During her visit to Port Fairy earlier this month, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau officially launched the Port Fairy Heritage Boat Inc whaleboat.

The new vessel was christened with the name Shearwater, with the Governor carrying out the ceremony in front of a big crowd along the banks of the Moyne River.

Moyne Shire mayor Mick Wolfe was in attendance as was fellow councillor Colin Ryan, who is also the chair of the Port of Port Fairy.

The whaleboat is valued at $100,000 with a huge amount of volunteer hours put in by the heritage boat committee ensuring the cost of producing the final product was around the $60,000 mark.

Retired Port Fairy boat builder Robert Whitehead put in 50 voluntary hours. Mr Whitehead worked in partnership with current Port Fairy boat builder Garry Stewart, who also contributed many hours voluntarily. 

Funding for construction of the whaleboat came from a variety of sources including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, South West Community Foundation, Isobel and David Jones Foundation, Moyne Shire, Pacific Hydro, Port Fairy Tourist Association and the Port Fairy and District Community Bank.

The vessel has been built on the model of a 1830s  Australian whaleboat. 

Port Fairy Heritage Boat Inc. committee member Margaret Whitehead said the group had raised $10,000 of its own towards the construction.

“Members all put considerable time and effort into getting the boat to this stage,” Mrs Whitehead said.

“All members have contributed one way or another, selling raffle tickets, attending fundraisers, sourcing knees, stacking timber, moving timber as well as all the painting and oiling.

“I think the build has been another example of how a community group can achieve good things in Port Fairy.”

Mrs Whitehead said the boat would help keep in focus the town’s long and proud maritime history.

The group is looking for a permanent home for the vessel and is keen to hear from anyone who may have a space to offer.