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Wollongong
changes Warruwi room
Ship’s company nods at TV program in aiding
construction and fitout of Arts and Crafts Centre
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Above:
LCDR Wes Heron (front 3rd from right) and his ship’s
company in front of the completed centre.
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Who
gets the lick of paint? ABMT Matt Vickery, LSMT Pete Warner
and POB Mal Yeardley at work.
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The
President of the Warruwi community presents LCDR Wes Heron
with an artwork from the local community.
Photos by LSRO Mal Frampton
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HMAS
Wollongong (LCDR Wes Heron) “heeded the call” to South
Goulburn Island, off Arnhem Land earlier this month. Coming to anchor
to shelter from heavy weather during her OP Relex patrol, the ship
was befriended by the Warruwi aboriginal community, the traditional
owners of the Goulburn Islands.
Wollongong invited members of the community onboard to tour the
ship. The President and other traditional owners accepted this offer.
After discussing issues of island sovereignty on behalf of HQNORCOM,
Wollongong was invited to the more sheltered waters off the settlement
itself, where crayfish and local snapper abound. The closer proximity
to the community provided a first time opportunity for 70 eager
local school children to visit an FCPB. The children made the most
of the opportunity with big smiles all round, while Wollongong maintained
a ready response posture.
Although the initial visit was brief, a strong relationship was
established and Wollongong was able to return to the same anchorage
the following week to further the civil — military ties. On
the return visit, the ship’s company took on a changing room’s
role and transformed the old Warruwi General Store into a new art
and crafts centre with the help of the Warruwi people.
With the community supplying some labour and building materials,
and Wollongong providing technical assistance, it was all hands
on deck to transform the old store. With RAAF P3C and Coastwatch
aircraft providing Wollongong top cover, the ship remained at anchor
in ready response mode. During this time, the arts centre gradually
began taking shape. Trees were trimmed, the old building was fully
cleaned, new fans and lights installed and the entire building painted
in local colours. Sunset on day one saw the entire Warruwi community
(children and adults alike) don traditional dress, treating the
ship’s company to an awesome display of dreamtime dancing.
Day two of construction began early. With time fast running out
due to a changing operational situation Wollongong was required
to depart by 1200. With only six hours left and much work to be
done, Wollongong’s entire team doubled its efforts to finish
the job in time. As a testament to the mammoth effort of the ship’s
company, the building was completed and sign duly erected —
on time and under budget. The community turned out for the handover
ceremony. CO Wollongong, LCDR Wes Heron handed over the keys to
the new centre, while the community elders presented the ship with
a magnificent traditional painting, produced by a local artist.
The opportunity to lend a hand at Goulburn Island gave Wollongong’s
team a great sense of achievement, noting that the arts centre will
form the centrepiece of the community’s art and crafts industry.
Importantly, this cross cultural activity provided Wollongong’s
ship’s company with a deeper understanding of the indigenous
cultures of the Top End, and gave a unique insight into the Top
End Navy to the Warruwi people.
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