HMAS Canberra


This site is dedicated to all Royal Australian Navy and Australian Defence Force personnel who have served in HMAS CANBERRA.

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HMAS CANBERRA (1) D 33 from the 9th of July 1928 until she was sunk in action off Savo Island on the 9th of August 1942.

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HMAS CANBERRA (2) FFG-02 from the 21st of March 1981 until Decomissioning on the 12th of November 2005.

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HMAS Canberra (3) LHD-02 from Commissioning on the 23rd of November 2014.

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Archived Reunion News 2011

HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversary Reunion 21-23 Oct 2011

The HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversary Reunion was held in the Maroochy Events Centre at the Maroochy RSL 21-23 October 2011.

The Programme

Day Time Event Location
Friday 1800-2000 Meet and Greet Maroochy Events Centre
Saturday 1900-2359 Dinner Dance Maroochy Events Centre
Sunday 1100-1130 Memorial Service Maroochydore War Memorial
Sunday 1130 Farewell BBQ Maroochy Events Centre


A Memorial Service for the HMAS Canberra 1 was conducted at the Maroochydore War Memorial on 1100 Sunday 23 October 2011..More

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The HMAS Canberra - Shropshire Association (NSW) held their Annual Reunion Luncheon and AGM on the 22 October 2011.

Former Commanding Officer Captain Ray Leggatt CSC RAN the Decommissioning Commanding Officer of HMAS Canberra 2 2004-2005 was the key note speaker...More

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Operation Damask VI 2011 Reunion - 02 April 2011

The HMAS Canberra Operation Damask VI Reunion was held at the Bells Hotel at Woolloomooloo NSW on the 02 April 2011.

The Reunion was attended by 50 personnel and was a resounding success!

The highlight of the evening was the speech given by the Ships former Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Raydon Gates AO, CSM, RANR. Raydon made a special mention of ex ABCK Scott "Scotty" Miles for his efforts in gaining the appropiate recognition for HMAS Canberra Operation DAMASK VI deployment.

Through Scotty's efforts a review by the Nature of Service Branch determined that service on Operation DAMASK VI during the period 13 January 1993 to 19 January 1993 was inappropriately classified.  In June 2009 the Prime Minister, following a recommendation by the CDF, agreed that the Operation DAMASK VI operational area be added to Schedule 2 of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).

The determinations for the AASM with Clasp ‘KUWAIT’ and ASM with Clasp ‘KUWAIT’ have been updated to reflect appropriate recognition for the ship’s company of HMAS CANBERRA engaged on Operation DAMASK VI in January 1993.

In addition Scotty has set up a veteran retreat at LANITZA in NSW, the retreat was named on honour of Operation DAMASK and is called VR DAMASK

Another highlight of the evening was the scerenading of Allison Gates by Brian "Box" Brennan and Phil "Mac" McDonald.

Many thanks to Andrew "Gunna" Rourke who organised the Reunion, members and Family of the crew who assisted and the staff of the Bells Hotel who went above and beyond to make it a great reunion...More

HMAS Canberra Reunion Update – 18 July 2011

HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion 21-23 Oct 2011

Greetings to All,

The response to the Reunion has been great! Its only 3 months away and the planning is well underway.

Money is starting to flow into the Reunion account, many thanks to those of you who have paid so far, we currently have received payment for 47 attendees.

It is important for people who have not paid to please pay by the end of July to ensure we are able to confirm numbers attending and to make payment to the Event Centre in a timely manner.

Please email me for account details

When making payment online please remember to add your name as the narration when depositing and to advise if you would like to sit on a particular table with anyone.

In addition ensure you advise of any dietary requirements i.e. Glucose Free as soon as possible so that we can notify the Events Centre.

Confirmation and payment should be made by 31st July 2011

We will then confirm when your payment has been received.

