WILLIAMSTOWN is celebrating its anti-whaling history, dating back to the arrival of a Confederate raider in 1865, with a fund-raising event for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Sea Shepherd’s Steve Irwin vessel is berthed only metres from where the CSS Shenandoah was repaired when it sailed into Melbourne near the end of the American Civil War.
While the US consul in Melbourne fumed at the presence of a Confederate ship known for burning its whaling fleets, the public was in awe.
The Shenandoah’s officers, under Commander James Waddell, prided themselves on not harming any of the 1053 people they took captive from whaling ships at sea.
After 24 days, the ship left Williamstown with 42 new crew members.
The illegal recruits cost Britain $1.5million, which it was forced to pay the US for breaching terms of neutrality.
Williamstown’s Kerrie Goodall, whose father Leigh Goodall started the Shenandoah Society — now the Williamstown Maritime Association — said it was thrilling to have Sea Shepherd’s vessels in port.
‘‘The fact that both ships — CSS Shenandoah and Sea Shepherd — have been supported by Williamstown and Melburnians for the purpose of anti-whaling is worth celebrating,’’ she said.
The Ann Street house where Mr Goodall still lives is emblazoned with a mural of the Confederate ship and is known locally as the ‘Shenandoah House’.
‘‘I first heard about the CSS Shenandoah from my father and we used to have ‘Shenandoah Society’ meetings in The Stags Head hotel over 10 years ago,’’ Ms Goodall said.
‘‘This story was the inspiration for helping to protect Williamstown’s maritime heritage.’’
Ms Goodall is celebrating her 40th birthday by booking Nick Barker and other musicians for a Sea Shepherd benefit gig on Saturday at Pirates Tavern, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
There will be free family entertainment in the afternoon. Entry after 6pm is by $20 donation.
Details: 0418781823 or westival@ymail.com
