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Gilt Dragon Survivor Search


The purpose of this funding request is to determine the fate of the Europeans who were living in Australia 114 years before the arrival of Captain Cook.  

In 1656,  the Dutch VOC maritime vessel, the Vergulde Draeck or Gilt Dragon, was wrecked on the coast of Western Australia.  

Of the 193 people on board, 118 are known to have perished.  Of the survivors, 75 people made it alive to the shoreline. 

The Gilt Dragon carried two small boats with her.  One boat was lost to the violent coastal surf.  The second boat was dispatched to Batavia (Indonesia) with 7 sailors in the hopes of raising a rescue.  

Sixty eight Gilt Dragon survivors were left on the coast. 

They were never seen again. 

The Gilt Dragon sixty eight represent the first large scale, permanent arrival of Europeans in Australia. 

HELP US FIND THEM!


Why we need funding.....

Since 2010, the Gilt Dragon Research Group  have dedicated ourselved to determining the ultimate fate of the Gilt Dragon sixty eight. 

After 360 years the trail is cold.  Clues are hard to find.  Our quest is labour intensive and the discovery and translation of ancient documents is expensive. 

We have personally invested tens of thousands of dollars into both research and equipment. Years of our lives have gone into this quest.  We are close to concluding this passion project and we need your financial assistance to complete our work.  


How can you help?

1. Click on the DONATE button and make a donation suitable for your circumstance.  Donations can be anonymous if that is your preference. 

2. Share this page on your social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc).

3. Become a Gilt Dragon Research Group ambassador.  Pick up the telephone and tell your family and friends.  Ask those close to you to donate.  Every dollar helps!


How we plan to use your donation....

1.  To employ professional archivists to conduct research within both South African and Indonesian VOC Archives.

2.  To investiage several coastal sites of interest in Western Australia.

3.  To publish a full colour,  A4 sized,  hardcover book.

4.  To continue to update the Gilt Dragon Research Group website at: www.giltdragon.com.au 


Funding Rewards....

November 2018 Reward Update!  Every donation over $100 will receive a silver plated piece of eight, complete with dragon imprint (not legal tender). 







Additional Information....

For additional information please contact the Gilt Dragon Research Group via our Website  or Facebook Page .

Donations 

  • Danny Roberts
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs

Organizer

Steve Caffery
Organizer
Devon Meadows VIC

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