S.S. Cartela

The S.S. Cartela is the only Tasmanian River Steamer still afloat of the 80 or so similar vessels that once called southern Tasmania home.

The vision is to see her fully restored and recommissioned, ferrying passengers under steam power, on the river that she has called home for over a hundred years.

A comprehensive communications plan was developed, which aimed to highlight the historical and cultural worth of this unique vessel.

In order to engage the community and attract investment, the communications strategy adopted a ‘ground-up’ approach. “Everyone has a Cartela story” is a common phrase heard amongst those involved in the restoration project. This sense of belonging and shared experience is something that connects those who travelled on the S.S. Cartela, to each other and to the vessel - on a personal and emotional level.

This spirit, and sense of personal involvement needed to be harnessed and promoted in order to raise the profile of the project and secure the funding required to realise the restoration dream.