HMAS Darwin money douses
Canberra’s bushfire heartache

From left, WO James Levay, ACT Chief Minister Mr Jon Stanhope and outgoing HMAS Harman CO CMDR Julie Mitchell after the donation of funds from HMAS Darwin to the ACT Bushfire Recovery Appeal. Photo by Michael Weaver.

By Michael Weaver

The thoughtfulness of the ship’s company of HMAS Darwin to the Canberra citizens affected by the recent bushfires has been passed on in the form of a cheque for $11,233.60.

CO HMAS Harman CMDR Julie Mitchell, on behalf of HMAS Darwin, formally presented the money to ACT Chief Minister Mr Jon Stanhope at a ceremony in Canberra on March 12.

HMAS Darwin is currently on station in the Persian Gulf with the Maritime Interception Force.

Mr Stanhope said the cheque helped push the total raised for the Canberra Bushfire Recovery Appeal to more the $5 million.

With the earlier presentation of a cheque for $11,594.70 by Navy Headquarters, the total amount raised by Navy personnel is almost $23,000.

CO HMAS Darwin said his ship’s company expressed a strong desire to assist in any way they could with each member donating their daily allowance.

“On behalf of the ship’s company of HMAS Darwin, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and hope that our donation at least goes some way to ease the suffering of perhaps one needy family,” the CO said.

Mr Stanhope added his thanks to the Royal Australian Navy and in particular the ship’s company of HMAS Darwin for showing such great community spirit.

“I think it is particularly poignant that people away from Australia in the armed forces who are serving in The Gulf are thinking of us here in Canberra, thinking of what we’ve been through and donating their allowances,” said Mr Stanhope.

“I think it’s a very generous donation and I think it’s absolutely wonderful that they thought of us in our moment of need, and of course, at this time our hearts are very much with them.”

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