City of Greater Geraldton, Media Release, 13 June 2022
Members of the public will have an opportunity to look inside the Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMAS Stalwart III when it arrives in Geraldton later this month.
It is the first time the ship will visit its Ceremonial Homeport and a number of free events are happening over the weekend to celebrate including a Public Personal Training Session, Freedom of Entry March and Ship Open Day.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to the occasion.
“This is going to be an exciting and historical moment for our community as we welcome the HMAS Stalwart III to our seaside city, which also happens to be the ship’s Ceremonial Homeport,” he said.
“We solidified a partnership with the Navy towards the end of last year and granted Freedom of Entry to Greater Geraldton.
“This is welcome news for our community and I know everyone will be very eager to participate in the events – especially the Ship Open Day!”
HMAS Stalwart III Commanding Officer Steve McCracken said the ship’s company was excited to visit Geraldton.
“There is an enduring link between the Navy and the City of Greater Geraldton, and we hope this visit goes some way to reinforcing that connection,” he said.
“We are very much looking forward to meeting as many Midwest locals as possible, and showing the community what their Navy is all about.”
Mid West Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Damian Tully looks forward to the maiden visit.
“Mid West Ports is very excited to welcome HMAS Stalwart III on its maiden visit to Geraldton. It is an honour to host her and her crew and we warmly welcome their arrival,” he said.
The HMAS Stalwart III will make its way into Geraldton on Friday 24 June at approximately 12pm. Members of the community will be able to watch its arrival into the Mid West Port Authority along the Geraldton Foreshore.
On Saturday 25 June, the ship’s crew will host a Public Personal Training Session at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore at 8am. This will allow the public to see how the Navy stays fit ashore and at sea. Members of the community are encouraged to be part of the exercise and secure their place by clicking here.
At 2pm the same day, a Freedom of Entry March will be conducted through the Geraldton CBD with the march concluding at Edith Cowan Square. There, the Wilinyu Dancers will welcome the crew as well as the Royal Australian Navy Band with two cultural performances.
On Sunday 26 June from 10am to 2pm, the HMAS Stalwart III opens to the public with tours happening every 30 minutes. The tours will provide the public with insights as to how Navy officers live and work at sea by providing an exclusive look inside. Tickets can be acquired by clicking here.
The HMAS Stalwart III will depart Geraldton on Monday 27 June at approximately 9am but will return in the future, so the crew can engage with the community through more events and programs.