I look forward to seeing you at the Reunion

Yours Aye,

Lee “Bickies” Webster

Please Register for the 2011 Reunion here...More

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Updated 23 June 2011

HMAS Canberra Reunion Update – 13 June 2011

“Second to None"

HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion 21-23 Oct 2011

The following shipmates have volunteered to assist in the organisation of the Reunion

The Reunion Committee

Reunion Coordinator Lee Webster
Treasurer / Secretary Carol Webster
Dinner Dance Coordinator Sean Cox
Memorial Service Coordinator Phil McDonald
Naval Reserve and Cadet Liaison Luke Leather
RSL and Naval Association Liason Paul Cross – Mark Quigley
Memorabilia Kym Parry
Marketing  Lee Webster
Hook Rope Party  Paul Eckersley – Kev Purkiss

Update

Money is starting to flow into the Reunion account, so thanks to those of you who have paid so far.  Remember to add your name as the narration when depositing and to advise if you would like to sit on a particular table with anyone.


Also, please ensure you advise of any dietary requirements i.e. Glucose Free as soon as possible so that we can notify the Events Centre.

Accommodation

Below are some links to some good websites including the SALT Vacation Club. The following sites may be able to assist you with accommodation requirements on the Sunshine Coast

HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion Flyer...More

Please Register for the 2011 Reunion here...More

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HMAS Canberra Reunion Newsletter – 28 May 2011

“Second to None"

HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion 21-23 Oct 2011

The Reunion will be held in the Maroochy Events Centre at the Maroochy RSL 21-23 October 2011.

The Programme

Day Time Event Location
Friday 1800-2000 Meet and Greet Maroochy Events Centre
Saturday 1900-2359 Dinner Dance Maroochy Events Centre
Sunday 1100-1130 Memorial Service Maroochydore War Memorial
Sunday 1130 Farewell BBQ Maroochy Events Centre

The Meet and Greet will commence at 1800 at the Balcony Bar upstairs in the Events Centre of the Maroochy RSL 21 October 2011.

Bar facilities will be available.

Dress: Smart Casual

The Dinner Dance will be held from 1900 – 2359 Saturday 22 October 2011 at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre, which includes a 3 course meal and a 4 hour beer, wine and soft drinks package. Entertainment will be provided by the Radio Club Band.

The Dinner Dance Ticket price is $100.00 per person

Dress: Lounge Suit

A Memorial Service for the HMAS Canberra 1 will be conducted at the Maroochydore War Memorial commencing at 1100 Sunday 23 October 2011, the Memorial is located on The Esplanade near the RSL. After the service, a farewell BBQ will be held at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre from 1130.

BBQ Price $20.00 per person

Please Register for the 2011 Reunion here...More

The HMAS Canberra Reunion Attendance List...More

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HMAS Canberra FFG 02 Website Update

The following Reunion webpages have been updated

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Operation Damask VI 2011 Reunion - 02 April 2011

The HMAS Canberra Operation Damask VI Reunion was held at the Bells Hotel at Woolloomooloo NSW on the 02 April 2011.

The Reunion was attended by 50 personnel and was a resounding success!

The highlight of the evening was the speech given by the Ships former Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Raydon Gates AO, CSM, RANR. Raydon made a special mention of ex ABCK Scott "Scotty" Miles for his efforts in gaining the appropiate recognition for HMAS Canberra Operation DAMASK VI deployment.

Through Scotty's efforts a review by the Nature of Service Branch determined that service on Operation DAMASK VI during the period 13 January 1993 to 19 January 1993 was inappropriately classified.  In June 2009 the Prime Minister, following a recommendation by the CDF, agreed that the Operation DAMASK VI operational area be added to Schedule 2 of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).

The determinations for the AASM with Clasp ‘KUWAIT’ and ASM with Clasp ‘KUWAIT’ have been updated to reflect appropriate recognition for the ship’s company of HMAS CANBERRA engaged on Operation DAMASK VI in January 1993.

In addition Scotty has set up a veteran retreat at LANITZA in NSW, the retreat was named on honour of Operation DAMASK and is called VR DAMASK .

Another highlight of the evening was the scerenading of Allison Gates by Brian "Box" Brennan and Phil "Mac" McDonald.

