Life at sea can be demanding, with long days away from family and friends.

But the crew of HMAS Ballarat are maintaining healthy habits to build resilience and support mental health while deployed – both at sea and ashore.

Physical Training Instructor Leading Seaman Phil Penafiel plays a critically important role.

“Maintaining a regular routine of physical training while deployed is critical for physical fitness and mental health,” Leading Seaman Penafiel said.

He leads four fitness sessions per day, helping the crew maintain physical and mental strength, as well as helping build resilience while deployed.

“Physical training is a critical part of life at sea,” he said.

“PT encourages people to step away from work, as well as being a great way for people of all ranks and rates to engage with each other on a regular basis.

“PT isn’t just about fitness, it encourages everyone to come together, break down barriers and support one another.

“These sessions strengthen teamwork, lift morale and build the kind of positive culture that makes life on board more enjoyable and cohesive.”

'Maintaining a regular routine of physical training while deployed is critical for physical fitness and mental health.'

Crew members often refer to their positive outlook and team spirit as ‘Ballaratitude’, a phrase that has come to define the way the ship faces challenges together.

Other mental health and resilience initiatives Ballarat has conducted since departing Australia include flightdeck barbecues, trivia, a morning tea for R U OK? Day, fellowship with the embarked chaplain, as well as activities like scuba diving and hiking ashore while on leave.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren emphasised the importance of mental health and resilience initiatives while deployed.

“Promoting mental health and resilience is critical for a high-functioning team like a warship,” Commander Uren said.

“We need our people to demonstrate resilience in the face of stress and adversity.

“We do that by training as we fight and putting measures in place to ensure our people have the support they need to thrive in the workplace.”

Ballarat’s initiatives support Navy’s focus on Mental Health Month, underscoring that resilience is built not only through operations, but also through shared experiences, team cohesion and genuine care for one another.