New memorial honours HMQS Gayundah

A new memorial recognising the significance of the HMQS/HMAS Gayundah will be officially dedicated at Woody Point tomorrow.

Naval Association of Australia – Redcliffe Sub Section president Karl Seddon says the service will also mark the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II off the coast of Western Australia during World War II.

“November 19 is the anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II in World War II and we hold a service each year,” Karl says.

“There are many people on the peninsula who had relatives on the HMAS Sydney.

“November 18 is also a special day because one of our members, Mick Rudkins, turns 100, and another member turned 100 on October 10.”

Karl says the new HMQS/HMAS Gayundah memorial would not have been possible without the support of former Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Koliana Winchester and current City of Moreton Bay Councillor Karl Winchester.

Capturing history

“We’re very grateful to Koliana and to Karl for what they have done to help us get the new memorial.

“It’s somewhere we can hold our remembrances like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

“The old one was like a barbecue and nobody really knew what it was - they did a fantastic job with the new one.

“That hulk (the Gayundah) is going to disappear. But this will be here forever.”

The Navy Cadet Units TS Moreton Bay and TS Gayundah will be part of the service.

“The cadets will give a presentation about the Sydney and the Gayundah,” Karl says.

“There will be laying of wreaths, a prayer and the national anthem.”

Treasurer Bruce Stanley says the Naval Association of Australia – Redcliffe Sub Section looks after the welfare of its members, hosting regular get-togethers and bus trips.

“It’s all for the members,” he says.

“One of the best days is about doing the Bunnings sausage sizzle and talking to people about what we do. We were involved in their men’s health day too.”

A place to remember

Secretary Geoff O’Mara says the sub branch is delighted Cadets will be involved in tomorrow’s service.

“When we have commemorations we involve the Cadets as much as we can,” Geoff says.

“It’s letting the public know what we and the Cadets are doing and letting people know that we care about history.

“The memorial’s a place we can come to remember fellow veterans.”

The memorial service will be held at the Gayundah Arboretum at Woody Point from 1.30pm on Saturday, November 18.