The Williamstown community is encouraged to come on down to the Gem pier to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the Bathurst-class corvette HMAS Castlemaine.
Celebrations will kick off from 10.30am on Sunday, October 9, with the vessel’s museum open for visitors until 3.30pm.
The Royal Australian Navy band will be performing from 1pm to 5pm, with aircraft and helicopter displays also on during the afternoon.
The event will conclude with a ceremonial sunset, consisting of a band performance and a volley of blank rifle shots.
Commissioned in 1942 HMAS Castlemaine operated during World War II in the waters of Australia, New Guinea, and Timor.
She remained in service until 1945 and then along with other corvettes and ‘River’ class frigates, HMAS Castlemaine became part of the Reserve Fleet kept at Geelong.
HMAS Castlemaine returned to Gem Pier on March 1, 1994 after repairs were completed and has made it her home ever since.
Matthew Sims
