Alice Springs is a long, long way from the ocean and the Navy
warships that protect Australia’s vast coastline, but that
didn’t stop a delegation from HMAS Arunta (CO CMDR Warren
Bairstow) from visiting their adopted town recently.
CMDR Bairstow and four members of the ship’s company were
granted Freedom of Entry to Alice Springs, which is the symbolic
home port for Arunta.
The aim of the visit was to reinforce the relationship between
the ship and the town council, the Arrernte people and the ship’s
adopted charity, St Mary’s Anglicare.
The Arunta name (also spelt Arunda or Aranda) comes from the Arrernte
Aboriginal people of Central Australia, the traditional owners
of Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
During the visit the delegation gave a presentation on the Navy
leadership model to town councillors, visited historic sites,
chatted with scores of locals and even had time for a round of
golf.
Discussions included the history of the relationship between Alice
Springs, the Arrernte people and the ship.
At the invitation of the CEO, Mr Rex Mooney, the CO gave a presentation
on leadership to the Town Council’s Managers and Directors.
The presentation was given in a round table forum with the remainder
of the delegation also in attendance.
The presentation gave rise to a healthy discussion between all
present in regard to the similarities between the management and
leadership within a town council and similar difficulties experienced
in the operation of a Major Fleet Unit. The managers and directors
also took the opportunity to inquire about the Navy in general
and the ship.
Given the link between the ship’s name and the people of
the Arrernte nation, it was prudent to call on representatives
of the Arrernte people during the visit to Alice Springs. Lhere
Artepe are the native title holders for Alice Springs and represent
the Arrernte people, although the Arrernte nation extends far
beyond the boundaries of the township of Alice Springs.
An invitation to attend afternoon tea with Lhere Artepe was accepted
and a very warm welcome was provided by the Chair, Mr Brian Sterling,
his deputies and the Executive Officer, Mr Mark Pierson.
Mr Sterling presented the ship with a framed poster of the Lhere
Artepe logo with the words, “Leading The Way Back Home”.
