Easter is a time for faith and celebrating with family and friends.

On an Australian warship in the South China Sea, it is no different.

HMAS Toowoomba is undertaking her regional presence deployment throughout East and South-East Asia, conducting operations, exercises and other engagements with Australia’s regional partners.

However, on Easter Sunday, the ship awoke to pause and remember life back home.  

Arguably the biggest day on Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officer (MSWO) Tamara Dunne’s deployment calendar, she said it was important to acknowledge Christian traditions.

“Days can blend into each other at sea,” MSWO Dunne said.

“That’s why it’s important to take time out to acknowledge days of spiritual significance for all members of the crew.”

'Being away from home during these significant events can be really hard for everyone so we try to make it as normal as possible.'

MSWO Dunne added even though it can be difficult for Christians who are unable to attend Church over Easter, she hoped her prayer services could add some comfort.

“I think it is hard for everyone to be away on deployment for Easter even though it is a part of serving in the Australian Defence Force. I hope our services give them a chance to pause, connect with God and other Christians on board, and to nurture their spiritual wellbeing,” MSWO Dunne said.

While deeply rooted in the Christian faith, Easter in multicultural Australia has transformed into a secular celebration embraced by the whole community – something deputy maritime logistics officer Lieutenant Alice Goldsack has been planning for since the ship left Fleet Base West in January.

“In preparation for our deployment, we took into account the key events we would be missing out on at home and made sure we had everything necessary to assist in making the Easter weekend as enjoyable as possible,” Lieutenant Goldsack said.

The activities included church services across the whole Holy Week, an Easter hat parade, Easter Sunday ‘steel deck barbecue’ complete with flight deck cricket and footy, and a whole-ship Easter egg hunt.

“Being away from home during these significant events can be really hard for everyone so we try to make it as normal as possible,” Lieutenant Goldsack said.