We are raising funds for the restoration of MV Wyuna, currently berthed in Tasmania, to return her to seaworthy condition so she can be sailed home to Victoria.

Wyuna was built for the Port Phillip Pilot Service in 1952 and served from 1953 to 1979. During that time, she was mostly moored off Queenscliff, but sometimes came up to Melbourne, berthing at Williamstown or in the Yarra River. She was then sold to the Australian Maritime College and based in Beauty Point, Tasmania, until 2004. She was subsequently laid up at Kings Wharf in Launceston until 2013, when she was donated for restoration and a planned return to Victoria.

Wyuna is destined to become a wellbeing project for veterans. Veterans will maintain the vessel and be trained to become part of her crew. She will be maintained in a seaworthy condition and, when alongside, will host different groups who can stay aboard and learn about a seafarer’s life on an operational ship.

Before the wellbeing project can be launched, the ship must first be restored so she can return to Victoria and then be maintained by veterans. Volunteers are donating their time to undertake this essential work. All funds raised will be used to pay for materials and equipment needed for the restoration project.