Whyalla City Council, Media Release, 13 April 2026
The story of how the iconic HMAS Whyalla returned home in 1984 has been brought to life through the memories of crew member George Cook, who played a key role in the historic voyage.
George served as a deckhand under Captain A. Ekblom, joining a crew of experienced shipyard and tugboat workers selected to sail the vessel from Melbourne back to Whyalla after its purchase by Whyalla City Council.
“We all knew each other from working together before, so it was a great crew,” George said. “Captain Ekblom wanted experienced men on board just in case, but everything went smoothly. We had excellent weather and couldn’t fault the journey.”
Preparation for the voyage took place between 9 and 14 May 1984, with the vessel departing Melbourne on 15 May and arriving in Whyalla on 18 May after a smooth four-day journey.
After boarding in Melbourne, the crew made a stop at Port Melbourne where several former Navy servicemen some who had served on the HMAS Whyalla during World War II came aboard.
“There was a crowd waiting at the wharf, and a really moving moment when two men who had served recognised each other after all that time,” George said.
The ship’s return was met with excitement in Whyalla, with families and community members gathering at the wharf to welcome it home. “It was a great experience,” George said. “There were lots of people there to meet us, and afterwards we even had a gathering with the Mayor.”
Once in Whyalla, the vessel was docked at the slipway, cleaned, and prepared for its transformation into the city’s now well-known visitor attraction. “It was quite a feat to get it where it is today,” George said. “I don’t know how it would have been done without the slipway and shipyards here.”
Built in Whyalla and serving throughout World War II, the HMAS Whyalla remains a strong symbol of the city’s history and identity. “For families connected to the ship whether they built it, served on it, or helped bring it home it’s something really special,” George said. “That connection will carry on for generations.”
Photos taken by George during the journey offer a unique and personal glimpse into this significant chapter of Whyalla’s history.
The significance of the HMAS Whyalla’s return was also reflected in local media at the time, including a series of cartoons by Whyalla News cartoonist Stephen Stanley.
The crew:
The successful return of the HMAS Whyalla was made possible by the dedicated crew:
- Master A.Ekblom
- Chief Officer K Dann
- 2nd Officer L. Crew
- 3rd Officer G McIntosh
- Chief Engineer D.Moore
- 2nd Engineer S.Bellion
- 3rd Engineer F.Blackford
- Stoker S. McIntosh
- Stoker D.Moore Jr
- Stoker R.Hudson
- Chief Cook M. Collinson
- 2nd Cook J Wyles
- Bosun N.Issom
- Bosun Mate L.Richardson
- A.B. G.Cook
- A.B. F.Pidun
- A.B. L.Hoff
- A.B. K.Jenesky
- Steward L.Woods
- Steward J.George
