1. HULL STABILISATION – OUR FIRST WORKING BEE !

May 10th saw our first working bee kick off and it was a great success. A dozen people showed up and put in a fantastic day's work. Cement boxing in the Fore Peak was completed and the Aft Peak (the more deteriorated area) was nearly finished. We managed to pour 2.8 tonnes of cement (approx 140 bags) into some of the worst areas of the hull. Having never worked with cement I enjoyed the experience. Thankfully a number of our team had worked in cementing & were able to give those of us who hadn’t, a few pointers ! A BBQ lunch was put on by Brian Hill & I can assure you it was greatly appreciated. Thanks Brian !

To all who attended I would like to extend my personal gratitude for a fantastic job. The team work exhibited was inspiring, and it reminded me of the old days at Rozelle when such events were more common. The work was completed safely & everyone enjoyed themselves. Our next Working Bee will be on Sat May 31st & I look forward to seeing as many volunteers again to join in. You don’t have to be an expert, just turn up & learn as you go. It is a fun day & you get to meet other volunteers who have similar interests to your own.

2. KANANGRA RESTORATION COMMITTEE

After our first Working Bee was over, the first meeting of the ‘newly revitalised’ Kanangra Restoration Committee was held. It was attended by a large number of interested people & the agenda was full of items pertaining to the future of the vessel. My thanks to Andrew Collier for his assistance in organising the meeting. Once the minutes are complete we will distribute them to all interested parties via Email.

3. ELECTRICS

The automatic bilge pump system is in the process of being installed, with 3 of the void spaces already complete. We are currently awaiting delivery of some final parts & I anticipate the whole vessel will be fully protected with this system by the middle of the year. Thanks to Graeme Reagan for his efforts with this project. Ian McNicol has been progressing well with the upgrading of the ships electrical systems. He has been gradually connecting all 240V circuits to the new 240V switchboard in the E/R. Once all 240V bilge pumps are up & running the 110V transformer will be restored & relocated to the E/R, adjacent to the 110V switchboard.

4. DECK TEAM IS POWERING ALONG !

Col Tooher & his deck team of Michael Brock & Andrew Collier are making great headway. The aft end of the upper deck interior is being stripped of all paint and restored as an example of how the finished vessel will look. Much of the old ‘smelly’ carpet has been removed to the relief of all concerned !! Work has also commenced in the aft wheelhouse.

A big green tarpaulin has been placed over the aft cabin top of the vessel. This has proved valuable in this month’s heavy rain ! The rain found its way in throughout other parts of the vessel however, & this emphasised the need to make repairs to these areas. As a result water levels in the bilges were higher than normal & the pump was given a good work out. It was all FRESH water so no need to worry !!

5. ENGINEERING – CALLING ANY VOLUNTEERS WITH AN INTEREST IN OLD DIESELS

Andy Munns is currently pulling together all the info we need on getting our Crossley back up & running. We are still looking for interested volunteers to take on the engine room as a project team. If you are one of those interested or know of anyone who would be then please contact Andy or myself.

A reminder to all volunteers that OH&S needs to be given your full attention at all times. Prior to initially commencing work as a Kanangra volunteer you need to go through an induction for the vessel. If you haven’t been through the induction then please contact me ASAP.

Once again my thanks to our new team of volunteers who have taken an interest in this fine example of Sydney’s nautical heritage. New recruits of late include John Marsden, Peter Duffy, Nicholas Baker, & Mal Finnen. Welcome aboard !

Anyone wishing to get involved in the project please contact me at any time. Momentum is building so come join the team !

Stay Tuned !

Capt. Brett Smith
Ship’s Executive : MV Kanangra