Three members of HMAS Warramunga recently visited Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, reaffirming the ship’s deep cultural and historical connection with the Warumungu people. 

Tennant Creek is the ceremonial home of the warship and has proudly maintained its relationship with Navy since the vessel was first named after the Warumungu people and commissioned in 1942.

Warramunga carries a distinguished legacy, with multiple battle honours earned across various theatres of war. 

This history resonates strongly within Tennant Creek, where references to the ship are woven into the fabric of the township. The recent visit underscored the enduring bond between the community and ship’s company.

The delegation included Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Albert Moule, Command Warrant Officer Kathryn Holmes, Able Seaman Cherine Savage and Lieutenant Commander John Scopel, a reservist medical officer. 

Lieutenant Commander Scopel’s longstanding ties to the region, including his early career as a junior doctor, were instrumental in bringing this engagement to life.

During the visit, Pat Brahim, a local elder and community member – whose heritage is with the Warumungu people – spoke about the importance of welcoming people to Country and the deeper symbolism that represented.

“Welcoming people to Country is about belonging and about acceptance,” she said.

She also spoke about the longstanding relationship with the ship and the importance in ensuring it’s continuation in the future; in valuing and building upon the connection, but also in providing opportunities for local people. 

'It was humbling to gain a better appreciation of our heritage and cultural ties, in addition to the challenges of life in remote outback Australia.'

A highlight of the visit was the invitation from Warumungu traditional owners to attend the Return of Cultural Heritage Ceremony at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre. 

The ceremony marked the return of significant cultural items from museums in the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand – some collected over a century ago. 

The event was a poignant reminder of the Warumungu people’s proud heritage and warrior spirit.

During the ceremony, the community was presented with a portrait of Warramunga’s ship’s company, symbolising mutual respect and shared history.

Reflecting on the experience, Lieutenant Commander Moule said the opportunity to engage with the local community and traditional people after which the ship is named was a huge honour. 

“It was humbling to gain a better appreciation of our heritage and cultural ties, in addition to the challenges of life in remote outback Australia," he said. 

“The community was very welcoming and were passionate about sharing their lived culture.”

The visit also featured a series of community engagements, which provided ship’s company with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the region.

Able Seaman Savage described the experience as profoundly rewarding.

“I was so proud of the experience. To understand and witness their connection with country and culture was really rewarding,” Able Seaman Savage said.