What is now known as Harvey was named Korijekup by Stirling or "The Harvey". When the central portion was developed, it was called Korijekup (coraigeca) and later it all became known as Harvey. The Korridge-e-cup was the name given by the Harvey Aborigines to the place of the red tailed black cockatoo. (Centennial Book) It is not clear how Harvey was named but it is quite reasonable to suggest that Stirling selected the name 'Harvey' in honour of the commanding officer of West Indian Station of the Royal Navy under whom Stirling served while in charge of the H.M.S. Brazen in 1817. That commanding officer became Admiral Sir John Harvey. He had a younger brother who was appointed to the command of H.M.S. Undaunted at Cape Town in 1830. The younger brother became Admiral on 16th April, 1842. One or both of these Harveys must surely be given the highest priority among the contenders. (AC Staples book "They Made Their Destiny") 
Harvey River, Harvey The Harvey District is first recorded in Dr. Battye's "History of Western Australia" ("That in 1829, Captain Stirling, later to become the first Governor of the State, selected 12,800 acres known as Wellington Location 50A and called it the Harvey River Settlement") Governor Stirling's only improvement, as far as it is known, was the erection of a hunting lodge on the banks of the Harvey River, about a mile east of the present townsite. The floor was of jarrah blocks, beautifully fitted. They were cut across the grain and evidently shaped with an axe. Old settlers knew this building as "the hut". It is also recorded by the late Dr. Battye "that in 1831, Stirling was near Port Leschenault (Bunbury) and that in this year there was a track open between Perth and the Augusta Settlement". The track mentioned was evidently the Coast Road. John Bussell of Vasse was the leader in the finding of this track.
Print Friendly
| 
Council
