Interview with Cecil Long regarding the history of the Australian fishing industry
Date26 February 1990
Object numberANMS0871[186]
NameInterview
MediumCompact disk and tape
Copyright© Murdoch University
ClassificationsBorn digital media
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Murdoch University
DescriptionTape one of a recorded interview with Cecil 'Dodger' Long OAM in Stanley, Tasmania, as part of a series titled 'History of the Australian Fishing Industry'. It contains information on Cecil Long's entry into fishing, rock lobster, the west coast of Tasmania, shark fishing, prices and catches, assistance from fishermen, weather problems, loss of vessels, improvements on aids, effects of improved technology, sea rescues, family life, effects of netting, scallops, depletion of stock, pollution, licences, limited entry, cost of licences, fishermen's organisations and his retirement activities.HistoryAfter Wartime service in the RAAF and without any experience or training in the industry, Cecil 'Dodger' Long bought a small boat and went fishing. Not unexpectedly he was not immediately successful but with persistence and the help of more experienced fishermen, he ultimately did become a successful rock lobster and long line shark fisherman. He fished the notorious west coast of Tasmania and in parts of his recording tells of men and vessels lost in the area and some of the sea rescues in which he was involved. In this tape Cecil Long talks of many aspects of fishing in his day and concludes with a tribute to his wife as he reflects on the effects of fishing as an occupation on family life.
Cecil Long has been retired from professional fishing for twelve years now but still takes a very active part in the community of Stanley, his home port.
In 2013 Dodger Long received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of north west Tasmania;
"Honoured. Cecil “Dodger” Long OAM has his own understanding of what the letters after his name stand for: “Old Age Medal”.
“I wasn’t sure if the ‘M’ stood for ‘Man’ or ‘Mug’,” the 90-year-old jokester said.
Having once nominated one of his friends for one, Mr Long knows all about Order of Australia Medals. He said with the nomination you have to provide five references, who are contacted to back up your nomination. Mr Long said while he had a fair idea who was behind his award, he was yet to confirm. All he knows for sure is the reaction the award has caused. “I nearly had to employ a secretary to answer the phone.”
While honoured, Mr Long said he did not think he was the right person for the award. “I know a lot of people are more deserving.”
Mr Long was awarded the OAM for service to the community of north west Tasmania. This included his involvement in the Smithton RSL; the Sea Fisheries Advisory Board; the Circular Head Council; the Stanley Golf Club; and for his incredible fundraising efforts.
Mr Long said he enjoyed the time spent fundraising, especially when he managed to make someone happy. He said his successful fundraising was thanks to the generous community of Circular Head. “I’d like to take the opportunity to publicly thank the people of Circular Head for their generosity in contributing to the charities I’ve been involved in,” he said.
Mr Long said he believed the awards will be presented at a ceremony held in Hobart in September."
[http://www.chchronicle.com.au/dodgers-long-list-accolades-3661/]
This recorded interview with Cecil Long 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.
