About
The King Island Regional Development Organisation (KIRDO)
KIRDO is here for King Island. Connecting community, business and opportunity.
The King Island Regional Development Organisation (KIRDO) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting and promoting the King Island community. From supporting local businesses and tourism to helping community members navigate the increasingly digital world, KIRDO is all about making life on King Island a little easier.
Based at The Hub, 38 Lighthouse Street, Currie, we're a place to come for information, support, a chat, a bit of help with something that's driving you mad, or simply somewhere to get things done.
We manage the administration of King Island Tourism Incorporated (KITI) and the King Island Chamber of Commerce, and we're also home to the King Island Visitor Information Centre.
For the wider community, we provide practical services including one-on-one tech help, administration and office services, internet and computer access, local directories and use of The Hub's community spaces.
Not sure what we can help with? That's okay! Give us a call, send us an email or pop in and have a chat with the team.
Want to see what KIRDO offers? Check out our services page.
Get Involved
KIRDO is a not-for-profit organisation, and our work is made possible through the support of our members and the wider King Island community.
Want to support what we do? Become a KIRDO member and receive discounts on selected products and services at The Hub
Contact: Evelyn Caro (KIRDO Coordinator)
Phone: 03 6462 1441
Email: kirdo@kingisland.net.au
King Island History
European history began with maritime explorers, sealers, hunters, shipwrecked castaways and great-hearted farmers. Prospectors discovered tin, gold, rutile, ilmenite and one of the world's largest deposits of scheelite. Soldier settlement schemes after two world wars "tamed" the land for farmers who, in time, found that regular rainfall and year-long green pastures were ideal for growing sheep, quality beef and the dairy cows from whose milk they could make wondrous cheeses. An island of fine foods and friendly people!
Shipwrecks & Early Settlement
The treacherous waters of Bass Strait have claimed hundreds of ships and more than a thousand lives. Ever since Bass Strait was charted by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798, many ship’s captains have decided to risk the dangerous passage to shorten the time to reach Sydney. Many have come to grief. The King Island Maritime Trail “Shipwrecks & Safe Havens" tells some of the stories of the shipwrecks, both heart-breaking and heroic. It also tells of the safe havens set up at Currie and Grassy, and of the welcome lighthouses built at Cape Wickham and Currie. In the words of keeper William Hickmott, “I suppose there are no lights in these waters so blest by sailors as the two upon King Island.”
At interpretation sites all around the island, memorial cairns will give you an insight into the lives of those shipwrecked, the brave rescuers, and the lighthouse keepers who worked tirelessly through the night to make the King Island waters safe. As you follow the maritime trail, you’ll find yourself transported back to the days when travel by ship was a risky and dangerous adventure.
Schools
King Island was a hive of activity after World War 2. The Soldier Settlement allocations on the Island produced a thriving community, and schools were dotted throughout the Island, however today, the Island caters for all the children in the one location of Currie.
More information can be obtained from the King Island Historical Society:
PO Box 222 Currie
Email: kimuseum7256@gmail.com
The King Island Museum
Open Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun 2pm-4pm (closed July & August reopen mid September)
Come visit, look how life was back in the days of sealers, shipwrecks, early settlers, visit Alf's Agriculture Room & look at the home made implements the early settlers had to build & use to survive the harsh island life.
