Self-proclaimed contrarian, Peter Rhodes, was born on Flinders Island and returned 40 years later to live. Peter claims it's only the second best place in the world to live - he's still looking for the 1st.
Peter talks with Debbie and Josie about growing up on Flinders Island, going mutton birding with his father and his purchase of the figurehead of the Farsund, shipwrecked in Bass Strait.
Peter's love of maritime history has led him to develop plans for a Furneaux Maritime History Centre to tell the stories of the region's rich maritime history. Peter also talks about his plans for the upcoming Furneaux Maritime History Symposium at Lady Barron.
Josie and Debbie discuss community engagement and the ideal Island visitor with Peter:
"I'm all in favour of community engagement, community decision making. So from a personal view, my hope is that this will encourage the community to have its say and get engaged in the discussion, in the debate and at the same time protect the Islander Way. "
Peter sees Flinders' ideal visitor as the sort of person you might want to invite to stay, not someone who wants to be entertained. They may even help with the washing up!
Show notes and links:Peter Rhodes | https://www.flinders.tas.gov.au/councillor-profiles
Muttonbirding | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muttonbirding
The Farsund shipwreck |Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database: http://www.environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/wreck/wreck.do?key=7151
Moonbird People by Patsy Adam-Smith | https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/10509; https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Moonbird_People.html?id=F7mQzgEACAAJ&redir_esc=y
Latitude Forty: Reminiscences of Flinders Island by Jim Davie | https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2963916
These days have gone forever: a narrative of the early days of the Furneaux Islands as I have known them by Stan Blyth | https://www.librarything.com/work/24124867
Furneaux Maritime History Symposium | https://www.flinders.tas.gov.au/history-symposium
Visit Northern Tasmania: https://visitnortherntasmania.com.au/events/furneaux-maritime-history-symposium
Forty South: https://www.fortysouth.com.au/history888/furneaux-maritime-history-symposium
Islander Way project | https://islanderway.co