The Hon. Richie Williamson, State Nationals Member for Clarence, Media Release, 23 June 2026
The formal listing of the historic MV Beardmore on the NSW State Heritage Register marks a significant milestone for the Clarence Valley community and recognises decades of tireless advocacy to preserve an important part of the region’s maritime and industrial heritage, according to State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.
The Minister for Heritage has accepted the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW to list the MV Beardmore on the State Heritage Register, with the listing officially published in the NSW Government Gazette on 19 June 2026.
Mr Williamson said the announcement was first and foremost a testament to the dedication and persistence of local community members who had worked tirelessly over many decades to preserve the iconic vessel.
“This recognition belongs to the many volunteers, historians, former crew members and community advocates who refused to let this important piece of our history be lost,” Mr Williamson said.
“The people who fought to save the MV Beardmore, secured its preservation and continued to advocate for its heritage significance deserve enormous credit for achieving this outcome.
“I acknowledge that this listing has only been made possible because of the passion and commitment of countless local people over many years.”
Mr Williamson paid tribute to the Maclean Rotary Club for its tireless fundraising efforts, which enabled the construction of the protective shed that now houses the vessel.
“After the MV Beardmore was removed from the water in 1991, it was preserved thanks to the efforts of Owen Kevin Shortt, otherwise known as “Shortie the last Commodore” along with Maclean Rotary who played a pivotal role in ensuring the vessel could be properly preserved for future generations, culminating in the completion of the protective enclosure in 2000,” he said.
Mr Williamson also recognised the ongoing efforts of the Maclean Museum, which owns the vessel, in particular dedicated volunteer, Carolyn Cameron.
“The preservation team, including former mill workers, skippers, deckhands and local volunteers, have invested countless hours in maintaining and promoting the MV Beardmore,” he said.
“Many members of that original preservation group are sadly no longer with us, but their legacy lives on through this important listing.”
Mr Williamson also thanked the team at Sunshine Sugar, including those who have helped maintain the vessel in its current display condition.
“The partnership between community volunteers, local organisations and industry has ensured the MV Beardmore remains a tangible link to the Clarence Valley’s proud sugar industry heritage,” he said.
Built at Harwood in 1914 by J G Pashley and Sons, the MV Beardmore played an integral role in transporting sugar cane and supporting river trade along the Clarence River for decades. The vessel also holds important cultural and social significance through its ownership and operation by the Nungera Aboriginal Cooperative during the 1970s and 1980s.
“The MV Beardmore tells the story of our region’s working river, our sugar industry and an important chapter in Aboriginal economic development,” Mr Williamson said.
“It is a remarkable piece of living history and I am delighted that its significance has now been formally recognised at the state level.
“This listing ensures future generations will continue to learn about and appreciate the vital role the MV Beardmore played in shaping the Clarence Valley.”
Mr Williamson thanked everyone who contributed to the heritage listing and said the achievement demonstrated what can be accomplished when a community comes together to preserve its history.
