Historical information

This steering wheel is from the PS Success. The PS Success was built in Moama in 1877 by GB Air for Westwood & Air. The Success towed barges of sawn red gum, wool & other cargo along the Darling and Murray Rivers as well as running as a passenger boat from Swan Hill to Mildura during 1915-16. The Success ended her working life in 1957 and was put up on the bank at Neds Corner, 80kms west of Mildura. The PS Success was donated to the Riverboat Historical and Preservation Society of Mildura with plans for full restoration but with funds becoming extremely difficult to secure, the Shire of Campaspe was approached to take ownership in 2009 to enable further restoration when possible. The Riverboat Preservation Society also donated this original steering wheel.

Significance

The PS Success was an important vessel built in the Echuca area during the height of the Riverboat trade in the 1870s. She had a long, colourful history towing barges on the Murray River and in particular in the Mildura, Wentworth and Ned's Corner regions. Importantly, the Success was the last paddlesteamer to be working on the river system right up until the 1956 floods rescuing sheep and wool. The steering wheel is an important original element of the PS Success and her hopes for restoration one day.

Physical description

Red metal steering wheel with 10 spokes sitting on a heavy iron wheel stand.