HMAS Creswell ship’s company have welcomed the return of canteen services to the establishment after a two year absence, as refurbishments to the ninety-nine year old canteen building were completed recently.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Creswell , CAPT Brett Chandler welcomed BRAVO Coffee to the base (in concert with the RANCCF), as they commenced trading in January to a warm reception from staff, visitors and trainees alike.
“The reinvigoration of the Canteen precinct is vital in ensuring that all of the Creswell community can enjoy themselves in a relaxed café-style atmosphere”, he said.
“BRAVO joins Australia Post and Australian Defence Credit Union as like-minded businesses that all seek to serve our sailors and officers during their time here”.
Many senior officers have fond memories of purchasing milkshakes at the Canteen as young officers under training, and the tradition can continue for New Entry Officers’ Course 48 which commenced in February.
Head of the Creswell Welfare Committee, Executive Officer, CMDR Tish van Stralen, plans to add wireless internet to the building to allow visitors to benefit from the atmosphere even further.
“This will be not only a place to get good coffee, but a hub for all to congregate in and enjoy,” she said.
The Canteen was originally built as a Recreation Hall and Canteen in 1914 and is the sole-surviving building of the original seamen’s precinct. It is distinct in its architectural design and heritage, with the interior of the building having a roof some 18 feet high, accentuated by heavy hammer-beam trusses.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 25, 2013; Image: