Interview with Lewis Ferrier regarding the history of the Australian fishing industry
Date14 February 1990
Object numberANMS0871[089]
NameInterview
MediumCompact disk and tape
Copyright© Murdoch University
ClassificationsBorn digital media
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Murdoch University
DescriptionA recorded interview with Lewis Ferrier, 'the barefoot fisherman', in Queencliff, Victoria as part of a series titled 'History of the Australian Fishing Industry'. It contains information on the well known Ferrier family, Lewis' current fishing areas and varieties, entry into fishing, instruments and equipment, sailing days, crew and catches, improved technology, lack of communications, love of the sea, lifeboat services, father's service, grandfather's award, family traditions, accidents at sea, recovery and shark fishing.HistoryThe Ferrier family of Queenscliff, Victoria are a very widely known family of fishermen. Lewis Ferrier is the second youngest of ten brother, all of whom were fishermen as was their father, grandfather and great grandfather.
In addition to their fishing, the family have a long and honourable history in the
lifeboat service. Generations of Ferriers have played leading roles in notable rescues at sea and at one time, out of a crew of ten men in the Queenscliff lifeboat, nine were Ferriers.
Over three generations their courage and seamanship has been recognised in a series of medals and awards.
Lewis Ferrier sustained a broken neck in an accident at sea and was severely paralysed but after five years of effort he made a complete recovery. (He became a Presbyterian minister and served full time in that capacity for some years. He then returned to fishing, an occupation he still follows today.
This recorded interview with Lewis Ferrier is part of a larger series produced as result of an oral history research project conducted by the Economics Department of Murdoch University and coordinated by Malcolm Tull. The project commissioned researchers in every Australian state to interview fishermen and others involved in catching, processing and marketing fish. Their research involved questions about daily work, personal memories of life in the Australian fishing industry as well as questions about the economics of the industry.SignificanceThis collection of recorded interviews is significant in providing a comprehensive record of commercial fishing from the 1950s to the 1990s across Australia.
