1. Kanangra Restoration Committee (KRC)
The KRC last met officially in May 2006. Minutes were circulated. The Committee is still awaiting a response from the SHF Board on a motion moved regarding Hull restoration once the John Oxley has been refloated.
I was able to meet with SHF CEO Jon Simpson on Oct 5th to discuss Kanangra issues, particularly the accidental omission of a Kanangra Report in the SHF Annual report. The meeting was productive and cleared up a number of outstanding issues.
A procedure has been now put in place for the KRC to produce more regular updates to SHF members and the Board from here on in.
The next meeting of the KRC will be held aboard Kanangra on Thursday 2nd November 2006. We welcome any and all interested members. |
View into wheelhouse
photo: Michael Brock |
2. Hull
Monitoring of the hull, water levels, and pumping equipment continues on a regular basis. There is no evidence of sea water ingress at this time. The recommendation laid down from the May 2006 KRC meeting that an in water survey be carried out no later than the end of 2007 is still current.
3. Deck team is powering along!
Michael Brock & his deck team continue to make great headway. Michael has provided the following summary of work achieved over the past few months:
Fwd Wheelhouse
- All windows freed from putty, removed, stripped, repainted and rehung with new ropes - New weight covers made, undercoated and installed
- Door tracks removed, rehung and doors replaced. Doors now operational.
Interior - Upper Deck
- The final two sets of bench seats were removed (stbd fwd), walls stripped and undercoated, rear legs replaced (4 - 2 still remaining to be replaced) - Work commenced on all remaining loose pieces of panelling, beading, ete to locate home and reattach
- Work commenced on stripping of varnish on all stair railings
Exterior - Aft upper deck
- The covering tarpaulin (old sail) was removed and decking covered with sarking material to minimise water ingress. Material used will be of short term life, and will need replacement with a stronger material within the year
Michael and his team of volunteers, including Tony McGregor, John Howell, & Dennis Allen deserve special acknowledgement for their dedication and effort aboard Kanangra. They have achieved so much with minimal resources. Well done! Attached to this report are some photos of their recent efforts. The upper deck exteriors are some of the most deteriorated on the vessel, and we will continue to work towards gaining funding to properly restore these areas. Until then, conservation efforts will continue.
4. Engineering - calling any volunteers with an interest in old diesels
Restoration work on upper deck, port side, forward
photo: Michael Brock |
Phil Clarke has been working hard in the Engine Room, and things are looking great down there. As always, we are still looking for interested volunteers to assist in the engine room. If you are one of those interested or know of anyone who would be then please contact a Kanangra team volunteer. They will point you in the right direction.
A few weeks ago I was fortunate to be able to make contact with the owner of Lady Chelmsford in Melbourne. |
This former Sydney ferry runs the same Crosley engine as Kanangra (4 cylinder instead of 8). Lady Chelmsford has a large inventory of spares for this machinery, and they have indicated they would be happy to help us out in the future should we require certain items. We will certainly be keeping in touch with our new found friends in Melbourne.
5. Electrics
No Report this Month
6. Special projects
The Youth at Risk program seeks to assist teenagers who are on the verge of leaving school to find direction in their lives. SHF has begun to involve itself in Youth programs, and Kanangra is to benefit from this initiative. A number of Students from the program went through an induction this week and will shortly commence volunteering aboard. A $2000.00 donation has also been received as part of the program. The KRC would like to thank CEO Jon Simpson and Kanangra volunteer Phil Clarke for their efforts in bringing this program into being.
In general..........
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 Peter Gregg or myself ASAP.
And we send a special get well soon message to the thumb of our Kanangra King Col Tooher. Hope it grows back soon mate !! Once again my thanks to all our volunteers who have taken an interest in this fine example of Sydney's nautical heritage. |
Restoration work on upper deck, starboard side, forward
photo: Michael Brock |
Anyone wishing to get involved in the project please contact me at any time. If we all continue to plug away, it is not a matter of 'if, but 'when' we will see Kanangra cruising on magnificent Sydney harbour once again.
Stay Tuned!
Regards
Brett Smith
MV KANANGRA
