HMAS Toowoomba visits Toowoomba
27 April 2010
It was a proud homecoming for a number of officers and sailors recently when 11 members of HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Ivan Ingham), visited Toowoomba, The Darling Downs, Queensland, to reinvigorate relationships with the city and the region. The contingent included a number of Queenslanders. Two members, Lieutenant Sarah Tame and Leading Seaman David Jones, are originally from Toowoomba. While LEUT Tame often returns to the city where her parents still live, it was LS Jones’ first homecoming in five years.
“It’s great to be back in Toowoomba representing HMAS Toowoomba,” he said.
The team participated in a busy programme of events leading up to ANZAC Day, which culminated in the Dawn service and march. They visited TS Toowoomba, which is the largest Navy Cadet unit in Australia. It was clear that TS Toowoomba are very proud and feel a very strong affinity and connection with HMAS Toowoomba. Many of the cadets indicated their desire to join the Navy in the future.
The contingent spent a morning at the Toowoomba Flexi-School, participating in a small but very moving ANZAC day service. They donated $2600 to the school from funds raised during the 2009 Op Slipper deployment. The Flexi-School caters for students who, for various reasons including abuse, have been unable to thrive in mainstream education. The school, which is HMAS Toowoomba’s official charity, has taken on the Ship’s motto “Fearless”.
The small team from Toowoomba also participated in a large ANZAC Day service (over 2000 people) at the Toowoomba Grammar School, with the Commanding Officer delivering the main address. The team also gave presentations on the ship and life in the Navy to selected classes, as well as to the school Army Cadet Unit, and visited Toowoomba Glennie School to make similar presentations, LEUT Tame being an ex-student.
One absolute highlight was an afternoon tea at a local café with the "Old and Bold" (veterans) from the Naval Association. “When we arrived at the cafe they gave us a standing ovation - for some this was a major feat in itself”.
There was a reception at City Hall, where Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Peter Taylor and regional leaders reaffirmed the region’s strong ties with and great pride in the Anzac-class frigate bearing Toowoomba’s name. Cr Taylor said “We are delighted to have HMAS Toowoomba representatives here…Their job is a difficult one that many of us here simply couldn’t undertake. Being away from friends and family for great lengths of time is a difficult task in itself, but to be constantly prepared to lend assistance to ongoing conflicts and to face real threats and real weapons requires a bravery that is truly admirable and is a credit to all those serving on the ship”.
Cr Taylor called on the Commanding Officer, CMDR Ingham to address the gathering, who spoke of the ship’s Op Slipper deployment in 2009 and the vital role it has played in anti-terrorism and anti-piracy missions.
“In everything we do we know we have a personal and professional reputation to uphold and wherever the Toowoomba name goes in the world we hope to do the city proud and reflect the respect and strong support that comes from the region,” CMDR Ingham said.
The last time the ship’s company visited the City was in 2006 when they exercised Freedom of Entry and were presented with the key to the city. This time Mayor Peter Taylor ensured the all-access pass extended to all corners of the region. “This is not a formal ceremony to do so, but can I confirm, on behalf of Toowoomba Regional Council, you still have the right to enter the city and the offer extends to the region,” Cr Taylor said.
On ANZAC Day the team from HMAS Toowoomba led the march to the Toowoomba ‘Mother’s Memorial’ and took pride of place, front and centre on parade. CMDR Ingham delivered the Dawn Service address and the Ship’s Chaplain, Steve Gunther said the prayers. In his speech to a gathered crowd of around 11,000, CMDR Ingham told the story of the Australian Submarine HMAS AE2, as well as the RAN's Bridging Team’s little known but heroic contributions to the Gallipoli campaign.
The visit was an outstanding success. When Toowoomba again visits en masse a very warm Toowoomba community welcome awaits the entire Ship’s Company.
