Ballarat in Newcastle
8 September 2010
For many, having a maintenance period outside of their home port is not an ideal scenario. But as many members of the crew on HMAS Ballarat (Commander Guy Blackburn) are finding out, Newcastle is a great place for both work and play.
During the DSRA, Ballarat has provided a boost for the Newcastle economy with over $8M spent in project monies. But not all of the services required by the ship are being provided by the major work contractors; the majority of the domestic services supplied to the ship are provided by local businesses. These range from victuals and accommodation to any of the numerous small purchases and services required to get the ship and crew back into fighting shape.
Community involvement has also been high on the agenda for the men and women of Ballarat. The crew has fostered a close liaison with the local fire brigade with programmed fire exercises, topped off with a game of touch football and BBQ. Ship’s staff have also assisted the local Salvation Army in their rehabilitation scheme for men which give them the skills to move them from crime to become valued members of the restaurant industry. Additionally, on Friday 3rd October, Ballarat personnel assisted Legacy Newcastle in selling $2344 worth of badges around the Hunter Street area for Legacy Week.
But it isn’t all work and no play, there is plenty to see and do in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. When the crew is not at work they can enjoy some of the other benefits that Newcastle has on offer. One activity that seems to have maintained its popularity over the maintenance availability has been participation in some of the winery tours on offer in the Hunter Valley region. Whether by paying for one of the popular bus tours, or choosing a ‘Duty Driver’ from amongst a group of mates who just want to do their own thing, all agree that there are great times to be had in the Hunter.
Feedback received thus far from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive and indicative of their pride in having the Navy here in their town. With their fair share of challenges, including an undocking delay due to high winds, the crew of Ballarat are now looking forward to taking back their ship and proceeding to sea so they can start preparing for a bright (and busy) 2011.
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