Inverloch’s Amazon shipwreck awaiting Living Heritage Grant

Buried in a coastal town in Gippsland lies a significant part of Victoria’s history. Now locals need government funding to preserve the treasured gem.

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The sands of Inverloch surf beach hold buried treasure.

All but hidden for more than 150 years, recent storm surges and erosion have revealed a rare find – the broken remains of a wooden international cargo ship.

When locals called Heritage Victoria to investigate in 2018, the wreck was quickly labelled the most “at risk” significant historical shipwreck in Victoria.

Now a group of determined local volunteers, Amazon 1863 Project, are anxiously waiting to hear if the State Government will get on board their preservation push with a grant to restore the precious find.

Group chairwoman Trilby Parise said the team had applied for a Living Heritage Program funding for the first two pieces at the site.

“It would be huge for us if we had the tick of approval for the preservation process of those two pieces,” she told The Bass Coast News.

“The artefacts we have selected so far are quoted at $45,000 so the grant would really help.”

A group of volunteers from Amazon 1863 project Inc need funds to dig up and preserve the Amazon shipwreck on the Inverloch surf beach. Volunteer Trilby Parise at the shipwreck holding a ‘dead eye’ – part of the ships rigging system. Fellow volunteers (left), Karyn Bugeja and Adrian Brewer inspect the wreck. Picture: Sarah Matray

The Amazon ran aground at Inverloch on December 12, 1863, after being caught in a storm. It was believed to have been carrying salted meat.

Built in 1855 in Jersey, it provides insights into the shipbuilding tradition of that era and is an historically significant example of a mid-19th century wooden international trading vessel that contributed to Victoria’s economy in the 1800s.

Amazon Trail Board was situated at the bow of the ship and held the figurehead. It is currently in a water bath awaiting funds for preservation. Picture: Supplied

Ms Parise said the full “plan of action is lengthy” but the team was currently talking with Bass Coast Shire about an infrastructure program that could take years to get up and running.

“To pull the whole shipwreck out and have it preserved would take 10 to 15 years and it would cost $1 million,” she said.

“We (also) have to prove the shipwreck will be looked after, maintained, be on display and cared for in the correct manner over the next 50 to 100 years.”

Parts of the Amazon 1863 shipwreck. Picture: Supplied

Another aim of the Amazon 1863 Project is to establish a museum in Inverloch to hold the artefacts.

“The Amazon belongs to us, it wouldn’t make sense [to place it] anywhere else,” she said.

“If we don’t have a museum up and running, [the artefacts] will have to go somewhere else until we have facilities that can provide for it and hold it properly”.

Ms Parise said she was grateful for the support from Bass Coast Shire, Heritage Victoria and Parks Victoria.

“When several groups come together it really builds force and strength behind the idea,” she said.

Check out more stories at The Bass Coast News.

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