For much of the Royal Australian Navy’s 125-year history, a ship has served as the workplace, home, social hub and recreation centre for its hard-working crew at sea.

HMAS Toowoomba’s Leading Seaman Matthew Blake explained that the benefits of these conditions go far beyond the "easy commute to the office", thanks to a team whose job it is to ensure that every day is just that little bit brighter.

“The welfare committee is a group of officers, sailors and command elements who are dedicated to increasing morale on board, while also cementing cohesion amongst the ranks,” Leading Seaman Blake said.

Even when under pressure, the ship’s welfare committee still ensures there is room for levity and time to unwind.

“We organise a whole series of events on board. Things such as trivia nights, events we would like to have, like sporting and gaming tournaments, trying to make things more fun at sea,” Leading Seaman Blake said.

“With these types of deployments, you’re away from home for months at a time, you work here, but you live here. It’s important for people on board to know this is their home as well, which is why we are continually hosting team-building activities.”

Another key member of the welfare committee on every naval ship is the physical training instructor (PTI). 

Toowoomba PTI Leading Seaman Monifah See Kee said it demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to all-round physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s pretty important; you inject a bit of wellness into the crew by trying to keep them physically fit and all the positives that come with physical training,” Leading Seaman See Kee said.

Not just pushing fitness in the gym, Leading Seaman See Kee has also been developing Toowoomba’s brain power by helping host fortnightly trivia nights on board for those off duty.

“There’s only one PTI on board, you work by yourself. Doing things like this allows me to get to know the crew a lot better, maybe motivate them to come to PT, or even just get them to the gym,” Leading Seaman See Kee said.