Portfolio March 2012 - Fremantle Ports

Pictured at the book launch are (from left) Fremantle Ports’ archivist Alan Pearce, who helped John source photographs, former Fremantle Passenger Terminal hostess Marie Novak (nee Levar), who is in the photo ofhostesses in red in the display, and Murray Rann, who worked for Fremantle Ports between 1963-91, including 17 years in public relationsNew Dowson book on the portFremantle Port is the subject of author JohnDowson’s latest pictorial book.Titled Fremantle Port, the 200-page anthologyof historic and modern photographs capturesthe essence of Fremantle Port from its earlybeginnings to the present day, with themesranging from the planning and constructionof Fremantle Harbour, shipping and tradedevelopments, industrial history, wartime role,immigration, high-profile visitors and notableevents.Check-up forCY statueIt is the author’s personalised account, drawingtogether a wealth of images, stories andanecdotes, some of which may be familiar andothers not previously documented in this way.John spent hundreds of hours in Australiaand overseas sourcing material, searchingthrough libraries and archives. He was ablealso to access material from Fremantle Ports’archival records and extensive collection ofcontemporary and historical images.Fremantle Ports sponsored the book andworked closely with John to help with thepublication.In his new book, which was launched byTransport Minister Troy Buswell at FremantlePorts’ Transport Shed, John Dowson hasagain demonstrated his passion for history,his fascination with the port and his ability toengage, inform and entertain his readers.The book is available in Fremantle bookstoresor from John Dowson (john.dowson@yahoo.com or 08 9335 2113 or 0409 22 36 22).The magnificent bronze statue of CY O’Connornear the entrance to the Fremantle Portsadministration building on Victoria Quay hasbeen given the all-clear by WA Museum expertIan MacLeod.Dr MacLeod, who is Executive Director ofFremantle Museums and Maritime Heritageand a world authority on the preservation ofbronze statues, was asked by Fremantle Portsfor his assistance in preparing a report on thestatue’s condition and how best to maintain it.“According to Ian, the statue is in soundcondition and will probably need no morethan a light water-blast to spruce it up. Thisis excellent news considering how long it hasbeen exposed to a waterfront atmosphere,”Fremantle Ports’ Franco Andreone said.CY O’Connor was the State Engineer-in-Chiefresponsible for the design and constructionof Fremantle Inner Harbour. The statue wascreated by sculptor Pietro Porcelli in 1911.Ian MacLeod inspects the statue of CY O’Connor while John Malaga, of Fremantle Ports, operates the cherry-pickerpage 2