Many thanks to Andrew "Gunna" Rourke who organised the Reunion, members and Family of the crew who assisted and the staff of the Bells Hotel who went above and beyond to make it a great reunion.

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Operation Damask VI 2011 Reunion - Saturday 02 April 2011

The HMAS Canberra Damask VI 2011 Reunion - this Saturday

The HMAS Canberra Damask VI 2011 Reunion for the 1993 crew will take place on Saturday the 02 April 2011 at the Bells Hotel at Woolloomooloo NSW.

Request former members of the 1993 Ship's Company contact your old shipmates to ensure maximum participation.

Andrew "Gunna" Rourke is the Point of Contact for the Reunion Contact email

For further information...More

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HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion

The HMAS Canberra Reunion for 2011 is moving forward with 84 people registering for the Reunion, It will be great to see more people attending to make it a successful event.

Please Register for the 2011 Reunion here...More

I will be forming a committee from the willing volunteers in the New Year.

 

 

Please Register for the 2011 Reunion here...More

The HMAS Canberra Reunion Attendance List...More

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HMAS Canberra 2011 You Tube Video

 

Lee Webster briefing the HMAS Canberra 2011


HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion - Registration

The HMAS Canberra 2011 Reunion will be held on the Sunshine Coast QLD at the Maroochy RSL 21-23 October 2011

The Reunion is being held for all personnel, partners and guests of personnel who served in HMAS Canberra and will be an great opportunity to join in celebrating the Ship's 30 th Birthday with the fine people who served in her.

The Tentative Program

Fri 21 Oct - Meet and Greet
Sat 22 Oct - Dinner Dance
Sun 23 Oct - Memorial Service HMAS Canberra 1 and Farewell Family BBQ

I am currently in contact with 500 former members of the HMAS Canberra Ships Company through email , Facebook and I have recently set a Twitter account

It is very important for you to register your interest in attending and to assist in organising the Reunion.

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HMAS Canberra Reunion - October 2011

A HMAS Canberra Reunion is planned to be held in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast October 2011 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ships commissioning for all former members of the Ship's Company.

Lee Webster travels to Queensland to discuss the 2011 HMAS Canberra Reunion

Lee Webster met with Roy Wilcox the President of the Maroochy Waters Naval Association on the 13th of October 2010 to dicscuss the 2011 HMAS Canberra Reunion.

Many Thanks to Roy who spent the day showing me several venues and options for the 2011 Reunion.

The current plan is to conduct the 2011 HMAS Canberra Reunion for all former Ships Company on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in October 2010.

I will be setting up a registration page on the Website in the near future to gauge interest in the Reunion to determine what events will be held.

I will also need some volunteers to form a committee to organise the Reunion, please let me know if you are interested by emailing me webmaster@hmascanberra.com

This web page will be used to assist in communicating the details of the 2011 Reunion as they come to hand.

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Past Reunion Image Gallery:

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Reunions

The first Reunion of the Commissioning Crew was conducted in 2001, a part of the Reunion was conducted in HMAS Canberra where a Cocktail Party was held onboard hosted by the Commanding Officer, Commander Roger Boyce RAN, a Reunion was held in 2005 when the ship decommissioned and prior to the Ships scuttling in 2009.

 

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Ship Scuttling Reunion 2009

 

The ship was sunk as a Diving Wreck off Geelong on the 09 October 2009, this provided a great opportunity to hold a Reunion for former members of the Ship's Company...More

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Operation Damask VI Reunion 2011

The HMAS Canberra Operation Damask VI Reunion was held at the Bells Hotel at Woolloomooloo NSW on the 02 April 2011.The Reunion was attended by 50 personnel and was a resounding success...More

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HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversary Reunion 2011 - Dinner Dance

The HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversay Reunion Dinner Dance was held at the Maroochy RSL on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday ...More

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HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversay Reunion 2011

The HMAS Canberra 30th Anniversay Reunion was held at the Maroochy RSL on the Sunshine Coast Fri 21 Oct - Sun 23 Oct 2011...More

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