Transport for NSW has selected some of NSW’s leading artists, authors and athletes to lend their names to Sydney’s new fleet of 10 River Class ferries, the first four of which arrived earlier this month
According to Transport for NSW’s Chief Operations Officer, Howard Collins, all the River Class vessels have been named after people who helped shape NSW culture through art, literature and sport, with three authors, three artists and four athletes chosen.
“The first four vessels will be named after artists Esme Timbery, Margaret Olley and Olive Cotton, and author Ruby Langford Ginibi,” Mr Collins said.
“The remaining vessels, which will arrive in Sydney later this year, will be named after authors Ruth Park and Ethel Turner, footballer Cheryl Salisbury, netballer Liz Ellis, basketballer Lauren Jackson and wheelchair track and road racer Kurt Fearnley.”
Ruby Langford Ginibi’s daughter, Pauline Mitchell said the naming of the ferry was a beautiful tribute to her mother.
“Having mum’s name on a ferry has put her back in everyone’s minds for carving the way for all Aboriginal people today. We are grateful that our beautiful and powerful mum can be honoured in this way. It means so very much to us.”
Olive Cotton’s daughter, Sally McInerney, said her mother loved the sea.
“Many of her photographs were taken at beaches around Sydney during the 1930s and 1940s,” Ms McInerney said.
“When she married and went to live in the country far from the coast, people would ask if she ever missed her city life and professional career, but the only thing she admitted to missing was the sea.”
The first four River Class Ferries are being tested and commissioned with operational readiness activities in Sydney Harbour. Transdev Sydney Ferries is also training crews.
A date for the vessels to enter service is yet to be determined.
