John Oxley's big day

Sydney Heritage Fleet is recognised among maritime museums from around the world for its unique record in restoring and operating significant maritime heritage treasures.

Among the Fleet’s achievements, which have drawn accolades from its peers, are the restoration of the 1902-built VIP steam launch Lady Hopetoun and her sister ship, the 1902 steam-driven tug Waratah. Also acknowledged as a triumph in restoration is the 1903 gentleman’s schooner Boomerang.

In 2003, the World Ship Trust -- whose Patron is His Majesty, the King of Thailand -- recognised the Fleet’s credentials as a world leader in maritime heritage restoration when the Governor General of Australia presented the 1874-built barque James Craig with the Trust’s prestigious Maritime Heritage Award. Following in these giant footsteps has been the restoration of the 1908 small motor launch, or ferry, Protex and the 1950s Manly-based speedboat Kookaburra II.

It is against this backdrop that the Fleet is currently restoring John Oxley. the last remaining coastal steamship in Australian waters and a unique and valuable reminder of our nation’s heritage. This vessel was built in Scotland in 1927 and steamed out to Australia to work as a pilot vessel and general workhorse for the Queensland government.

Now there is news which is sure to be of interest to all members of the boating, shipping, industrial and heritage communities and to all those commuters who regularly travel across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge, and who look across to the Fleet’s work site at the bridge’s south-western end.

Hugh Lander, Public Affairs Manager for SHF said that the Fleet’s next big thing is a party to celebrate the driving of the last rivet in the hull plates on the John Oxley.

This is a milestone for the hundreds of volunteers who have toiled on this restoration since physical work began on her in earnest in 2002. The ship was acquired by Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1970 and placed on the Sea Heritage Dock, purpose built for James Craig, in 1997.

To mark the occasion of the driving of the last hull rivet on John Oxley Mr Lander said: "Sydney Heritage Fleet is planning an open day on Saturday, November 3 for members and friends of the Fleet." He went on to say that the Fleet’s expert ship restorer, Onzie Ratu will drive the 'golden rivet' into hull plate G11 starboard in a short ceremony on the day.