Joy Levett was born and spent her childhood in the inner suburbs of Sydney.  While spending most of her life in and around Sydney, she now lives further north near Newcastle.

One of the pleasures of childhood was traveling on the Sydney ferries to Manly and in particular, Luna Park.  The trips being finished with a Sergeants Pie and Coca Cola which were always for sale on the ferries of the time.

Her working life involved a multitude of occupations from filing clerk to nurse.  With 5 children she often held down two jobs at once. 

Finally free of family commitments, she ran her own successful retail business in Newtown before retiring.  The fruits of which she spent on traveling the world.

A Northern Beaches local, Gary was born at the then-new Mona Vale hospital in 1966 and grew up in Dee Why. As a treat when growing up, the family were regularly treated to a ride on the ferries when not actually on the water pursuing their own recreation.

Gary has lived in Manly through two evolutions of Manly Ferries, most recently the Freshwater class on which he was a regular commuter but significantly also at the end of the "B" class era, clearly remembering when the Baragoola last ran.

Most fondly though, Gary recalls experiencing the ferries from being on the waters of Port Jackson along with these fabulous vessels, their size and grace impressing the wide-eyed youth.

Still actively pursuing a variety of water-based sport that primarily includes competitive offshore sailing, the currently Newport-based IT Professional has also established himself as a capable hand at restoring seemingly unrestorable older cars successfully. It is these skills and a career operating a successful IT consultancy that positions Gary to assist the BPA to function as a business and also get "hands on" with the Baragoola. He has a particular interest in restoring the machinery to operational condition and is astounded at the completeness of her operational equipment.

Ric was born in Sydney in 1958 and grew up in Sydney’s outer suburbs of Campsie and Punchbowl and later out on the Georges River at Picnic Point where he purchased his first of many boats, an 18’ Launch.

He has fond memories of travelling to Manly and Taronga Park Zoo by Ferry during  childhood and particularly remembers being able to look down and watch the Steam engines of SS Dee Why and SS South Steyne as well as the huge diesels of the inner harbour ferries such as Kanangra.

“There is something special about an open engine room…It’s a living thing, a special smell”

Ric has worked primarily in the Electronics and Communications trades with his first position as an apprentice in the Public Transport commission of NSW (They who painted everything pale blue and white, YUK)  as well as a few “odd” jobs  in Oyster Farming and on Charter boats and Hardware.

“I love taking the helm of a motor vessel, becoming a part of her engineering and not just “a driver”. Every boat has its own individuality which makes them special.”

One of his primary interests is Maritime History of Sydney Harbour and the East Coast of NSW and was a member of the Save the South Steyne group in the 1970’s and is a member of Sydney Heritage Fleet

He has owned numerous boats up to 28’ built of Timber, Steel, and Fibreglass and undertakes all repairs and maintenance himself and has a deep passion for taking a vessel to sea.

Ric is a “Hands On” person with a good general marine and mechanical knowledge and an understanding of general ship keeping and has been instrumental in keeping Baragoola pumped out and securely tied up to he berth in recent months.

“My Favourite memory is riding back and forth on Baragoola and North Head during the cyclonic storms of the mid 1970’s. Being invited up to the “stern” wheelhouse while crossing the heads is something never forgotten”

“I had come across Baragoola a number of times on the Harbour since she was decommissioned and kept track of her. Now I am part of her”

Glen Simmons-Levett was born in Sydney in 1959 and grew up in the western suburb of Holsworthy (near) Liverpool.  

At first I wanted to be a school teacher and after High School began Teachers college.  However I decided immediate full time work was preferabe.

My first job was as Finance Officer with the Australian Archives in Villawood.  When my position was moved to the inner city I moved house as well.  Manly was now my new home.  I lived there for some years commuting to and from work on the Manly ferries.  It truely is the best possible way to start and finish your workday.

After 7 years with the Australian Archives I traveled overseas and soon after my return began 8 years employment with the NSW Police Service as a communications operator in the radio room.  On leaving, I once again I traveled overseas, this time for 12 months seeing the world.  My return saw me once again working with the NSW Police but when they went to 12 hour shifts I decided to call it a day.

I have been concerned of Baragoola's plight for some years and in late

2007 became actively involved with the Baragoola Preservation Association in attempting to save her.

Born in Manly Hospital in 1954. Lived in the Manly area until 1979, and then moved to the Central Coast of NSW. Have a fond memory of all the big six Manly ferries that were operating from the late 50s. Favourite was the Dee Why. Another favourite ferry, (not Manly Ferry)  was the Showboat (Kalang). Had great times on the South Steyne’s Ocean cruises to Coal and Candle Creek. (Adults 17/6 children 10/-)

Married for thirty four years with three children and one grandchild. Worked for State Rail from 1970 – 1998, mainly in clerical roles. Played an active role in Industrial Relations. After leaving the railway, turned a hobby in the Entertainment Industry in to a fulltime profession.

Currently frontman of one Sydney’s top 50s/60s Rock`n`Roll bands, At The Hop, in addition to being a Licensed Entertainment Agent. Also proprietor of small clerical business, Berkeley Professional Services, which provides various services to private investigators. Volunteer Co-ordinator for B.P.A.