Arunta set to make huge wake with Arrente power
21 August 2010 By Lieutenant Emily Kennedy
The ship’s company of HMAS Arunta (CMDR John Stavridis) will be well prepared for the challenges of Exercise Kakadu 2010 after they hosted a special ceremony as part of the exercise’s Official Reception, jointly hosted with HMAS Toowoomba.
A traditional smoking ceremony was performed on the flight deck by special visitors from the Arrernte tribe, from which Arunta derives her name. Guests enjoyed the aroma of the smoke which is meant to bring power and strength to those who experience it.
Sabella Turner, a Native Title Holder of Central Arrernte said the ceremony was very special to them.
“This type of ceremony has been around since time began and was used by our ancestors,” said Sabella.
“The plant is a bush medicine and is used on many different occasions and helps cleanse your mind and heart and gives you strength and power as a person,” she said.
Seven members of the Alice Springs community attended the Smoking Ceremony onboard Arunta including Mr Darryl Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation; Mr Brian Stirling, Chairman of the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation; and Sabella and Janet Turner and Tricia Satour, all Native Title Holders of Central Arrernte.
His Worship the Lord Mayor of the Town of Alice Springs, Mr Damien Ryan and the Deputy Lord Mayor of the Town of Alice Springs, Alderman John Bailey also attended.
Janet Turner addressed the guests of the Kakadu 2010 Opening Ceremony and spoke first in her native language and then addressed the gathering in English and wished Arunta to keep safe and well on her journey.
The Commanding Officer of Arunta spoke of the ship’s proud history with the Arrernte People.
“I am extremely delighted to have members of the Arrernte tribe onboard for the Official Reception of KAKADU 2010 and feel privileged that Arunta can experience a traditional smoking ceremony,” said Commander Stavridis.
“The strong connection between Arunta and the Arrernte People has a long history and we were fortunate to have two previous Commanding Officers present at the Official Reception."
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM, CSC, RAN and Rear Admiral Ray Griggs, AM, CSC. RAN, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations are both previous Commanding Officers of Arunta and were present for the Official Reception. All previous Commanding Officers of Arunta take pride of place in the form of a photograph in the Arunta Room at the Alice Springs Council.
Arunta plans on using the strength and power from the smoking ceremony to help them live up to their motto of “Conquer or Die” in the challenging simulated training exercises during Exercise Kakadu.
Exercise Kadadu is the largest international maritime exercise in Australia for 2010 off the coast of Darwin. Ships and aircraft from Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand and Japan have joined eight Royal Australian Navy vessels and supporting aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force in Exercise Kakadu which aims to promote international operations between Navies.
