Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMAS Stalwart III to visit Geraldton and celebrate ceremonial home port

The public have the opportunity to tour the Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship, HMAS Stalwart III, later this month after the City of Greater Geraldton granted freedom of entry access. The ship will visit its ceremonial home port of Geraldton for the first time, with a variety of free events happening to celebrate the ship’s arrival. On Saturday, June 25, the ship’s crew will host a public personal training session at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore at 8am to show the community how to keep up their fitness onshore and offshore. Later on at 2pm, a freedom of entry march will begin from Geraldton’s CBD and finish at Edith Cowan Square, where cultural performances will take place including Wilinyu Dancers. On Sunday, June 26 from 10-2pm, the HMAS Stalwart III will offer exclusive tours of the ship to the public, providing insight to how Navy officers spend their time out at sea. HMAS Stalwart III commanding officer Steve McCracken said all aboard the ship were excited to visit Geraldton. “There’s an enduring link between the Navy and the City of Greater Geraldton, and we hope this visit goes some way to reinforcing that connection,” he said. “We are very much looking forward to meeting as many Mid West locals as possible, and showing the community what their Navy is all about.” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the arrival would be an exciting and historical moment for the community. “We solidified a partnership with the Navy towards the end of last year and granted freedom of entry to Greater Geraldton,” he said. “This is welcome news for our community and I know everyone will be very eager to participate in the events — especially the Ship Open Day.” Mid West Ports Authority CEO Damian Tully said he was looking forward to the visit and was honoured to host the ship and crew. The HMAS Stalwart III should arrive into Geraldton on Friday, June 24 about noon, with the community able to watch its arrival along the Geraldton Foreshore. Register your attendance by visiting Eventbrite — some tickets have sold out.