The family's association with the Margaret River district dates back to first settlement by the Bussell family in 1830.

 

Richard Drake-Brockman's Great Grandmother Grace Bussell is famous for her courage as a 16 year old when in 1876 with aboriginal stockman Sam Isaacs she rescued the survivors of the shipwreck Georgette at Redgate Beach not far from the mouth of the Margaret River.

 

Richard's Great Grandfather Frederick known for his exploration of the Kimberley read about the feat in Perth's press and rode 300 km on horseback to meet her. They married in 1882.

  

Hamelin Bay's vineyard and winery is located within a few kilometres of Karridale, at the intersection of the Brockman and Bussell Highways which were named in honour of both these pioneering families.