John Pascoe Fawkner

Answer 1

John Pascoe Fawkner was born in London on 20 October 1792. In 1803, when he was eleven years old, he accompanied his convict father and family to a potential new convict settlement. The British Government had instructed Lieutenant-Governor David Collins to establish a settlement on the southern coast. At that stage, the area was still part of New South Wales. The expedition included two ships, 308 convicts, 51 marines, 17 free settlers, 12 civil officers, and a missionary and his wife. In October 1803, Collins and his expedition landed at the site where Sorrento now stands on the Mornington Peninsula, naming it Port King. The settlement was not a success for a variety of reasons and, hearing of better land and timber in Van Diemen's Land, Collins moved most of the settlement across Bass Strait, establishing Hobart.

Fawkner's father was given a conditional pardon, and founded several businesses, gradually achieving success and some prosperity. A series of misadventures by young Fawkner caused him to be convicted for aiding and abetting the escape of 7 prisoners, for which he was sentenced to 500 lashes and three years labour. After being released in 1816, he gradually moved through more misadventures, crime and punishment until, by sheer determination, he rose above the continual obstacles, finally achieving his own prosperity but, with it, a reputation for being troublesome and arrogant.

The possibility of better prospects on the other side of Bass Strait inspired Fawkner to return to the mainland. Temporarily delayed by creditors who refused to allow him to leave Van Diemen's Land on his own boat, Enterprize, Fawkner did manage to sail two months later after his crew, in October 1835. He arrived first at Westernport Bay, then moved on to where John Batman had begun the unofficial settlement of Melbourne. Here he established Melbourne's first hotel, soon followed by Melbourne's first newspaper, The Advertiser.

After the death of Batman in 1839, in the absence of his rival Fawkner took the opportunity to promote himself as the founder of Melbourne. He gained many followers, and made just as many enemies for his arrogance and pomposity. Success bred success, however, and Fawkner gained influence, entering politics. In 1851, he became a member of the first Legislative Council of the Port Phillip District, and five years later was elected to the first Parliament of the self-governing colony of Victoria. Fawkner died on 4 September 1869. Source: today.wmit.net - October 20