Victor Chang joins Sydney's ferry fleet

Travellers on Sydney Harbour will now have the opportunity learn about the work of the late Dr Victor Chang AC with the new Inner Harbour ferry named in his honour entering service earlier this week. 

So many Australians owe their life to Dr Chang and his ground-breaking work in cardiothoracic surgery.

After arriving in Australia in 1951 to complete his secondary school education, Dr Chang went on to study medicine at the University of Sydney before completing his surgical training.  

He joined the cardiothoracic team at St Vincent’s Hospital in 1972 and was a pioneer of the National Heart Transplant Program. He also designed an artificial valve and an artificial heart, and trained doctors overseas. 

Dr Chang’s family were the first members of the public to experience riding on the Victor Chang, taking a journey around the Harbour last Friday. 

Speaking on behalf of her family, his daughter Vanessa Chang said this accolade would help celebrate her father 26 years after his passing.  

“In dedicating a new Sydney ferry in his name, our family, along with Sydney-siders, will be reminded only of my dad’s life - his work and achievements,” she said.  

“We feel deeply honoured and touched by this special tribute and we would like to thank those who voted for him to be amongst such esteemed Australians.”

Victor Chang’s name was chosen by the public as part of the Name Your Ferry competition.

In July 2016, the public were asked to suggest names in one of three categories, ‘Science, Environment and Innovation’, ‘Arts and Culture’ and ‘Sydney Harbour Connections’.

Over 15,000 suggestions were made and presented to a specially selected panel of Australian community leaders, which then selected 12 names from each of the three categories for the final public vote.

Over 60,000 votes were cast on the final list of names, with the Science, Environment and Innovation category receiving the most votes. The six most popular names within this category were then declared the winners. 

The first two ferries in this new fleet of six boats have also been named after prominent Australian doctors, Dr Catherine Hamlin and Dr Fred Hollows. 

To learn more about the Victor Chang Foundation and to help continue is work, visit victorchangfoundation.com.au.