Historic Pilot Boat Shed reopens after community restoration effort

THE re-opening of one of Port Macquarie’s most historic buildings will take place at 10am on Saturday 29 November, with the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum to unveil its newly restored Pilot Boat Shed.

The heritage-listed Boat Shed at the end of Clarence Street has undergone a transformation, including a professional repaint and a full internal refresh.

The Maritime Museum will celebrate the upgrade with an official re-opening, marking a new chapter for the 143-year-old structure.

Vice President of the museum Neil Yates, said the transformation has resulted in a wonderful asset for the whole community.

“The Pilot Boat Shed is such an important part of the Mid North Coast’s maritime history,” he said.

“Several working bees have been held involving volunteers of the museum dressing up the maritime artefacts on the inside of the Boat Shed.

“The outside of the building has been professionally painted, contrasting with its previous rundown appearance. “There’s also a new signpost together with [a] new sign that’s been installed near the entrance, in keeping with the style of the Boat Shed.”

The refurbishment was made possible through support from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Community Grants fund, the National Maritime Museum, and the dedicated efforts of museum volunteers.

State Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer and Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Adam Roberts, will attend the official re-opening.

Constructed in 1882 on the Town Green, the shed was relocated to its current site in the 1950s and used by the NSW Maritime Services Board until 1986.

Today, it houses a display of maritime heritage, including the Sea Scouts’ sail training craft “The ANZAC”, the only non–Royal Australian Navy vessel permitted to carry the name.

The Pilot Boatshed at 79 Clarence Street is open to the public every day from 10am to 2pm, offering locals and visitors a close look at the region’s maritime past.

By Sis HIGGINS