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Mr ANDREW STONER (Oxley—Leader of The Nationals) [4.59 p.m.]: I recently visited the South West Rocks Maritime Museum, which is a branch of the Macleay River Historical Society, about which I have spoken previously in this place. South West Rocks and the Macleay River have a unique place in the maritime history of New South Wales and Australia, harking back to the time when shipping was the pre-eminent mode of transport and trade for eastern seaboard communities. This fascinating history is beautifully chronicled and preserved in Boatman's Cottage No. 1, a restored part of the South West Rocks pilot station complex, which was established in 1902. The honourable member for Coffs Harbour is fascinated to hear this because he shares an interest in the maritime history of the North Coast.
The pilot station was in charge of all shipping between Smoky Cape and Grassy Head, including shipping across the Macleay River bar, up to Kempsey. One of the vessels used by the pilot and his four boatmen was the Macleay. This vessel later fell into disrepair but was purchased by a private donor and returned to South West Rocks, where it was lovingly restored by a local boatbuilder. The Macleay now stands proudly under shelter from the weather, in the grounds of the cottage. Inside the cottage are countless artefacts such as models, tools, logs and other documents, as well as pictures of great historical significance.
Mr Andrew Fraser: It is a fascinating display.
Mr ANDREW STONER: As the honourable member for Coffs Harbour says, it is a fascinating display. I am sure that when he next visits South West Rocks he will drop in to the boatman's cottage and have a look at the maritime museum. Amongst the items are details of the vessels that worked the Macleay River under the ownership of the North Coast Steam Navigation Company, including the SS Kyogle, the Coramba, the Yulgilbar, the Zelma, the Gumbar, the Orara and the Comara. Details of the commissioning of the Trial Bay breakwater by the Parkes Government in 1866 following the loss of 89 ships and 243 lives in shipwrecks in the preceding four years are also featured, along with the fascinating history of the Trial Bay Gaol, which was built in 1879 and later used as an internment camp for enemy aliens during World War I.
Also featured is the incredible story of the wrecking of the former showboat Sydney Queen and three vehicular ferries, the Koondooloo, Lurgurena and Kooroongaba, which were being towed by the Polaris in January 1972. Under the right conditions one can still see parts of the wrecks of the Sydney Queen, the Lurgurena and the Koondooloo on beautiful Trial Bay Beach. This wonderful historical compilation has been achieved largely through the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers, amongst whom there are currently 12 at South West Rocks, including president Wal Vincin, secretary Sid Warrington, publicity officer Lisa Harvey, Bill Jackson, Frank Condon, and the original treasurer of the group, Trevor Thompson. The volunteers have done a fantastic job in making available this priceless history for all visitors to South West Rocks and, indeed, all residents of the North Coast.
Sadly, Macleay River Historical Society and the South West Rocks Maritime Museum are concerned about preservation of these items because some have been stolen from the museum. One must wonder at the mentality of people who would steal such incredibly important artefacts. It is certainly worrying. The museum wants to establish some asset control of the items. That will involve obtaining a scanner, some computer equipment, a digital camera and the relevant software to enable accurate and safe storage and recording of all items in the collection. Using twenty-first century technology, including a database and bar codes of the items, will ensure their preservation—a worthwhile objective. I formally ask the Premier to see his way clear to assist the Macleay River Historical Society and the South West Rocks Maritime Museum to embark on this very worthwhile project.