Labour of love keeps Industry rollin’ on the River

When Paringa man Clay Smith isn't leading his team at SA Water's Lake Victoria operations, his family knows where to find him - at the helm of the historic paddle steamer, PS Industry.

The devoted husband and father credits his love of the River Murray for both his choice of job and hobby.

"I grew up on the Glenelg River and I've been in and around boats for as long as I can remember," Clay said.

"When a Construction and Maintenance job came up with SA Water at Lake Victoria, I jumped at the chance to be in a river setting again."

Soon after joining the Lake Victoria team three years ago, Clay got on board with PS Industry, signing up as one of her army of Riverland volunteers.

It is these volunteers who have breathed new life into PS Industry, putting in countless hours of work to bring her out of retirement and steaming again from October 1990.

After more restoration, the paddle steamer was formally recommissioned as a commercially-licenced vessel in 1995, which restarted her water-going career and connection with the River Murray after a 24-year hiatus.

PS Industry and the River Murray go back together to 1911 when she was first commissioned as a work boat and helped with the construction of the River Murray locks and weirs during the first half of the twentieth century.

After 59 years of active service she retired and was gifted to the Township of Renmark by the State Government. She then opened to the public as a static display in a purpose-built pond near the Renmark pumping station in 1975.

During the 20 years that followed, dedicated members of the community worked tirelessly to restore her to an operational standard and today volunteers give their time as crew members to ensure she steams the river regularly.

After Clay joined up to help out, he put his sailing background to good use, upgrading his skipper's licence so he could captain the majestic vessel for the 1000-plus passengers the famed paddle steamer carries along the River Murray each year.

Since then, it has been full-steam ahead for Clay with PS Industry and his SA Water career too, after he was promoted to Lake Victoria Operations Team Leader last year.

"When people ask me what I do, there's no short answer, because there's really no such thing as a typical day at Lake Victoria," Clay said.

"Our team can be called on for a wide array of tasks, from building a road and taking water samples, to helping the area's Traditional Owners manage significant, cultural heritage sites.

"Every day at work is exciting and filled with diverse challenges, so as a team we have to be resourceful and learn quickly.

"As for downtime after work, well, not everyone can say they captain a paddleboat, so I'm proud of that, even if it is a bit easier than it was in the old days!"

The historic steamer sails on the first Sunday of each month, on long weekends, other selected days and is also available for charter, for people seeking to experience first-hand, the wonder of Australia's iconic River Murray.

For further information about PS Industry visit www.rivermurray.com.au

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