The David Sheedy Foundation has initiated a grant for works to be undertaken on the John Oxley steamship, which was built in 1927 in Scotland for the Queensland Pilot Service. The ship was named after the explorer John Oxley, who was the Surveyor-General based in Sydney and explored the eastern coast of Australia. The John Oxley steamship has retained its original construction and is the last surviving envoi of coastal vessels that conveyed passengers and commodities along the Australian coastline.

The Sydney Heritage Fleet Volunteers are undertaking the complex restoration works at Pyrmont. Their mission is to maintain an internationally recognised museum of maritime history through research, acquisition, conservation, restoration, education, and the operation of heritage vessels. The Heritage Fleet volunteers have been working tirelessly to date on the refurbishment of the John Oxley, and the DSF Foundation is delighted to contribute to this project. The John Oxley is a work in progress, which provides an enormous ESG impact.

Environmentally, the conversion from coal to diesel, and possibly in the future with solar synergies, is an acknowledgement of the engineering, technical, trades, and administrative skills of the volunteers. The social impact of transferring this expertise and abilities to younger generations with genuine hands-on experience is a lifeline for vocational and professional trainees. There has been extensive educational research undertaken, and an action-based productive retirement agenda for third-age volunteers, which has infinite future benefits to the community at large.