When foreign navies are welcomed to Sydney for the International Fleet Review in early October, they will find a much more diverse and exciting city than that which greeted the ships in 1913, or even in 1988 for the Royal Australian Navy’s Bicentennial Naval Salute . As soon as they step ashore, our maritime guests are likely to hear familiar sounds and taste familiar foods from their homelands.
They will also discover that the Royal Australian Navy’s new generation of sailors also represent a wide range of backgrounds, of faiths, of languages and cultural heritages.
The Director of the International Fleet Review, Captain Nick Bramwell, joined New South Wales Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Victor Dominello MP, in Sydney last Monday to brief consuls-general, community leaders and their local media representatives on Navy’s signature commemoration for 2013.
Captain Bramwell told guests at the function, organised through the NSW Community Relations Commission, that the opportunities for social interaction between the ships’ companies and Sydney’s multicultural population will be a highlight of the 2013 International Fleet Review.
The International Fleet Review will be held in Sydney from Thursday 3 October to Friday 11 October, and will mark the centenary of the first entry of the new Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet into Sydney Harbour on 4 October 1913.
It is expected that 40 warships and 17 tall ships, representing 20 nations, will be berthed alongside Garden Island, Barangaroo and HMAS Waterhen near Waverton for the eight day series of events . It will be the largest contingent of international ships in the Harbour for 25 years.
The week of commemorative activities will feature a range of public events including ship Open Days, a Combined Navies Parade, free musical concerts and an innovative and highly spectacular pyrotechnics and light show.
The full schedule of International Fleet Review events will be revealed at a major launch in Sydney in mid September.
[mappress] Press Release, August 23, 2013; Image: Australian Navy