This morning we had a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn from Peter Rae about our local shipbuilding history in this area since colonisation. Peter has a long history of volunteering and sharing information with community, schools and more recently a new endeavour into tourism.
Peter’s passion has evolved into a Ferry Tour on Brisbane Water. This started as a small project for the Heritage Festival 6 years ago. Recognising the huge potential in our local history for tourism and economic growth Peter has now developed the Brisbane Water History and Heritage Ferry Tour.
Brisbane Water is an extensive complex of broad-waters and bays and large estuaries. It is 11km long and 7km wide. Gosford City is situated at its north end. Brisbane Water has unequal heritage in Shipbuilding history which commenced in the 1820s.
The building of larger boats by the newly arrived European settlers, assisted in the development of the early days of Sydney’s development. The boats were used to carry goods to the newly developed white communities and some boats carried passengers around to Sydney Harbour.
Peter’s Rotary Club – the Rotary Club of Kincumber – has been a key driver in the creation of the 3km walk Shipbuilders Heritage Walk along Brisbane Water at Kincumber Waterfront. This year’s Walk is on 1 May 2022. The walk has been developed and supported by Peter since its inception.
Peter was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in 2021 in recognition of this important work.
The walk celebrates our shipbuilding history and offers an opportunity to appreciate the vast array of ecology and bird life, which surrounds the Kincumber Broadwater area. The walk allows people the opportunity to observe a large variety of plants and animal life that live beside the waterline, while enjoying the views across Kincumber Broadwater and surrounding bushland.
We look forward to participating this year. More information can be found here https://www.shipbuildersheritagewalk.com.au/
