Stinker’s History: Port Stephens boat register

THE Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) is asking members of the Port Stephens community to contribute their knowledge to establish a record of all working boats moored in the port.

They are interested in the boats involved, throughout history, in the oyster industry, fish and prawn trawlers along with lobster boats, ferries and supply boats.

Long time Karuah resident and historian Cliff Johnson has gathered an excellent list of west harbour boats.

This includes William Longworth’s “Ada” which was a regular sight on the river in the 1920s and the most recognisable of all, the “Stella Maris”, which was the pride of the oyster fleet, based in Oyster Cove.

Outstanding Tea Gardens local historian Jan Winn has documented the working boats in the Tea Gardens, Pindimar and Myall system from the very beginnings when her family, the Motums, dominated the emerging fishing and oyster industries.

Jan’s input is vital to the completion of a boating registry.

This community relied very heavily on boats for income, transport and communication.

Boats were the life blood to the oyster growers and in many instances were the only means of contact with the wider community in much the same way as cars and trucks are today.

Boats were so recognisable over many years, some including “Dawn” and “Pops Last” on the south side and the “Coweambah” on the north side, becoming legendary on the local waterways.

It is interesting to note that “Pops Last”, launched in 1948, can still be found inside the Nelson Bay Marina.

The TMA is asking the community to forward photographs of historic boats with the name of the owner and the approximate years that the boat was in service. Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated as the “Port Stephens Boat Register” is being gathered for the day when we can boast a regional museum.

Please send information to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE