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HISTORY OF STRADBROKE FERRIES Stradbroke Ferries started from an idea by entrepreneurial visionary and political refugee, Frank Dobias (1926-1996). Originally from Czechoslovakia, Frank made his way to Australia in 1949 after seeking asylum.
Ford. They both then embarked on creating Stradbroke Ferries, which originally operated out of Redland Bay.
In 1952 he moved to North Stradbroke Island where he set up his own transport business carting mineral sands for Straddie’s first mining company, TAZI (Titanium and Zirconian Industries) in Dunwich.
The first barge, the Myora was designed by Australia’s first female engineer and one of the original shareholders, Winifred Davenport in 1964, with Evans Deakin Shipyard in Brisbane contracted to build the vessel. The Myora ran services between Redland Bay and Dunwich up until the Cleveland terminal was completed in 1972. In 1987 it moved its operations and began services between the Southern Moreton Bay islands.
At the time, it was an arduous process hauling mineral sands off the island. The mineral sand was shovelled into bags, loaded onto trucks, and driven across a rough dirt track to Dunwich where the bags were then manually unloaded into a converted steamship called Lady Lock, which was propelled by tug and taken across the bay and up the Brisbane River to Hamilton. The bags of sand were then unloaded, again by hand. His entrepreneurial spirit gave him the foresight to seek a more efficient service for TAZI. Frank proposed his idea of a vehicle barge to Hayles Cruises, which was then a passenger ferry service operating to the island. They rejected the offer before he shared his vision with Hayles Cruises skipper Geoff
On December 16th, 1963 the company Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd was registered with Frank having 50% share and Geoff, with a number of other shareholders, owning the remaining 50% between them.
From there, the company grew from strength to strength, especially following the peak in tourism to the island as a holiday destination. 1972 saw the completion of the Cleveland terminal after the dredging of Toondah Harbour and Fison Channel. The company moved their operations from Redland Bay to start operating from Cleveland to Dunwich. At the time the old convict wall was used as a ramp at Dunwich, until 1978 when the new terminal was completed.
The Stradbroke Venture began operating in 1987 after Stradbroke Ferries purchased the vessel from Riverside Coal.
Vehicles loading onto the wooden deck of the Myora in 1965 from the Dunwich terminal.
The 24 vehicle ferry, the Lakarma offers a service from Redland Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay islands and first began operating in 2004.
The 130 seater passenger ferry, the Escape to Stradbroke was introduced to the fleet in 2003.
The Myora crossing Moreton Bay in 1965 with a full barge load.
More vessels were added to the fleet, with the Moongalba operating from 1972 from Cleveland terminal to Dunwich to support the increasing visitor numbers. In 1979 Frank and his business partner Warren Hurst saw another opportunity to restart the Moggill Ferry service. They purchased and converted the Stradbroke Star to meet the requirements of a cross river cable barge. In 1994 they sold the Moggill Ferry business to Stradbroke Ferries, who still continue to operate this service. Following on from that, in 1987 the double decker barge, the Stradbroke Venture was purchased from Riverside Coal and in the same year the first water taxi was added to the fleet – the Spirit of Stradbroke. An additional three water taxis were introduced in the following years to service North Stradbroke Island. In 2014 the company operates the 130 seater Escape to Stradbroke as a passenger ferry. In 1990 the Bay Islander joined the Myora servicing the Southern Moreton Bay islands, along with the Lakarma in 2004, to support growing business to the islands.
Stradbroke Ferries deckhand selling tickets on board the Myora.
In 1997 the company purchased the Combie Trader business and vessel which operated from Scarborough to Bulwer on Moreton Island, before it was sold in 2009. The Moreton Escape was first introduced to work alongside the Combie Trader, offering services to Moreton Island. It was then moved, and used to service the Southern Moreton Bay islands. On December 13th, 2011 Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd was purchased by Transit Systems, a family owned Australian company that have their head office in the Redlands, just outside Brisbane. Today, Stradbroke Ferries is taking the company into a new era with fresh branding and a vessel fleet that continues to serve the communities of North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay islands every day of the year. This iconic company has played a major role in Moreton Bay’s history for the past 50 years, and will continue to do so into the future.
1985
The Myora is lengthened from 25 metres to 36 metres at Peter’s Slipway at Kangaroo Point.
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1963
Co-founders Frank Dobias and Geoff Ford propose to local sand mining company on North Stradbroke Island – Titanium and Zirconium Industries (TAZI) – to transport their mineral sands off the island via a barge system. TAZI accepts the proposal.
1963
The company is registered on the 16th December as Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd.
1964
Engineer Miss Winifred Davenport draws up the designs for the Myora. The boat is built at Evans Deakin Shipyard in Brisbane.
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1972
Stradbroke Ferries moves its operations from Redland Bay to Cleveland after the first ramp is completed. The site was originally swamp and mangrove flats and is filled by pumping dredging spoil from Toondah Harbour. This is the land located on the eastern side of Emmett Drive. Stradbroke Ferries funds 85% of this work.
1973
In March the construction of the Moongalba commences at Index Ship Building Yard at Lytton in Brisbane.
1974
The Moongalba is launched – it is the second barge in the fleet and is 35 metres in length.
1985
Geoff Ford, original shareholder and Managing Director, dies in June.
1985
Greg Fentiman joins the company in September as General Manager and in 1996 is appointed Managing Director until he retires in December 2005.
1987
Stradbroke Ferries purchases the business and vessel Riverside Venture in September from Riverside Coal. The boat is renamed Stradbroke Venture before it commences operations from Cleveland.
1987
The Myora is relocated from Cleveland and begins operating from Redland Bay to service the Southern Moreton Bay islands.
1977
Stradbroke Ferries moves its offices from Fortitude Valley to Cleveland to provide better service to its customers. The original office is now used as a café.
1978
1964
Guests at the launch of the Myora on 27th May, 1964 included the co-founders Frank Dobias and Geoff Ford along with other esteemed dignitaries.
The Dunwich terminal built by Stradbroke Ferries is completed. Prior to this, it was a long causeway wall built by the convicts, known as the convict wall. Cars are required to back down onto the Myora to load. The Moongalba is conveniently double ended.
1978
The original wooden slat deck on the Myora was removed by crew members Ken Lobley and Hughie Lennon before being replaced with a new steel deck.
1964
Monday 1st June is the first service of the Myora from Redland Bay to Dunwich transporting 12 vehicles and eight passengers.
1979
Frank Dobias and his business partner Warren Hurst start the Moggill Ferry service, before selling the business to Stradbroke Ferries in 1994.
1987
In April the first water taxi is added to the fleet – the 46 passenger Cougar Cat Spirit of Stradbroke, providing a service from Cleveland to Dunwich. The boat is built at Atlay Cats on the Gold Coast. The Cleveland pontoon is also installed the same year.
1989
The company purchases the FM104 radio broadcasting tower from Expo 88 and transports it on the Myora from South Bank to the Cleveland terminal. It opens as office space just before Christmas, 1989. It continues to be used in 2014.
1989
The sister vessel to the Spirit of Stradbroke is purchased from Hayman Island Resort and named Pride of Stradbroke. It is the second water taxi to be added to the fleet.
1989
The Moongalba is sailed to Bundaberg to be lengthened by ten metres to 45 metres, allowing her to carry 28 vehicles.
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2000
In November the top deck of the Stradbroke Venture is removed due to problems manoeuvring the vessel in high winds and loading delays.
In September the Minjerribah begins operating from Cleveland to Dunwich and becomes the sister ship to the Quandamooka. The 67 metre long vessel is built in China and can carry 50 vehicles and 400 passengers. It continues to operate for Stradbroke Ferries on the North Stradbroke Island schedule.
1990
The Bay Islander joins the Myora to operate between the Southern Moreton Bay islands. It was formerly a cross-river vehicular cable ferry, Coraki, from Coraki in New South Wales. She is given her new name when she is lengthened from 19 metres to 25 metres and introduced to service at Redland Bay.
1992
This year, the 100 seater Gateway to Stradbroke passenger ferry is built at Pacific Marine at Southport.
2005
2000
On 28th December the company converts from being Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd, to Stradbroke Ferries Limited and becomes an unlisted Public Company.
2001
The Pinkenba Railway Station is purchased and half of the building is relocated to the current Dunwich site to become the island booking office. The other half is sent to a private property in Cleveland.
2005
The Myora is sold and sailed to New Zealand. It is now believed to be operating in Fiji.
2006
1993
The Bay Islander is lengthened from 25 metres to 31 metres.
1994
The Quandamooka is built at Index Ship Building Yard in Brisbane and begins operating from Cleveland to Dunwich. The vessel is 49 metres long.
The Moongalba is sold and sails to New Zealand where she works transporting cars between Auckland and Waiheke Island. She is renamed the Spirit of Waiheke.
2002
Stradbroke Ferries recognises the need to have a retail outlet that promotes the island as a holiday destination and is a one stop shop for bookings. Stradbroke Island Holidays opens and still continues to grow the tourism business.
2003
In May the Escape to Stradbroke, a 130 seater water taxi, begins operating between Cleveland and Dunwich. It is built at Aluminium Marine at Victoria Point.
2011
Stradbroke Ferries enters into a contract on the LNG project in Gladstone to transport trucks and supplies to Curtis Island. The Quandamooka is the first boat to be deployed for this project, along with other vessels including the Minjerribah in 2012. The Minjerribah is returned to the Stradbroke operations in 2014, where it continues to operate.
2011
On 13th December Stradbroke Ferries Limited is purchased by Transit Systems, a family owned Australian company, whose head office is located in the Redlands.
1996
A new wheelhouse is fitted on the Myora in Bundaberg.
1997
Stradbroke Ferries purchases the Combie Trader business and vessel which operates from Scarborough to Bulwer on Moreton Island. This business also includes the Bulwer General Store, Garage and accommodation facilities. The business is sold in 2009.
2003
In August the second ramp at Dunwich is completed, allowing more access and services for Stradbroke Ferries to the island.
2004
In July, the 24 vehicle ferry Lakarma provides a transport service from Redland Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay islands. The vessel is 36 metres long, 180 tonne and can carry up to 200 passengers.
2012
The Moongalba returns to Brisbane as the Spirit of Waiheke and is repurchased by Stradbroke Ferries Ltd. It recommences operations to North Stradbroke Island.
2013
1999
In August the Quandamooka is re-engined and lengthened to 67 metres, with a capacity to carry 50 cars and 400 passengers. In November, a new super structure with a cafĂŠ area is constructed and fitted.
1990
2004
The Moreton Escape is purchased and refitted to suit the growing Moreton Island business. It becomes the second ferry to service the Scarborough to Bulwer operations.
2000
On Tuesday 19th March the Spirit of Waiheke is renamed back to its original name of Moongalba (meaning sitting down place) at a ceremony at Dunwich. She continues to be used as an additional boat when needed.
2014
A new brand is developed to bring all of the Stradbroke Island services of Stradbroke Ferries and the Big Red Cat under one umbrella of Stradbroke Ferries.
2010
PRIDE IN COMMUNITY Over the years it hasn’t taken camping and holiday enthusiasts long to discover the natural beauty and unspoiled beaches of North Stradbroke Island. Tourism on Straddie has gone from strength to strength, with the island seeing its most rapid growth from the 1980s when tourism and housing infrastructure were established. In the 1990s, a major tourism drawcard presented itself in the form of landbased whale watching during the traditionally quiet winter months. This helped boost numbers to the island during the low-peak season. Stradbroke Ferries has been at the forefront of this boom, adapting to changing environments and upgrading its operations. To cater for the ongoing increases, Stradbroke Ferries created a one stop shop for tourists in December 2002 – Stradbroke Island Holidays – who still continue to package transfer and accommodation deals for holiday makers. From what was once an island that relied solely on sand-mining, to now a thriving holiday destination, Straddie’s tourism boom has not been without input and support from Stradbroke Ferries. The company has sponsored popular events that have drawn large crowds to Straddie including Island Vibe music festival and the Chamber Music festival along with a wide range of sporting events, such as the surfing competition, the Straddie Assault, and yearly triathlon, the Straddie Salute. North Stradbroke Island businesses has benefited exponentially from visitors to these events.
The Moongalba baseball team travelling in the 1970’s received support from Stradbroke Ferries.
Stradbroke Ferries continues to support community-based organisations through in-kind contributions and financial support including the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, the Straddie Sharks Football Club and Wildcare Straddie. This support extends to the Indigenous community with a commitment from Stradbroke Ferries to provide free travel to the Elders returning to the island for their final resting place. Stradbroke Ferries still remains a vital lifeline to visitors and residents of North Stradbroke Island and continues to provide community support and assistance through in-kind and financial contributions.
The Point Lookout SLSC has received in excess of $500,000 in sponsorship and in-kind donations from Stradbroke Ferries over the past 50 years.
The original Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.
THE PEOPLE FRANK DOBIAS František Stanislav Dobias (Senior) 1926-1996: Co-founder of Stradbroke Ferries, Frank Dobias came to Australia as a political refugee in 1949 from what was then Czechoslovakia. He was born in Trojanovice in the Moravian State on November 5th, 1926. He completed a mechanic apprenticeship after finishing school and moved with his family from Trojanovice close to the Polish border. He later attempted to cross the border between Czechoslovakia and Germany in 1948. He was caught and put into a Russian prison camp before he escaped and sought asylum in Australia in 1949. In 1952 he moved to North Stradbroke Island where he set up his own transport business carting mineral sands for the mining company TAZI (Titanium and Zirconian Industries) in Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island. He also owned the first taxi service on the island, the original bus service and built the service station in Dunwich.
An entrepreneurial visionary and pioneer, Frank was determined to find an easier way to transport mineral sands for TAZI. In a letter dated August 21st, 1962 Frank proposed a vehicle barge service to Hayles Cruises, who at the time were a passenger transport service to the island. They rejected his offer but he sought the support of Hayles Cruises skipper Geoff Ford who agreed to start the ferry company Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd with Frank. They approached Max Bayly, the manager of TAZI who agreed to give them a contract to cart the mineral sands on trucks to the mainland via this barge service. In December 1963, the company Stradbroke Ferries Pty Ltd was formed. In 1990 Frank suffered a stroke whilst visiting his family in Czechoslovakia and again in 1996 from which he did not recover. He died on January 15th, 1996. Today Stradbroke Ferries operates a total of 10 vehicle and passenger ferries.
WINIFRED DAVENPORT Miss Winifred Davenport OAM (1924-2003) was an original Director of Stradbroke Ferries and recognised as Australia’s first female engineer in 1942. Miss Davenport’s extensive maritime career spanned over 47 years, with several distinguished achievements. Originally from Moorooka, south of Brisbane’s central business district, Miss Davenport began her endeavour into the shipping industry as a cadet draughtswoman at the Evans Deakin & Co Shipyard at Kangaroo Point, following in the footsteps of her father. She studied civil engineering at night. From 1950 to 1989 she was employed by the Harbours and Marine Department as an associate engineer until retirement, and from this became a member of the prestigious Institute of Engineers in 1951, and in 1958 a
member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects. Her interest in Moreton Bay began early on, and she spent much of her spare time gaining practical experience in the engine rooms of leisure vessels including SS Koopa and MV Miramar. From this interest, she gained a Master Mariner’s certificate, and designed Stradbroke Ferries’ first vehicle ferry, the MV Myora in 1964. Following her retirement, Miss Davenport wrote the history of Harbours and Marine for three years, detailing the shipping industry in Brisbane dating back to 1845, along with passenger details. Her book was recognised as an invaluable asset to family historians. In 1990, she was honoured for her services to engineering by becoming a Member of the Order of Australia.
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