Our Organisation

The Rebuild Independence Group (RIG) is a not-for-profit Community group with the primary object of promoting the maritime heritage of American River.  Our initial focus is to rebuild the Schooner Independence, the first vessel built in South Australia. (The accepted definition of “vessel” is a craft larger than a normal rowing boat.)

We started in May 2012 when some members of the American River Progress Association Inc. decided to build a lasting legacy to the pioneering spirit of those early sailors that put the "American" in American River.

We incorporated as a not for profit organisation the following May, and in April 2015 we were granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Australian Tax Office, enabling all of our valuable (Australian) sponsors and donors the ability to claim a tax deduction for donations of $2 or more.

In October 2015 we completed the construction of the Independence Boathouse, the distinctive round-roofed building on the American River wharf and the adjoining Deck Cafe and began the rebuilding of Independence.

This is a long term project and it will be some time before we see Independence sailing around American River bay.   Meanwhile, we invite you to return to this website and keep up to date with developments.