April/May 2026
Hi and another report in what is shaping up to be a remarkable and exciting year for our veteran steamship.
New SHF working, berthing and display site
With the new working harbour precinct announced for White Bay (which specifically mentions Sydney Heritage Fleet), planning has commenced but is still in its early stages. Initial draft proposals have been forwarded to state government. Expect further announcements as upcoming meetings shape what this new site will become — a place that supports and displays restoration, berthing, public visitation and engagement, the preservation of traditional maritime skills and technical skills, and a launching pad for passengers to go out on Sydney Heritage Fleet vessels.
Back to John Oxley…
John Oxley steering
Work here has been taking place for many years, and included stripping out the original steering and the removal of the steam steering engine down to the workshop for overhaul. John Oxley's steam steering engine is located in the wheelhouse - likely quite hot for a Brisbane-based ship. The small control wheel operates what is called a hunting gear: this starts the steering engine and the rudder moves. As the rudder is moved across, the hunting gear closes off steam to stop the steering engine.
There is a large steering wheel on the steering engine that can be quickly engaged for hand steering. This was available if the steam steering failed, however, we do have oral history that the Master would ask for hand steering to be used when he was sleeping in the cabin below.
Steering engine back in place and piped for steam and exhaust
An issue for this restoration is that steam steering plus the linkage of heavy chains and rods down to the rudder quadrant is not mentioned in modern maritime codes. The requirement here is to go back to the codes which were in place when our ship was built and check that our steering system matches Lloyds Rules and Regulations 1927.
Hull Work
Work on the new stern caprail has slowed due to some fabricators being away, plus there was the call for work on the neighbouring Sydney ferry Kanangra where our team is asked to knock up some scaffolding supports to enable work on her upper decks.
Extra fabricators are required here, and we invite metalworkers to join the efforts needed to get our steamship up and running again.
Other projects requiring help here are the final work on the small spirketing deck up in the bow plus the steel foremast. Add in anchoring arrangements and hawse pipes. More on these projects in coming months.
Hot Riveting
One of the standout jobs on John Oxley has been hot riveting - a craft rarely seen today and one our team has brought back to life with real skill. Nearly 500 rivets remain to be driven, and the final stages of this work are scheduled for the cooler months later this year.
Final shaping of a red hot rivet in John Oxley’s superstructure
We’ll be recruiting both returning hands and new members for this phase. The restoration of John Oxley is unique for many reasons, but the sheer volume of hot riveting carried out by our volunteers is extraordinary. If you’ve ever wanted to learn this rare, satisfying, old‑school skill, this is your chance to step in and be part of it.
Engineering
Our 2 scotch boilers are basically complete and retubed. Burners are mounted and control panels and fuel piping underway.
Image shows new tubes in place plus inspections and pressure tests completed - Burners trial fitted
Work has now shifted to the construction of the smokeboxes and uptakes. These large fabricated chambers mount to the fronts of the boilers. They collect the hot furnace gases and channel them upward through the uptakes toward the inner funnel, forming the core of the ship’s draughting system.
Fabrication has only just begun, with platework and fitup underway, and this followed by welding. We expect steady, visible progress in the coming weeks as these major components take shape.
CE Gary and engineer Ian fitting up new smokebox components to the port boiler front
Lots more to report on here. We have had some important visitors down in John Oxley’s engine room over the past couple of months including state government planning executives and a couple of state government ministers. All were amazed by what they saw down below in John Oxley’s engine room.
Painters
Our painting crews are continuing work in the main bunker space down in the bilges. This is essential work as new fuel tanks will be installed over their rustproofing. Other team members are painting inside the boiler room and also out on the main deck.
This work is essential and we need anyone with painting skills to help out here.
As well, we were using the portside pilots’ wash space as a paint store, but this small compartment has been stripped out to enable a start on putting down concrete and tiles. Soon this compartment will be concreted and tiled, and then fitted out with toilet, clawfoot bath and a cast iron sink.
The electricians
Work continues on roughing in power and lighting circuits as well as providing power for the imminent boiler burner control panels. We are pleased to welcome new people here and need to build this team. Additional electricians are sought plus people who can assist with fitting of cable trays and associated metalwork.
Two Lifeboats
When John Oxley was donated to the Fleet in 1970, her original ship’s boats were already gone. Just before the trip south, two standard government plywood clinker whalers were located and craned aboard as temporary replacements, but they were in very poor condition. New boats were considered, but the cost would have been prohibitive, and even brand‑new lifeboats would never be part of modern safety equipment fit‑out.
Then came an unexpected and generous offer. Leigh Doeg of Melbourne donated two clinker lifeboats from a scrapped steam tug of similar vintage to John Oxley. These boats were transported to Sydney and have been in storage ever since, waiting for their moment.
We need to clean, prime, and paint both boats so they can take their place aboard the ship. This is a perfect project for volunteers who enjoy hands-on restoration work with a clear, visible outcome. If you’re interested in helping refinish these historic boats, please let us know — your contribution will make a real difference.
Lifeboat - Waiting for some TLC
Donation of a Forklift
Our ancient Linde forklift is showing its age and is regularly in the shop for repairs. Thanks to a generous sponsor, a Crown 2 tonne forklift was donated and is now on site and working hard.
“Dirty hands and money!” really does sum up what keeps a heritage restoration project alive. It speaks to the two things we rely on every single week: people who turn up and get the work done, and the resources that provide steel, timber, paint and parts moving through the shed.
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a real working harbour project - not a museum behind glass, but a place where tools ring, engines breathe again, and history is rebuilt by hand - this is your moment to join the team.
We’re especially looking for volunteers in the following areas:
Fabricators: If you can cut, grind, weld or just want to learn alongside experienced hands, we need you. Our fabrication crew is flat‑out - another pair of gloves makes a real difference.
Fitters: We’re expanding our repair and installation team. If you’ve worked with machinery, piping, valves, pumps or mechanical systems, you’ll slot straight in.
Painters & Finishers: We have a solid painting team, but the workload is huge. If you can paint, prep, sand or varnish, we’d love your help - brightwork doesn’t shine itself. DIYers - This is your chance here.
Woodworkers: We’re fitting out compartments and rebuilding joinery. Whether you’re a cabinetmaker, a hobbyist, or someone who knows their way around timber, there’s meaningful work waiting.
Main working days are Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - Other teams are also active on Wednesdays.
You can join in by emailing johnoxley@shf.org.au or go to shf.org.au/join-us.
Money, materials and consumables - Can you help here? Your donation or discount will push John Oxley’s restoration ahead - Please email via johnoxley@shf.org.au or go to shf.org.au/support-us.
Cheers
John Oxley Team
Sydney Heritage Fleet