Margaret Walker Oral History

DETAILS

Overview
Margaret Walker offers a concise but valuable account of the later history of The Jannett, one of Noosa’s most iconic historic boats. She explains that she and her husband, Max Walker, purchased the vessel in the early 1950s, when it was in extremely poor condition. Despite its deterioration, the boat held strong sentimental value: Max had childhood memories of spending time on the river with Colonial (Major) Reid, the boat’s original owner and a friend of the Walker family. The Walkers purchased The Jannett for approximately £14 and commissioned local boatbuilder Fred Gould to undertake major restoration, replacing much of the hull while retaining the vessel’s distinctive shape.

The Walkers used the Jannett extensively as a family cruising boat, especially around the Noosa River and Lake Cootharaba, often camping aboard with their three young children. Margaret recalls the boat as safe, stable, and central to many happy family outings.

In the 1970s or early 1980s, their son Gregory transported the boat to Brisbane for further work at Norman Wright’s shipyard, where its original build year—1913—was confirmed. Gregory and his brother later returned the vessel to Noosa by sea. Today, The Jannett remains in the Walker family’s care, modernised with later engines and maintained as a cherished heritage vessel.

Photograph

Margaret Walker, Noosaville, ca 1995

Oral History Transcript

Margaret Walker Oral History - Transcript

Audio

Margaret Walker Oral History - Audio

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)Boats

CONNECTIONS

PersonGreg WalkerMargaret WalkerFamilyWalker FamilyBoatJannettMenuDecade | 1990-1999