Whyalla City Council, Media Release, 17 May 2021

Whyalla turned out in droves on Sunday to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the HMAS Whyalla’s launch.

Whyalla City Council organised a free open day at the Whyalla Maritime Museum, packed full of family activities and plenty of the history of the city’s most famous landmark.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) heavily supported the occasion, taking part in a number of activities, including a ceremonial flag raising performed by the TS Whyalla Navy Cadets. The RAN Band also put on a show. In a case of history repeating, one of its members actually played in the band on the day the ship first opened in 1988!

There was also a simulated firing of the ship’s front gun, as 100 or so viewers watched on from below.

The RAN jazz and rock bands were highlights of the day, as they played to the crowd wandering through the museum grounds, stopping to check out the vintage cars on display, including the special Police Interceptor Car from 1941.

There was something for everyone, with arts and crafts provided by D’Faces, a bouncy castle, food and drink for people to enjoy while wandering through the Maritime Museum, while Triple Y provided a live broadcast throughout day.

There were a number of booked-out ship tours in the afternoon, with over 120 people learning about the ship’s history and its role in WWII.

The rain held off to cap off a perfect celebration of one of Whyalla’s most important historical features.

Special thanks to the TS Whyalla Navy Cadets, The Royal Australian Navy, Onsite rentals for supplying a crane to ‘dress up’ the ship, Triple Y, the Whyalla Vintage Car Club and the grounds and maintenance crew for their extra work on the ship and gardens in preparation for the event.

Thanks also to all the community members who showed up to make it a truly memorable day!