Publication:Newcastle News Issue 1 2009/Newcastle Awarded the 2008 Community Award
On 27 March 2009 during a Ship port visit to Melbourne, in a ceremony attended by Mr Graham Harris RFD, President Federal Council, Commander John Wilkins RFD (Ret), President Victoria Division, Frank McCarthy, Vice President Victoria Division and members of the Navy League of Australia, Commander Justin Jones, Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle, accepted the Navy League Perpetual Trophy – Community Award for 2008. Presenting the trophy in front of the Ship's company, who had gathered to celebrate the event, was the 2007 winner Captain Sheldon Williams, Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus.
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. From the various ships and establishments which nominate for the award each year the Deputy Chief of Navy selects three finalists, which for this year were HMAS Newcastle, HMAS Kuttabul and HMAS Sirius.
Throughout 2008, Newcastle conducted many events in support of her name sake city, including a Freedom of Entry, Ship's Open Day to the Public, tours and the running of a Hunter region school colouring in competition, the award for which was the participation in a families cruise from Newcastle to Sydney.
Newcastle also undertook significant fund raising activities in support of the Ship's primary charity, the Hunter Orthopaedic School, including the Great North Walk from Sydney to the City of Newcastle Town Hall. Fittingly, the Council in awarding Newcastle, was most impressed with what was said to be the Ship's strong and enduring support for the City of Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter Region.
