Len Ely Oral History

DETAILS

Overview
Len Ely provides an expansive, first hand account of boating, fishing, and family life on the Noosa River throughout much of the 20th century. He traces the history of the Jannett, a vessel built in 1913 by Norman Wright for Major Reid, later purchased by the Parkyn Brothers and used for private excursions, fishing charters, and river parties. Ely recalls assisting in bringing the restored boat back across the bar, reflecting the strong culture of cooperation among river families.

Ely describes building and running his own hire boat business—known locally as the O Boats—which he established before World War II and expanded over several decades. His fleet included putt putts, dinghies, and small motorboats, catering to tourists and locals during a period when Noosaville’s waterfront was the hub of fishing, prawning, and recreational boating. He recalls early mackerel fishing off the bar, seasonal prawning, and the challenges of shifting river conditions.

The interview also documents multigenerational Ely family history, including their arrival in Queensland, land ownership along Gympie Terrace, and long associations with other pioneering families such as the Parkyns, McGaritys, and Jacksons. Len and his wife Betty reflect on community changes, loss of marine habitats, growing development pressures, and the transformation of the Noosa River from a working waterway into a largely recreational one.

Their recollections preserve valuable insights into Noosa’s maritime heritage, boat building traditions, early tourism, and family networks that shaped local identity.

Photograph

Betty and Len Ely, Noosaville, 19 January 1996

Len Ely, Noosaville, 19 January 1996

Oral History Transcript

Len Ely Oral History - Transcript

Audio

Len Ely Oral History - Audio

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)FishingBoats

CONNECTIONS

LocalityNoosavillePlaceNoosa RiverPersonLen ElyFamilyEly FamilyBusinessO BoatsBoatJannettMenuDecade | 1990-1999Location | Noosaville