The Bussell name is famously entrenched in Margaret River history, recognised by the township of Busselton which was named after them. The Bussell’s were a distinguished pioneering family. Brothers Alfred, John, Charles, Lenox and Vernon emigrated from England to Western Australia in 1829.
On arriving at the Swan River Colony in March 1830, the Bussell brothers were advised that most of the good land near the Swan River had already been granted. The Governor of Western Australia, Sir James Stirling suggested they instead join with a number of other families in joining a new sub-colony at Augusta.
The following month, Stirling sailed with a party of prospective settlers to the south west corner of the state. After arriving at the mouth of the Blackwood River, the party spend four days exploring the area. Stirling then confirmed his decision to establish a sub colony and the town of Augusta declared at the site.
For four years the brothers tried unsuccessfully to establish a farm, initially at Augusta and then further up the Blackwood River. The brothers had immense difficulty clearing the land, and found the soil not particularly good for farming.
