Parramatta’s Big Night Out
10 February 2010
On Tues 09 Feb, a formal dinner was held at Parramatta Town Hall, hosted by Parramatta’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Garrard, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress Karen Garrard, for HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Heath Robertson). The dinner was held in celebration of the “Centenary of the Launch of the Australian Navy's First Warship, HMAS Parramatta (I), 'First born of the Commonwealth Navy'”.
100 ex-Parramatta officers and sailors attended the dinner. Although the present ship’s company were unable to attend, due to being at sea preparing for their next deployment, CMDR Robertson forwarded a message, read out on the night by the first Commander of Parramatta IV, now CAPT Mike Noonan.
“Every time a ship sails, in peace or in war, considerable personal sacrifices are called upon to sustain her at sea. Tonight, when you reflect upon the notable achievements of Parramatta I on this most eminent of anniversaries, I encourage you to reflect upon it in terms of the people — the serving men and women, the families and the faithful who, in service and support, have shared in tremendous achievements, challenges and sacrifice to forge the Parramatta legacy... and in doing so, keep Australia safe.”
Guests in attendance at the dinner included Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, Governor of NSW and Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC, OBE, KSJ, The Honourable Tania Gadiel, Member for Parramatta representing Kristina Keneally, Premier of New South Wales, Parramatta “Ships Lady” Mrs Jill Green, Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Chiang Lim, CDRE Michael van Balen (COMSPT) represented the Fleet Commander Australia and Principal Chaplain Brian Rayner OAM was present to say grace.
The Parramatta City Band provided light entertainment for the evening. The band are also celebrating their centenary, giving the function even more historical significance. Pipers and drummers from the Parramatta RSL, Caledonian Pipe Band, provided a grand entrance for the official party.
During the reception, the Ladies of the City of Parramatta presented a gift of a crystal carafe and wine glasses to CDRE van Balen who accepted the gift on behalf of CMDR Robertson.
Australia's first warship, Parramatta I was launched on the 9 Feb 1910, the first of six 'River' Class Torpedo Boat Destroyers. She paid off at Sydney on 22 July 1919, re-commissioned for a month (17 May 1920 to 13 June 1920) on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales in HMS Renown, and thereafter remained in Reserve and was later used as a training ship. Parramatta I finally paid off on 20 April 1928.
