Remembering Captain Richard (Dick) Burgess: A Tribute to a Maritime Champion

In April 2024, the maritime community bid farewell to a beloved figure, Captain Richard (Dick) Burgess AM.

Captain Burgess's lifelong commitment to preserving Tasmania's rich maritime heritage was unmistakable.

Captain Burgess, a third-generation member of a renowned seafaring and fishing family in Victorian and Tasmanian waters, left a mark on Tasmania's maritime history through his dedication and contributions to a wide range of organisations.

For over three decades, from 1966, he served as the Master Warden at the Port of Devonport, a predecessor to TasPorts, involved in the commercial port, championing its expansion and modernisation.

His passion extended to the historic tall ship Julie Burgess, where he played a pivotal role in its upkeep and promotion as a symbol of Tasmania's maritime legacy. As Captain of the Julie Burgess, he continued the family tradition of fishing for crayfish for over four decades until his semi-retirement in 1987 after 44 years at sea.

In honour of Captain Burgess's memory and his family's request, TasPorts has donated $2,000 to the Mission to Seafarers in Burnie.

This contribution further strengthens the existing relationship between TasPorts and the Mission to Seafarers and demonstrates our operational support for the charity. It recognises our mutual interest and shared commitment to providing seafarer welfare services in port areas through the shore-based seafarer welfare facility.