DEFENCE MEDIA ALERT
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 6265 6946
CPA 178/08
Monday, 16 June 2008
RENEWAL AT HMAS CAIRNS
What:
Opening and naming of HMAS Cairns’ new Command Building, which is
the first part of the redevelopment of HMAS Cairns.
When:
9.30am Tuesday, 17 June 2008.
Where:
New building, HMAS Cairns, Draper Street, Cairns.
Who:
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN and
Commander Australian Navy Systems Command, Rear Admiral Steve
Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN will attend.
Background Information:
HMAS Cairns commenced operating on its current Draper Street site in 1982. The
opening and naming of the new Command Building is a significant milestone in the
ongoing Redevelopment project due for completion in March 2009.
The Building will be named in honour of the inaugural Naval Officer in Charge of
Cairns, the late Commander Norman Stewart Pixley, who was appointed to the
position in 1942. His daughter, Mrs Jane McDonald, will attend as Naming Lady of
the Norman Pixley building. The late Commander Pixley’s son Tony will also attend.
The building will be formally opened by the retiring Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral
Russ Shalders.
Following the opening ceremony, invited guests will be provided escorted tours of the
new facility which incorporates administration centre and health facility.
Note to Media:
Please meet Petty Officer Leigh Clenton at the main gate in Draper Street at 9.20 am.
Mrs Jane McDonald and Mr Tony Pixley will be available for interview after the
opening ceremony.
Media Contact:
Petty Officer Leigh Clenton (HMAS Cairns):
(07) 4042 0787 or 0428 405 511
Defence Media Liaison:
(02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
