On December 15th 1919, a company commenced operations in Lakes Entrance and, I would wager, not even thinking that 100 years later, that same company would still be in operation and still fully owned and operated by the same family. An icon of Lakes Entrance and indeed Gippsland, if not Victoria when it comes to cruise boat operations Peels Tourist & Ferry Service Pty. Ltd. celebrates 100 years of operations today.
Congratulations to the Peel family
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| Thunderbird |
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As I have indicated, Peels is a family operated business and the biggest most experienced operator on the Gippsland Lakes. Not only is the company name well known, but well respected amoungst the cruise boat operators on the Yarra in Melbourne. Peel's boats are visual reminders of its operations and recognised all over the 400 square kilometres of the Gippsland Lakes and beyond.
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| Stormbird |
So too its staff, all well respected local identities who are active not only within the Peels operations, but all take an active part in the community as a whole. Peel's provides not only regular cruises around the Gippsland Lakes but is available for private charter for various functions afloat, weddings, and specific tours to nominated locations. It has a long list of VIP's who have experienced this long standing local business.
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| Private Charter on Thunderbird |
In those 100 years, I wonder how many thousands of visitors and for that matter locals have enjoyed the scenery of the Gippsland Lakes, marveled at the wildlife and seabirds so often seen when aboard a cruise, enjoyed a function or gathering aboard a Peel's boat, or simply sat back as I have often done, enjoying the open space, fresh air and the setting sun on the water, magic pure magic.
Interestingly all Peel's boats are named with a "bird" in the name, a family tradition I am told. Some of these boats are still on the water and a couple still in commercial operation. Names like Blackbird, Bluebird, Lenabird etc., roll of the tongue when you talk to Barrie Peel, who is intensely proud of the company and its 100 years of operations, not that he will admit it. Get him talking, and you will learn a history of not only the firm but of Lakes Entrance and its many changes over the years.
I first met Barrie well over 20 years ago, he will readily tell you it was the worst day of his life, it may well have been and after he reads this he will probably never speak to me again! But it is that rapport, that dry wit and ever present humour that has aided the business and Barrie himself, through the ups and downs that any business and business operator has to endure.
Barrie also known by an number of other titles including "Capt. Mudbank", and "Admiral" etc, has orchestrated and overseen the business grow, it has been hard work, long hours and a real family effort. Peels has provided countless trips to various charities and still supports the local community. Now 100 years on some of those tasks are undertaken by James, the 4th generation of the company. Barrie still works in the office although not perhaps for as long or starting as early as he used to.
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| Barrie Peel aka Capt Mudbank |
Peels currently
operates three vessels “Thunderbird” a 190
capacity catamaran built at Metung by Bulls another well known local firm still operating on the Gippsland Lakes. She is powered by twin Volvo diesels and will cruise at 30 knots. Many have felt the acceleration when the throttles are opened when in clear open water.
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| Thunderbird at Dusk in the Narrows |
“Seabird” another catamaran but with a 100
capacity designed as a multi-function vessel and purchased a few years ago from another cruise boat operator who retired to other pursuits. Also powered by twin diesels has the ability to cruise at very slow speeds and will make the journey up to Bairnsdale on the Mitchell river without issue.
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| Seabird in Reeves Channel |
“Stormbird” a 47 capacity
cruise boat which was used as a press boat in the America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle. This was used for years on the daily Luncheon Cruise to Metung and to the Wyanga Park Winery having the capability to make the journey up North Arm and in shallow waters. Stormbird is also powered by twin Volvo diesels and has plenty of get up and go when required.
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| Stormbird returning from Luncheon Cruise to Metung |
Some years ago the Governor of Victoria took a trip with Peels as part of an official visit to East Gippsland, and who better to provide that cruise than Peels. For that visit a short brief of the staff was required and I copy that below:
Barrie Peel –
Managing Director:
After a 30 year career with National Australia Bank,
purchased the full family business which was started in by his grandfather. For many years Barrie combined running company
operations, promotion, marketing and the booking office with skippering the
“Stormbird” and its regular luncheon cruise to Metung and return.
Cheryl Peel –
Director:
Married to Barrie for 50+ years, they have 4 children, the
youngest James also works in the family business. Cheryl combines looking after the family home
with a range of roles within the business and is often seen staffing the
booking office or providing refreshments on the “Thunderbird.”
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| Cheryl Peel |
James Peel –
Director and Master:
James is a 4th generation Peel and carrying on the family business and commencing after leaving school, now with well over 20 years’
experience skippering the boats and now provides an increasing role controlling “on
shore"operations. James is a talented sportsman.
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| James Peel |
Roger Mallan –
Master:
Roger commenced working for Peels over 40 years ago as a
deckhand and now has progressed to a Master. He can normally be seen skippering
the “Thunderbird” and maintains general maintenance and safety of the vessels. Roger's commentary on the Thunderbird varies depending on local sights and sounds and is rarely seen without his sunnies! Roger is also active in local community activities.
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| Roger Mallan |
So there you have it, a brief history of Peels Tourist and Ferry Services Pty. Ltd. to give the company its full name. 100 years in operation is a massive achievement and something that Lakes Entrance should be proud of, not to mention the Peel family in total. They continue to serve this region well, they have, and still are, a cornerstone of tourism in the region and one of the "must do's" for visitors.
Congratulations Peels,
may you have many more years at the helm.
Images copyright John Munns
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