• The centre opens at 10AM

• Tours available throughout the day from 10 till 2.

• Demonstrations happening all day.

• Get up close and personal with the Little Blue Boat.

• Official ceremony at 2PM

From humble beginnings to a resilient survival, the Wooden Boat Centre Tasmania (WBC) has weathered numerous storms and emerged as a cornerstone of the state's maritime heritage. Its journey, marked by both triumphs and setbacks, is a testament to the passion and dedication of those involved.

Founded in 1991 as the Shipwright's Point School of Wooden Boatbuilding, the WBC initially operated from Athol Walters' boatshed and slipway. In 1994, the school relocated to Franklin, where it leased land from the Crown and acquired a welding shed from Tarraleah.

The following years saw a surge in interest, with the first group of eight students enrolling in the Diploma in Wooden Boatbuilding in 1995-96. By 1999-2000, the program was so popular that there was a waiting list of over a hundred, and two women were among the enrolled students.

At the end of 2000, the School was sold to Southern Tasmania Employment and Training Solutions (STEPS), and in 2011 to Spritsail Pty Ltd. The latter did not run the Diploma course but instead reinstated the short dinghy courses. In 2014 the WBC was acquired by Franklin Working Waterfront (FWWA), a not-for-profit community-based organisation.

FWWA's vision was to transform Franklin into a world-renowned centre of wooden boatbuilding. Their ambitious plans included revitalising the waterfront, creating employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and preserving the region's maritime heritage.

One of the key components of their strategy was the purchase of the Apple Evaporator sheds, which they envisioned as a vital part of the WBC's expansion. However, financial constraints and the lack of government funding removed all hope of fulfilling these dreams.

Despite these challenges, FWWA persevered. Purely through donations, they were able to secure the WBC in October 2014, with just enough to pay for the sale but nothing left over for working capital. The delay in raising enough funds to purchase the WBC meant that the School's diploma course accreditation had lapsed, leaving its future uncertain.

In the years since, the WBC has faced additional hurdles, including staff turnover and the ongoing challenges of maintaining a small, specialised business. However, the Centre has remained committed to its mission of preserving traditional boatbuilding skills and contributing to the local economy.

Today, the WBC operates as a training centre, offering a year-long course with a limited number of students and a diverse range of short courses. It also continues to be involved in various community projects and events. While its journey has been far from easy, the Wooden Boat Centre-Tasmania stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of wooden boatbuilding and the resilience of those who have worked to keep its legacy alive.xt goes here

• The day is free to all local residents of the Huon Valley.

• All entry fees and tour charges will be waived, the day is free entry.