Mid-Murray Council call out for firewood donations to keep the paddles turning for century old PS Marion and PS Canally

A River Murray council needs firewood donations to keep two heritage paddle-steamers going, and has offered a holiday experience in return.

The SA paddle steamer Marion on her way up the Murray River taking part in a large gathering of heritage vessels at the PS Melbourne Centenary River Festival, Mildura. The PS Marion is pictured between Blanchetown and Morgan.

The Mid-Murray Council said it has been challenging to stockpile enough firewood for their two paddle-steamers, both more than a century old, and have called for donations in return for cruise tickets.

The PS Marion, built in 1897, and the PS Canally, built in 1907, are steam-powered vessels that chew through “a lot of timber”, and require blue and red gum to keep the paddles turning.

Mayor of the Mid-Murray Council, Simone Bailey told the Advertiser that the PS Marion was already active, and that the PS Canally would be in a few months time, which meant they needed double the amount.

Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey has put a call out for wood to ensure their two paddle-steamers keen turning. Picture: Tom Huntley

PS Marion paddle steamer on the River Murray at Morgan, SA.

“Now we have two steam-powered vessels, so we will be going through twice the amount of wood that we had in the past and they consume a lot of timber,” she said.

“We’re looking for property owners who might have some timber laying around and it’d be great if they could get in contact with us.

“Both of these vessels will be actively involved in our tourism and maritime operations.”

Firewood is needed to keep the fires burning on the PS Marion. Supplied

Wood of all shapes and sizes are needed.

Although the vessel operated at full steam by burning red and blue gum, Ms Bailey said all donations were welcome, and that the council would compensate anyone with cruise tickets.

“I have been told that anything hard is good,” she said.

“What we’re looking for at the moment is just, different sizes and different shapes.

“We need a lot of wood for our vessel, so we’re just putting the call out to see if we can gain any new sources.

“We have said that we will provide two short cruise tickets in return for spotters or farmers and landowners willing to donate.”

The PS Marion on the river, circa early 1920s.

Currently, the PS Marion operates out of Mannum on “special occasions”, such as long weekends and overnight cruises in September.

Once operational, the PS Canally will be sent upriver to Morgan where it will be based.