINK. This is the year the Aussies discovered soccer. And that is something even Captain Cook can’t beat.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
va gur znvyobk