Our media representative can be contacted at media@savethebaragoola.com or by phone - 02 9294 3168


Media Releases


14th February 2011

The Baragoola Preservation Association Incorporated wishes to extend an invitation to all interested members of the public to inspect the vessel, the Association and the work in progress.

The open day will be on Saturday, the 12th of March from 10am.

A light lunch will be provided for all attendees by the Association and transport to and from the ferry will also be arranged.

Working equipment displays, tours and talks will be given on the day.

Please contact us by email at help@savethebaragoola.com or by phone on 0405 945 465 to register your place.

We look forward to your visit to Baragoola.

7th February 2011

The Baragoola Preservation Association Incorporated is pleased to announce that our application to place the MV Baragoola on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels has been succesfully processed.

The Australian Register of Historic Vessels (ARHV) presents vessels of all types and sizes built up to 1965 which are relevant to Australia’s maritime heritage. It features information on their designers, builders and owners, as well as the social and geographical context in which they have existed. On the ARHV, vessels are used as the key to exploring their wider backgrounds.

1st December 2010

This morning between 1am and 1.30am an excercise was conducted by the Australian Army aboard the MV Cape Don.

This excercise involved the use of five Black Hawk helicopters.

The aircraft were supoosed to be above Cape Don but instead hovered some 10 metres over Baragoola.

As a result, damage was done to our vessel consisting of the following:

  • Aft wheelhouse panels blown off and now missing
  • One carlie float missing, another currently residing on the outside deck
  • The rope railing on the roof has been destroyed with some metal bars partially flattened
  • Plastic covering on decks and wheelhouses requires relaying (in some cases blown off) therefore allowing rainwater to penetrate roof and decks until repairs are affected
  • Damage to one of the tender's outboard motors
  • Oars from one tender displaced and lost
  • Banner damaged
  • Roof damaged through movement of heavy objects

Photos have been taken and a full report is being prepared. The Army has been approached with a formal complaint and we will be requesting compensation for the damage caused.

It should be noted that at no time has the BPA been approached to advise that this excersise was going ahead. Had this have been the case we would have registered our strong  opposition to it.

At this point, the Army has not yet responded to either our emails or calls.

1st December 2010

Next Saturday (4th December) is our general  Open Day and a work day as well.

Weather is forecast to be 23 degrees with a possible shower.

We have had several people respond that they will be attending - this a chance for everyone who so far hasn't visited Baragoola to come along and see the boat and what's been done so far.

We are running the Open Day between 11am and 2pm and pickup is from either of our two usual spots – see http://www.savethebaragoola.com/news.html for the maps.

Call us when you arrive for pickup on 0405 945 465

4th November 2010

The Baragoola Preservation association will be holding an open day on board Baragoola on Saturday the 20th of November for invited guests, dignitaries and association members.

30th September 2010, Survey

The survey to determine work needed to be completed will be done today.

28th August 2010, Meeting with NSW Maritime

The Baragoola Preservation Association on Saturday met with officers of NSW Maritime to discuss the terms of reference and quotations received from surveyors.

A decision will be made shortly in regards to which surveyor will be engaged.

19th June 2010, Baragoola Fundraiser - Raffle Draw

The Baragoola Preservation Association is pleased to announce the winner of our raffle drawn today on board the ferry.

Graeme Andrews won the prize - a three day accommodation package on the Gold Coast for two adults and three children and a $200 fuel voucher.

The draw was conducted by Rebecca Juhas with assistance from Nick Pellier.

2nd June 2010, Sponsorship

The Baragoola Preservation Association is pleased to announce a new fundraising activity.

For only $25 you can sponsor one of Baragoola’s plates – you will have a metal plaque inscribed with your name and the date of sponsorship which will be permanently attached to the inside of of her hull plates.

It’s a great way of showing your support to the project and your plaque will remain in perpetuity for all to see.

To sponsor a plate, send your $25 (cheque or money order made out to the Baragoola Preservation Association Inc, or by PayPal on our website (www.savethebaragoola.com)  to:

The Baragoola Plate Sponsorship Program
90 Queens Pde East
Newport Beach, NSW, 2106

Once affixed, we’ll send you a photo of your plaque and tell you the location it’s been affixed to. Or, if you wish, you can attend in person to attach your plaque.

29th April 2010, Meeting with NSW Maritime

The Baragoola Preservation Association on Wednesday met with officers of NSW Maritime to discuss the future of the MV Baragoola.

During this meeting it was agreed that an independent survey would be performed on the MV Baragoola to assess its condition and to identify works needed to ensure the safe removal of the vessel from its current location at Waverton.

Although no new berth was offered at this meeting, the Association discussed various options with Maritime’s officers and believes that ultimately a suitable location may be located.

The Association and Maritime both agree that the current location and the access difficulties presented make the site unsuitable for working on the vessel. The derelict and unsafe walkway on the Coal Loader has been closed to public access by Maritime due to its dangerous condition.

On Saturday, May 1st, the Association will be conducting fundraising activities at Manly Corso. In conjunction with this the Association will be holding a membership drive and calling for volunteers to assist with the restoration of the ferry. The public will also be able to view work that has been undertaken on the vessel.

The Association’s next working day on Baragoola is scheduled for Saturday, May 8th and all interested persons are welcome to attend as volunteers.




Media