Grandson of HMAS Whyalla shipbuilder visits city to honour family legacy
A family connection to one of Whyalla’s most iconic landmarks recently brought visitors Greg and Michelle Tester to the city, travelling from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula to see the historic HMAS Whyalla for the first time.
Mr Tester is the grandson of Richard Jackson, one of the many workers involved in the construction of the ship during its time at the Whyalla Shipyard. Their visit formed part of a broader trip through South Australia, but seeing the vessel his grandfather helped build was a highlight.
Mr Tester said the opportunity to connect with his family history made the journey to Whyalla especially meaningful.
“Coming here and seeing the ship in person is something really special,” he said.
“My grandfather, Richard Jackson, worked across many parts of South Australia throughout his life, but knowing he had a role in building this ship makes visiting Whyalla significant.”
The couple travelled through several South Australian towns before arriving in Whyalla, making the visit to see the ship and learn more about its story.
With a personal interest in military history, Mr Tester said seeing the ship up close gave him a new appreciation for the work completed by shipbuilders during the wartime era.
“It’s incredible to think my grandfather was part of creating something like this. One of the things that surprised me most was learning how the ship was actually moved from the water to where it sits today at the museum. It’s amazing to see how something that big was transported and preserved.”
HMAS Whyalla being relocated to the Whyalla Maritime Museum by road.
HMAS Whyalla was moved from the water to its current location at the Whyalla Maritime Museum in 1987, where it now sits on land as one of the city’s most significant historic attractions.
Mr Tester said visiting the ship helped bring his family’s history to life.
“Standing here and seeing it in person really makes you appreciate the work that went into building it all those years ago,” he said.