Opening at Yamba Museum from Tuesday June 14 to Sunday 3 July 3

Remarkable – Stories of Australians and their boats

Australia’s history is populated with maritime related stories. With over 1,000 rivers and a coast that stretches for more than 36,000 kilometres, it is no surprise that Australia abounds with stories of people who have lived and worked on the water. This exhibition presents some of those stories, exploring the remarkable connections between people and their boats.

Remarkable, created by the Australian Maritime Museums Council (AMMC) and the Australian National Maritime Museum, provides an opportunity for regional audiences to hear national and local stories. There were 34 stories nominated from around Australia with 12 of the most compelling stories selected to feature in the exhibition. The Port of Yamba Historical Museum has selected special stories about the Clarence River to complement the national profiles – indigenous canoes, early ferries and punts, pilot boats, trawlers, the shipwreck of the Sea Dreamer.

“After a period of drought, bushfire, Covid-19 and floods the chance for regional communities to enhance a national exhibition with their own content is a great opportunity for outreach and community development. It gives affected communities the chance to share their stories both locally and nationally,” said Tanya Bush, Acting Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Vision of Australia program.

Fundraiser talk by Kay Cottee AO

Kay Cottee has donated her time for a fundraising opportunity for Yamba Museum. She will present ‘Following A Dream’ on Friday June 17 at the Museum commencing at 4:30pm for ‘Sip and View’ Boat Stories Exhibition, followed by her 5:30pm talk.

This is a rare opportunity to hear the personal account of one of Australia’s most amazing journeys. On June 5, 1988, Kay Cottee AO became the first woman to sail around the world alone, non-stop and unassisted when she sailed back through the heads of Sydney Harbour.

Cottee and her major sponsor, Blackmores Limited, used the voyage to raise over $1M for the Rev. Ted Noffs’ Life Education Program. Cottee’s voyage set 8 world records and she was named the 1988 Australian of the Year and made an officer of the Order of Australia.

The amazing journey sailing ‘The First Lady’ is one of many remarkable sea journeys undertaken by Australians and forms part of a new exhibition at Yamba Museum which commences on Tuesday 14 June, for 3 weeks only. The exhibition, developed by the National Maritime Museum, showcases some of the Remarkable Stories of Australians and their boats, with additional focus on local maritime stories0.

Entry fee is $10, paid at the door on the night, bookings essential.

There are limited seats so contact Lesley Pickering. Email: lefitz2000@hotmail.com if you wish to reserve a place.