Greg’s ‘other’ Passion – more than just SDA
Our Founder and Principal Consultant Greg Barry has a couple of passions in his life. We talk a lot about his passion for helping people to live their best life in a suitable SDA dwelling. But away from the desk, Greg has another HUGE passion project…. The MV Celine Eloise.
Formerly known as MV Awin, this remarkable wooden vessel has a rich marine history spanning the Pacific. Originally built in 1965 in Ballina, New South Wales, the boat began its service as a coastal transport and cargo vessel, operating extensively throughout Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands. Over the decades, this beauty has played a vital role even being used as a medical vessel where surgical procedures were performed onboard!
In 2005, Greg became the vessel’s owner and embarked on a 10+ year restoration project starting in Madang, Papua New Guinea, followed by an additional few years of refinements in Queensland to complete the build. Greg shared “This extensive rebuild involved replacing every plank and rib which transformed the ship while preserving its historical past. Central to the restoration was a commitment to accessibility, and specifically designed the vessel to accommodate my daughter, Celine, who lives with a disability.”
Greg also shared that the vessel has a specially designed cabin on the main deck that ensures his daughter Celine can comfortably experience life at sea, making the MV Celine Eloise not just a remarkable vessel but also a symbol of inclusion and family devotion.
The MV Celine Eloise took pride of place at this year’s 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart, which was held from February 7–10. This prestigious event highlights the marine traditions, and featured over 400 vessels, with the MV Celine Eloise positioned at the premier spot on the dock! This festival celebrated the marine heritage of the region, and the MV Celine Eloise, with its deep ties to the Pacific, is a fitting inclusion.
Greg and his crew set sail from Brisbane on January 10, 2025, and navigated the challenging waters to from Brisbane, QLD to Hobart, TAS, including the challeanges of the Bass Strait. The voyage was a testament to both the vessel’s enduring craftsmanship and Greg’s dedication to its legacy. The journey, which was led by Bruce Phillips, Commodore of the Little Ships Club at North Stradbroke Island, and alongside an experienced crew including Fred Tanner, David Shannon, Tim Clarke and Ken Thackeray, who ensured a safe and memorable passage. The MV Celine Eloise is more than just a wooden boat — it is a part of Greg’s family, his legacy, the SDAS team alike, and is a living piece of history that reflects the spirit of adventure, resilience, and accessibility.