LIKE a phoenix from the ashes, the Golden City paddle steamer has risen again to sail the waters of Lake Wendouree.
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The restored steamer has been launched at a ceremony at the lake, more than seven years after the shed housing the boat was consumed by fire.
Volunteers were left absolutely heartbroken by the 2006 blaze and Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society president Bob Wuestewald was in tears.
Yesterday, as the gleaming Golden City was sitting proudly in the water, Mr Wuestewald once again felt emotional.
“I felt a bit teary then, I feel a bit teary now. Just happy,” he said. “It’s just a remarkable day for us.”
It took more than 200 hours and $310,000 to build the Golden City from scratch, with barely anything left after it was gutted.
Victorian premier Denis Napthine helped launch the boat at the ceremony, which was attended by around 300 people.
Mr Wuestewald said he hoped to operate the paddle steamer on Lake Wendouree each Sunday.