Boatshed’s name honours legendary local

A PIECE of Queenscliff Maritime history now honours the man who voluntarily built it more than two decades ago.

The “Gil Allbutt Boat Shed” was officially named last week, after the late Mr Allbutt passed away almost two years ago at the age of 88.

Queenscliff Maritime Museum committee of management member and long-time friend, Rodney Nicholson, said the shingle above the door now honoured a legendary boat builder and wonderful person.

“I was a long time friend of Gil and his family, he was very close to my heart,” Mr Nicholson said.

“I’d known Gil since I was a youngster… I was into surfboard making and he was a boat maker back in the early 70s, and we just clicked.

“When you went away from spending time with Gil you felt good because he listened and he was inspiring.

“He was a very special person.”

Mr Nicholson said Mr Allbutt spearheaded the creation and building of the shed with a team of volunteers back in 1995.

“The sign went up on Friday and I got quite excited and wanted the family to know before anyone beat me to it so I shared photos on social media,” he said.

“The family loved it and was stoked.”

Grandson Liam Petrie-Allbutt said his family was very humbled by the name change.

“It’s lovely to see this piece of Queenscliff Maritime history take the name of my dear grandad,” he said.

“Many memories at this place; Grandad’s church, his boat building shed at the Queenscliff Maritime Museum.”

Queenscliff Maritime Museum is open daily, 11am to 4pm. Call 5258 3440.