Memoirs of Port Melbourne

Memoirs of Port Melbourne is a collection of stories shared by seven people about their connection to Port Melbourne, either as workers or residents. These encompass a diverse range of stories: from a sixteen-year-old who arrived as crew on the maiden voyage on the paddle steamer Weeroona; humorous anecdotes from a bus driver; remembrances of growing up in Port Melbourne by a descendant of a family of waterside workers and a fifth-generation resident born in Garden City in 1947. 

The most remarkable account is that of James Conder. Two of his journals: Under Canvas and Under Steam give an insight into a seaman’s life in the period from 1889, when he sailed on the Ellora from Town Pier, Port Melbourne, through to his retirement from the Australian Navy in 1937. As well, a biographical account of James Conder’s life has been written by one of the many Conder descendants. These outstanding narratives of a maritime life will be of great interest to many readers.