Memorial to prawning birthplace

By Samantha Elley

A $10,000 donation from the Sydney Fish Markets has made it possible for a monument to be raised in recognition of the early fishing industry and community of Evans Head.

“The fishermen approached me in 2017 (as) they wanted to have a reunion at Evans Head because this is where the birth of the school prawn industry began,” said Evans Head Living Museum vice president, Lillian Colless.

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“I approached the  committee and we all agreed to hold the very first Australian Fishermen’s Reunion, which was a huge success.

Lester Cribb and Brikky Aleckson with friends on one of the trawlers.

“At the reunion The Sydney Fish Markets donated $10,000 towards a monument for the recognition of the Evans Head Fishing Industry’s contribution.”

After the establishment of the industry in the late 1940s, the prawning boats were bringing in up to 6,000 lbs or 2,700kgs of prawns per day in the 1950s-60s, according to Lillian.

“In those days we had over 70 trawlers working out of the river,” she said.

“Today we only have two trawlers.”

In the hey day of the industry, prawns were packed in wooden boxes lined with newspaper transported to Casino railway station, then sent by train to the Sydney Fish Markets at Woolloomooloo.

Montgomery Bay 1977 Evans Head

Organisation for a second fishermen’s reunion is underway and it will include a very special event.

“Our second reunion will be held on the 24^th and 25^th February 2024,” said Lillian.

“The opening will be the unveiling of the monument at 11am on the verge of the grass in front of the old co-op site on the north side of the river just past the RSL Memorial Garden.”

After the unveiling there will be a brunch at the museum.

Saturday night will be the official dinner to be held at the RSL Club for $40 per person.

Recent photo of the Seaview at the Evans Head Co-op wharf

Sunday lunch will be held at the Fishermen’s Co-Op at 12 pm with a blessing of the fleet.

The Evans Head Living Museum will be open for most of the weekend, with all new fishing displays.

The monument is currently being built in stone by Monumental Masons in Lismore.

If you would like to know more about the reunion, contact the Evans Head Living Museum on 6682 6410 Wed-Fri 10am to 1pm or Lillian Colless on 0438 885 567.

To provide some financial assistance for the Fishermen’s Memorial banking details are Summerland Credit Union BSB: 728-728, account name: TEHLMI, account: 22244094. Reference: Fishermen’s Memorial. The Evans Head Living Museum Inc is a registered charity and any donations made are tax deductible.

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