Iron Boat Day

On this day in 1924 BHP signed an agreement with Scott Fells and Co to manage their shipping.  It was the beginning of what was to become Australia's largest merchant shipping fleet.

Three years later BHP and Scott Fells jointly purchased a 10 year old steamer Koolonga and launched it as the Iron Monarch (pictured), the first of a fleet of 53 iron boats.

Today the ships can be counted on one hand.

Iron Boat Day aims to help campaign to expand Australia's merchant shipping fleet back to its hey day and provide an opportunity for old shipmates, wharfies and port workers and their kin to meet.

The  ceremony will take place outside the MUA meeting rooms.

Lunch will be served at the Port Kembla Leagues Club.

AGENDA

Commencing 1000hrs at Maritime Union of Australia Building 

64 Darcy Rd Port Kembla NSW 

Presiding Host for proceedings: Glen Williams 

 Honorary Deputy Branch Secretary Southern NSW Branch MUA 

Traditional Welcome by Richard Davis, Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer 

Raising of the Aboriginal Flag 

Welcoming Address by Garry Keane, Branch Secretary, Southern NSW Branch MUA 

Raising of the MUA pennant 

Peace Tribute by Doreen Borrow, Secretary Australian Peace Committee 

Raising of the Peace Flag 

Life on an Iron Boat by Terry Tindale, retired seafarer and SUA and MUA official. 

Address on Australian Shipping by Jenny George, Federal Member for Throsby and Former President of 

Australian Council of Trade Unions 

The Maritime Union Campaign for Australian Shipping by Paddy  Crumlin, National Secretary, MUA. 

Joint raising of the Australian Shipping Flag 

Guests and Participants will then be invited to inspect the Australian Shipping Iron Boat Exhibition, 

followed by BUFFET LUNCH at Port Kembla Leagues Club at Midday across road from venue. 

Guests will then be invited to participate in Guessing Competition on Kembla Grange Race Meeting and 

to partake in other social and reminiscing activities. Winner of Guessing Competition to be announced at 

Steelworks Hotel after the last.