As I prepare this my last councillor column, I have been thinking about the many highlights over 25 years. One event has always stood out due to its importance and prestige, being the naming of Australia's naval vessel HMAS Maryborough.
On 4 August, 2007 at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, the Mayor of Maryborough Queensland, along with my wife Margaret and I were welcomed by federal and state government ministers, Admiral class naval officers and the chairman of Austal.
The official program included the coats of arms of both Maryboroughs. Both cities were toasted by Chief of Navy Russ Shalders, who was originally from Ararat!
Admiral Shalders sought out Margaret and I, telling us of his many happy childhood memories visiting our Maryborough with his family. We were then invited aboard the new ship itself, introduced to the captain and crew and given a personalised tour. A truly memorable experience.
Unexpectedly some weeks later, the Mayor received another invitation to be the guest of the Australian Navy on 8 December, 2007 to take part in the commissioning of HMAS Maryborough II at Navy headquarters South Queensland, with scores of people in attendance and 'the Maryborough' docked nearby. An official ceremony was conducted, at the conclusion of which HMAS Maryborough II became an operational vessel of the Royal Australian Navy.
Following the ceremony, at an official luncheon I presented the captain, Lieutenant Commander Gerry Savvakis, a painting of our incomparable railway station. He then assured the assembled crowd that the painting would hang proudly in 'Maryborough's' stateroom.
Image credit: HMAS Maryborough II, Royal Australian Navy official site: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/hmas-maryborough-ii
