DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 020/10
Monday, 25 January 2010
AUSTRALIA DAY NOT FORGOTTEN IN THE GULF OF OMAN
The crew of HMAS Stuart
have taken some time out from conducting counter
terrorism and counter narcotic smuggling operations in The Gulf of Oman, to
celebrate Australia Day.
The afternoon weather was perfect for a
cricket match.
The match was held
on the
flight deck with a great turnout by those crew members not on watch. To compensate
for the size of the ground,
a ball tethered with string was used.
The players wore
Australiana-themed clothing.
As the day drew to a close,
the crew enjoyed a steel deck barbecue
dinner
with a
spectacular view of the Arabian sunset.
Commander Masters said donations were collected for the ships charity in recognition
of those back in Australia doing it tough.
“A
total
of $700 was raised during the afternoon with proceeds to be donated to
‘Gran’s Van’ which is the ship’s nominated charity,” Commander Masters said.
“Gran’s Van is a food van, based in Burnie Tasmania, which provides meals for the
homeless and needy, and has almost 300 part-time volunteers.
Although far away from home, everyone on board HMAS Stuart
agreed it was
important to still mark Australia Day by taking the
opportunity to sit back, enjoy a
barbecue, and play some cricket.
“It
is also, though,
a time to remember that some people at home have their own
challenges and difficulties.
“We would like to say ‘Thanks Australia’, and remind everyone that our best wishes
and support are with those in the community who are doing
it tough”,
Commander
Masters said.
Media note: Imagery is available at
m"
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
