Many people on Phillip Island in the 1930's gave a tremendous amount of time and effort to persuade the government of the day to build a bridge linking Phillip Island with the mainland.

It was a long and difficult struggle, but in spite of difficulties and disappointments, those concerned did not at any time lose faith, that a bridge would ultimately be built.

Support for a bridge was not unanimous, however.

The company that controlled the only means of transport on and off the island, operating both the ferry from Cowes to Stony Point and the Punt from Newhaven to San Remo, did not see the necessity for a bridge; and tried to persuade the people of Phillip Island not to support the idea.

The council of the day opposed it.

Letters to the Powlett Exprss showed it was one of the most divisive issues of that era.

Those against argued that day trippers would start coming to Phillip Island; that they would not spend the money that longer staying visitors would; and that the island would get “riff raff” coming.

History records that Richard Grayden, and Mr Rupe Harris, a Phillip Island councillor for 20 years, did and gave much to ensure that eventually, a bridge from San Remo to Newhaven would be built.

A tribute by island historian Josua Gliddon on te death of Mr Harris in 1971, rcords that: “In association with the late Dick Grayden and John Edhouse, Mr Harris’ ability to organise and direct, plus his tenacity and purpose, resulted in the construction of the first Phillip Island bridge.”

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