The Canon of Ancona with John Kinder

The Canon of Ancona is the biography of Raffaele Martelli, an Italian priest who got himself into trouble over political activities in the 1840s and ended up in Western Australia as a missionary. He arrived in 1853 and lived here until his death in 1880.

Martelli’s years in Perth are the years of the convict system, of the great increase in population that saved the ailing colony from economic disaster, and of representative government. He came to Australia explicitly to work with Aboriginal people but was prevented from doing so for many years.

His is an inspiring story of someone staying true to his beliefs in very challenging circumstances.

Stop by the freshly refurbished Library and Local History Centre to hear John speak about the singular story of Martelli, the change he sought during his life, and the impact he had on Western Australia after his death.

Light refreshments will be provided.