PV Jandra is back on the water

The iconic Jandra paddleboat is back on the Darling River, with a new captain taking the wheel and a renewed sense of optimism for the upcoming tourist season.

Dry riverbeds, COVID-19 shutdowns, flooding in the Darling River and the lack of an ongoing captain,  have all hampered the operation of the Jandra in recent years, but General Manager of Bourke Shire Council, Leonie Brown, was excited to confirm the recent appointment of a new captain for the boat.

“Council has been able to source a new captain for the PV Jandra, Captain Beresford Ralph, who has arrived, and completed all the necessary training and inductions,” Mrs Brown said. “I’m excited to say the Jandra commenced its daily touring schedule last Friday.”

Mrs Brown said staffing had been an ongoing issue, with the nature of the work often being seasonal and dependent on the river’s height.

“In previous years, Council had reliable captains that have continued to come back, or Council trained its own,” she said. “But of course, those people move on and move away, and Council has found it very difficult these last few seasons to actually attract and retain a captain.” […]

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Mel Millgate, Capt Beresford and Leonie Brown. Photo TWH