Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2003/The Navy League
Historical
The Navy League was established in Australia in 1901, initially in the form of small branches of the United Kingdom Navy League (established in 1897) and since 1950 as an autonomous national body headed by a Federal Council consisting of a Federal President and representatives of the six States, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The Navy League of Australia is now one of a number of independent Navy Leagues formed in countries of the free world to influence public thinking on maritime matters and create interest in the sea.
Membership
Any person with an interest in maritime affairs, or who wishes to acquire an interest in, or knowledge of, maritime affairs and who wishes to support the objectives of the League, is invited to join.
Objectives
The principal objective of the Navy League of Australia is 'The maintenance of the maritime wellbeing of the Nation' by:
- Keeping before the Australian people the fact that we are a maritime nation and that a strong Navy and a sound maritime industry are indispensable elements of our national wellbeing and vital to the freedom of Australia
- Promoting defence self reliance by actively supporting manufacturing, shipping and transport industries
- Promoting, sponsoring and encouraging the interest of Australian youth in the sea and sea-services, and supporting practical sea-training measures
- Co-operating with other Navy Leagues and sponsoring the exchange of cadets for training purposes
Activities
The Navy League of Australia works towards its objectives in a number of ways:
- By including in its membership leading representative of the many elements which form the maritime community
- Through soundly-based contributions by members to journals and newspapers, and other media comment
- By supporting the Australian Navy Cadets, and assisting in the provision of training facilities
- By encouraging and supporting visits by recognised world figures such as former United States Chiefs of Naval Operations and Britain's First Sea Lords.
- By publishing THE NAVY a quarterly journal reporting on local and overseas maritime happenings, past, present and projected.
- By maintaining contact with serving naval personnel through activities arranged during visits to Australian ports of ships of the Royal Australian and Allied Navies
- By organising symposia, ship visits and various other functions of maritime interest throughout the year.
Member participation is encouraged in all these activities.
For more information or details on how to join visit the Navy League web site at navyleag.customer.netspace.net.au or write to: The Hon. Secretary, NSW Division Navy League of Australia GPO Box 1719 Sydney NSW 2011
