The Minns Labor Government has celebrated the re-opening of the much-loved Mortlake Ferry following a vital four-month maintenance blitz.
Affectionately known by locals as the 'Putney Punt', the free ferry has long been part of daily life for hundreds of residents, visitors and businesses on the Parramatta River.
At the helm for the ferry's first run back was the first female Mortlake Ferry Master in its near-100-year history, Yvonne Trovato. Yvonne swapped a life in finance for life on the water and a job she loves.
First opened on 16 May 1928, the diesel-powered cable ferry replaced a hand pulled barge which started operating near the Mortlake Ferry in the 19th century.
The Ferry initially cost £4000 and was built to help Australian Gaslight Company (AGL) workers travel from the north to their workplace in Mortlake.
As the local area grew, so did the capacity of the ferry, from eight cars to eighteen.
Even after the construction of the nearby Ryde Bridge, the Mortlake Ferry has proven to be a favourite for locals who rely on the crossing, with an average of 400 cars using the free service daily.
In the early 1900s, slipping the ferry (winching it out of the water) for repairs required closing streets overnight and using trucks to haul the vessel out during a low spring tide.
By the 1970s, permanent winches and deep concrete piles made this process far more efficient, though the ferry still endures significant wear and requires a full overhaul and repaint every four years.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:
"The Minns Labor Government is thrilled to welcome this iconic ferry back into service.
"The Mortlake Ferry has always been a free service, and that is something we are proud to continue. At a time when every dollar matters, keeping this crossing free helps families, workers and businesses stay connected without extra cost.
"This project is about making sure a cherished part of Sydney's transport history is ready for the future. These upgrades will improve safety for everyone using the ferry, whether passengers on foot, people behind the wheel or workers operating the vessel.
"The Mortlake Ferry has served the community for generations and is the last of its kind on the Parramatta River. As it approaches its centenary, this work will help preserve its legacy and keep it running well into the future.
"We know that locals and people who work on the Putney Punt hold it dear to their hearts. Transport for NSW has workers who have been associated with it for more than 30 years. One current operator's dad used to work on the ferry and, as a boy, he used to fish for bream off the back of the punt while his dad worked.
"Now the Punt has its first female Ferry Master and is ready to head into a second century of service.
"We appreciate this closure has impacted daily routines, and we sincerely thank the community for their patience and understanding during this important upgrade."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, said:
"While there are women working on other ferries, after nearly 100 years, the Mortlake Ferry has its first female Ferry Master now. This is an exciting milestone.
"I'd like to congratulate Yvonne on making history - this is a 'first' that is now part of the story of this iconic and much-loved vessel.
"Moments like these should be celebrated as we work towards increased gender diversity in non-traditional roles."
Ferry Master Yvonne Trovato said:
"During Covid, I realised I wanted to spend more time with my parents, children and grandchildren - I was missing so many of their milestones. A friend knew I wanted a change and applied on my behalf without me knowing. It was the best thing she could have done.
"I used to use the ferry and now I operate it. I'm the first female Ferry Master - it's a privilege, a dream - it's surreal - sometimes I even impress myself!
"The best thing about the ferry is the people. You get all kinds - doctors, greengrocers, teenagers, teachers - people from every walk of life. And they say they like to see my smiling face at the beginning or end of the day.
"It is just the best job. I love being on the water and being a ferry driver - even in winter. The sunrises, the wildlife - I'd give my job 100 out of ten!
"During the upgrade and temporary closure, I was working at other cable ferries, but nothing beats Mortlake."
