Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2005/Activities in busy Darwin
By LSPH Kaye Adams and LEUT Ian Murphy
Navy Week, held in Darwin the last quarter of 2004, gave the Navy an opportunity to strengthen its already close relationship with the Top End community.
Administrator of the NT and veteran Top End entertainer Mr Ted Egan opened proceedings by ringing the bell at HMAS Coonawarra's Arrow Bar. The bell came originally from HMAS Kangaroo which survived the bombing raids of World War 2.
The week began with HMAS Coonawarra's welfare fund sponsoring a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park for the children of Manunda Terrace Primary School. The children marvelled at the range of Australian animals on display, and enjoyed the day immensely, running around the park with boundless energy despite the heat.
As well as assisting the Australian Red Cross breakfast club with serving breakfasts to schools through the week, Coonawarra's ship's fund also donated $1500 to the Club which operates at a number of schools in the Darwin Area.
Answering the call from the Red Cross blood drive, 34 sailors rolled up their sleeves to give much needed donations
A grand official reception was held at the Navy base with 250 invited guests, who were treated to a ceremonial sunset and guard in an evening topped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.
The finale of Navy week was an open day with the public invited to come and explore the Navy facilities. On show were some of the units that form Coonawarra's Navy contingent including liferaft displays, weapons systems, communications and electronics displays, damage control, patrol boat syncrolift demonstration, corrosion control processes and equipment, armoury display and a video presentation on the Armidale Class patrol boats.
Other displays were provided by the NT Wildlife Park, Quarantine, Customs and Defence Recruiting.
Australian Navy Cadets (TS Darwin), Army's light armoured vehicles (ASLAVs), Army Water Transport and the Australian Army Band Darwin, all added to the occasion with the band creating a festive atmosphere as they 'belted out' jazz numbers.
And for the children, there was a jumping castle and Chantal the fairy to provide face painting.
The week was closed with a traditional ceremonial sunset set against the wharf with the Australian White Ensign lowered beneath the setting sun on a balmy Darwin evening
