HMAS Newcastle puts best foot forward

25 February 2008

Fifteen enthusiastic crew members of the Royal Australian Navy's guided missile frigate HMAS Newcastle, will give their sea-legs a rest to spend the next nine days participating in the 'Great North Walk'.

The team is walking from Fleet Base–East at Garden Island in Sydney to Newcastle city, raising funds for the Hunter Orthopaedic School in Newcastle along the way.

HMAS Newcastle's Commanding Officer, CMDR Nick Stoker, said the ship's company is thrilled to be continuing its association with the school.

"This is a unique opportunity to take part in an activity that not only raises awareness of the outstanding work being done by the school, but also provides teamwork and fitness opportunities for the ship," CMDR Stoker said.

The Hunter Orthopaedic School provides general schooling and life skills to children with physical and intellectual disabilities from pre-school to Year 12.

HMAS Newcastle adopted the school as its official charity after commissioning in 1993 and has contributed each year through donated funds and work projects.