Armfield Slip, a true historic gem of the Murray River, now has its own identity as an incorporated volunteer body.
It will continue to operate like it has since the Alexandrina Council bought the premises from the Armfield family in 1986, but will no longer be a committee of the council.
Armfield Slip began in Goolwa when Herbert Alexander “Hookey” Armfield bought the David Milne Shipyard in 1926. His son Douglas took over the business in 1956, and continued building and maintaining boats until his retirement in 1983.
Volunteers, including the six presidents who have served since the formation of the committee in 1986, suppliers and great supporters of Armfield Slip and boat shed celebrated the changeover on Monday night.
President Garry Coombes described it as an exciting new era, and a time to encourage younger people to become involved and learn the art of wooden boat building.