Webb, George

George Edward WEBB was born in Bunbury on the 3 May, 1930. His father, William Webb, was born at Thornhill in Yallingup. George had little to do with his father, a potato digger at Marybrook, and his mother, Nellie (nee Nettup), died when George was two years old.

He and his sister, Ethel, were brought up by his grandparents. His paternal grandmother came from Queensland to the North West of Western Australia with the Duracks. His maternal grandfather, Sam Isaacs, was born in Augusta and worked as a logger in Hamelin Bay. He was involved in the rescue of people from the SS Georgette when it was wrecked on a reef off Kudardup in 1876. George schooled at Roelands, apart from three years at Picton when his grandmother died.

George talks about local Aboriginal legends and a camp along Marine Terrace in Busselton and tells stories handed down through the generations. He describes home medicinal remedies (for colds, boils and rheumatism), the ‘walk about’, canoeing, rabbit trapping, prejudice, land rights, the preparation of foods and fish. George also talks of Captain Molloy’s relationship with his family. He laments the decline of the bird population and loss of native animals.

George married Vilma Fleurine (nee Gillespie from Northam) in Midland on 14 June 1950. They had four sons and two daughters and have many friends in the Busselton community. George worked for the Public Works Department on sewerage and drains and left after 14 years due to ill health.

George pays tribute to Dr Hemsley for his help to his family in early years. He talks about his achievements in life and respect for others.