THE HISTORIC and heritage listed Boatman’s Cottages and Pilot House at South West Rocks, restored, maintained, and preserved for community use by local volunteer group South West Rocks Maritime Precinct Inc, is looking for new members and new management committee to continue this work.
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These buildings and associated land date back to 1902 and form a vital link to the rich maritime history of South West Rocks.
They housed the marine pilot and his boatmen who rowed out to waiting ships and guided them over the ever shifting Macleay River bar and up river as far as Kempsey.
The cottages currently house the visitor information office, maritime museum, and local craft outlet, while the pilot house is occupied by the community information centre, and the garage is used by the “toyboys” group of senior men who make and sell wooden children’s toys.
All these buildings faced an uncertain future in 2005, so after a public meeting, a group of local residents formed the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct Inc to negotiate a lease from the State Government, in return for a commitment to restore and preserve the buildings and put them to community use.
The first lease was granted in 2006.
Through local fundraising, government grants, and hard work by members, especially Richard Collins, most of the restoration is now complete, and the management committee which has overseen this project for the past 10 years, is looking for new members to continue the good work.
The annual general meeting of the group will be held in the CWA rooms, Landsborough St, South West Rocks on Friday March 10 at 4pm.
The public are cordially invited to attend and become an active member.
Group president Richard Collins said it is felt vital that the administration, use, and ongoing preservation of these buildings, located in the heart of South West Rocks and one of the town’s premier visitor attractions, remain in local hands.
Boatman’s Cottage is part of the Pilot Station Complex opened in 1902 to house the Macleay River Pilot, John Jamieson, and his staff of four.
The museum boasts a score of 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor, with one reviewer calling it a “one stop shop for local history”.
“The photos and newspaper clippings take you back in time with knowledgeable volunteers,” one reviewer said of the museum, also calling it “fabulous”.
The museum not only contains the maritime history of the area but also includes history about the Trial Bay Gaol and the nearby village of Jerseyville.
