Port Adelaide’s tall ships to receive extended State Government funding
State Government funding will help keep two historic Port Adelaide ships in the water.
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Port Adelaide’s tall ships – the One and All and the 100-year-old Falie – have been thrown financial lifelines.
The State Government will spend almost $1 million to help maintain the One and All for the next three years, while the Falie will receive $185,000 for a refurbishment.
The Falie’s cash injection comes just 18 months after the Government announced it was scraping funding for the century old ketch.
The refurbishment works will include external hull cleaning, hull repair, protective treatment and paint renewal.
“Compared to where the government was a couple of years ago, this is good news,” Historic Ketch Falie volunteers association chairman Ian Steel said.
“These short term repairs are necessary and will enable Falie to stay on the water.
“The volunteers’ ultimate aim would be to get the Falie back sailing again but in the meantime the volunteers are doing everything they can above the waterline to keep it in good condition.”
The tender for the work has been offered to businesses with large slipways and the ability to complete the works in the Port Adelaide area, close to where the Falie is currently moored.
Meanwhile, the funding for the One and All will allow it to continue to deliver its community programs, including personal development sail training voyages for youth.
“It’s an enormous relief to know the security of the ship is in place and we can continue on expanding our programs for community, youth and wellbeing programs,” Friends of the One and All Sailing Ship executive director Annie Roberts said.
“Our job is even more important now in terms of people coming out of isolation, mental health and wellbeing issues.
“That’s another areas that we feel we can help facilitate people getting back on track or creating a new direction in their lives.
“The important part is that we’ve got this great asset here in South Australia and she is here for the people of South Australia.”
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Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll said the ships were an important part of the state’s maritime history.
“Not only are they an important part of South Australian history, they are also important tourism and cultural drawcards for the Port Adelaide area,” Mr Knoll said.
“We are extending the funding arrangement for the One and All that was due to expire last financial year to help them weather the storm of the impacts of COVID.
“We’re also ensuring the essential maintenance to keep the Falie in the water is going to be undertaken so it can continue to be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike.”