MISS AUSTRALIA on the slips at Pompei's yard nearing completion in 1954

Images(7)

Some of the fine detailling can be seen on the stem of MISS AUSTRALIA as it nears launching day…

Some of immigrant workers employed by the Pompei Bros installing the engine in MISS AUSTRAILIA …

Bernard Dowd at the helm of MISS AUSTRALIA in the late 1950s

MISS AUSTRALIA in 2007 retains its original eye-catching appearance.

Miss Australia

Vessel numberHV000192

Vessel Registration NumberPS550

Builder WD Hughes

Date1954

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 11.58 m x 10.52 m x 3.96 m x 1.22 m, 16.73 tonnes (38 ft x 34.5 ft x 13 ft x 4 ft, 17 tons)

DescriptionMISS AUSTRALIA was built by the WD Hughes in Elsternwick Victoria. The 11.58 m long Huon pine, carvel planked hull has a raked stem with moderate flair, a raised deck and a finely proportioned cruiser-stern. This style of stern is a little unusual on a craft of this size in the 1950s when most were finished with a wide square or cambered transom. It is understood the owner Bernard Dowd designed the vesse's styling and interior details, which is fitted out with a large amount of fine detail work on the exterior and interior. Many of the details were hand carved by Dutch immigrants. During Dowd's ownership he added the flying bridge.

Dowd was the owner of the Hickory lingere company who sponsored the Miss Australia Quest when it was re-started in 1954. He commissioned this boat initially as a prize for the quest, but instead it became a fundraising and party boat. Many of the newly crowned Miss Australia's were entertained aboard the motor cruiser.

In December 1970 the craft made its own headlines when a 16 year old youth stole the craft from its moorings at Mornington on Port Phillip and headed out in rough conditions. As soon as he heard what had happened, Dowd ordered a plane up to try and locate it. A fisheries vessel tracked the launch down mid-morning, putting a boarding party onto MISS AUSTRALIA in rough conditions to secure a towing line and apprehend the youth.

MISS AUSTRALIA changed hands at least three times, but little has changed on the vessel. The unique carvings remain, it has the same eye-catching profile, but the hull is now white all over, while in the interior the bar has been replaced with two more bunks for extra accommodation. It remains in good condition and always attracts attention when it’s out on Gippsland Lakes.

SignificanceMISS AUSTRALIA was built in Victoria in 1954 for the Miss Australia beauty contest and used as a fundraising and party boat. It is a fine example of a cruiser-sterned motor vessel. The interior finishes and embellishments are also notable examples of the prevailing tastes of the period.