HMAS Anzac Orphanage Visits

26 May 2010

HMAS Anzac conducted a port visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, from 12-16 May 10. Whilst in Sihanoukville Anzac’s ship's company engaged in a number of different activities including sports against local teams, tours to Phnom Penh and a visit to a local orphanage.

The purpose of the visit to the orphanage was to engage with local community and to assist the less fortunate. The children at the orphanage were of ages from as young as five through to twenty five and they came from a variety of backgrounds including the less fortunate, those with parents who had disabilities, and the homeless.

The orphanage provides the children with food, accommodation and funding so the all children could attend school ranging from primary school to tertiary studies.

Personnel from Anzac arrived at the orphanage on Thursday 13 May, at 1000. Upon arrival the ship’s company were greeted by the staff and taken to the auditorium where they were presented with Kopras (hand made scarves) and were then treated to traditional dances performed by the children.

On completion of the dances, CMDR Wright, Anzac’s Marine Engineering Officer, presented the orphanage with plaques commemorating Anzac’s visit and Success’ support. Success was unable to participate in the visit due to operational commitments, but had collected significant donations for the orphans.

On completion of the performance, members participated in a range of activities in order to provide assistance to the orphanage. In particular Anzac cooks provided lunch, medical staff provided a lesson in first aid to the orphanage staff and engineers conducted repairs and maintenance around the establishment.

LEUT Matt Eglen said "It was heart warming to see the joy the children got from working alongside the sailors and officers from Anzac."

All members of Anzac ship’s company who attended were grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a worthwhile cause. Anzac’s visit to the orphanage continues to demonstrate Australia's commitment to strengthen the Cambodian-Australian friendship.