The green and yellow coloured mainstays of Sydney Harbour are undergoing restoration at Birdon Port Macquarie. One ferry, the 35-year-old Golden Grove has already been completed and headed home.

Improvements include improved engines, air conditioning and modernisation of internal seating to extend their use for another 10 years.

"Birdon was awarded the contract to complete refit and refurbishment works on eight First Fleet Sydney Ferries," Birdon spokeswoman Lauren Benson said.

"Birdon has completed the refurbishment of Golden Grove and she has been delivered back to Sydney. Work has now commenced on the next two Sydney Ferries, Borrowdale and Sirius."

Each 25 metre long ferry was originally delivered from Carrington Slipways in Tomago to start work in Sydney between 1984 to 1986.

They are now used by Transdev Sydney Ferries to transport passengers around the Sydney Harbour.

Each ferry is named after a ship of the First Fleet including Supply, Sirius, Alexander, Borrowdale, Charlotte, Fishburn, Friendship, Golden Grove and Scarborough.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams congratulated Birdon's Jamie Bruce and his team on their continued success.

"Birdon have a long history of undertaking construction work at their Port Macquarie depot for Transport for NSW," she said.

"They have a strong reputation for delivering their projects on time and within budget by employing local talented tradesmen.

"Their current contract will continue to provide a positive economic impact to the Port Macquarie community."

New Marine Rescue vessel, Fearless was also refurbished in Port Macquarie early this month before being stationed at Lord Howe Island.

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