Community Focus For HMAS Newcastle

1 September 2009

The good deeds of the charity-minded ship's company of HMAS Newcastle (CMDR Justin Jones) were recognised recently when they were awarded the Navy League of Australia Perpetual Trophy – Community Award for 2008.

The prestigious award, which recognises Newcastle’s outstanding success with the Navy Community Engagement Program, was presented to the ship's company during a port visit to Melbourne on 27 March 2009.

Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, AM, CSM, RAN, said the trophy recognised Newcastle's support of the Hunter Orthopaedic School in Newcastle, support to Legacy, Australia Day 2008, Anzac Day 2008, the reopening of Fort Scratchley and Defence Force Recruiting support.

"I am pleased to announce the award of the Navy League of Australia Perpetual Trophy – Community Award for 2008 to HMAS Newcastle," he said.

The runners-up were HMAS Kuttabul ( Cmdr bryan parker), for their efforts to assist charities in the local community including the Wayside Chapel in neighbouring Kings Cross, and H Mas sirius (CMDR John Cowan) for their successful community engagement with the people of Lord Howe Island.

VADM Crane said the ongoing community assistance by all ships and establishments of the kind set out in the nominations in 2008 were excellent examples of Navy's values at work.

Each year the Navy League Federal Council awards the Navy League of Australia Perpetual Trophy – Community Award to recognise the strong community support ethic within Navy.