5 July 2008: VARS News Update

In Brief

Lots of news this month!

• ex-HMAS Canberra is here in Melbourne.
• We introduce our new patron.
• The real work begins - planning and guiding the project towards a successful sinking sometime early in 2009.

'Canberra' Arrives!

It almost happened without anybody noticing. The Deed of Gift was finally signed in late May and the successful tenderer appointed (more on this below).

VARS was advised in the last week of May that a large seagoing tug was already on its way to Rockingham in Western Australia and would soon begin towing the 138 metre long decommissioned warship to Geelong in Victoria. At that time, it was expected that it would take two to three weeks.

In the first week of June we were advised that 'Canberra' had departed Fleet Base West under tow and was now on her way to her new home. Various ETAs through Port Phillip Heads were proposed - but of course these were all dependant on the speed of the tow vessel on route. At first we believed that it was possible she would transit the heads on the Monday of Queen's Birthday weekend. This got everybody pretty excited with the prospect of welcoming her with a large flotilla of boats. At this stage, we were coordinating on almost an hourly basis with State Government officials regarding media opportunities so that we could maximise the publicity opportunities.

As the time got closer, it became apparent that the Monday ETA was not going to happen. 'Karori' (the tug) and 'Canberra' finally arrived off Port Phillip Heads at around 2200 on the Monday, 9th June 2008. It was intended that the tow group cross the rip at 0630 on Tuesday, 10th June 2008, but problems with the tow line shortening delayed this. So all had to wait until the next tide at 1200 noon.

Two boats from the Dive Victoria Group ('Nemo' and the new 'Sea Dragon'), plus Henderson Dive's 'Jack' went out to the boarding grounds to greet Victoria's latest dive attraction. As well as this small welcoming flotilla, a handful of lucky sightseers at Point Lonsdale's Rip View lookout were treated to a fine day and a splendid view of the warship on its way to its final journey.

She entered the bay at noon on Tuesday and slowly made her way up the South Channel to lie at anchor that evening as the pilots would not attempt to berth a towed vessel after dark. TV Channels Seven and Nine News choppers covered the entrance, and Channel Seven landed to interview Dive Victoria's Jason Salter, VARS president John Lawler, and Alan Beckhurst.

The event was well reported on the Tuesday, 10th June 6 p.m. news by Channel Seven and Channel Nine. John Lawler crossed live from Dive Victoria's new dive boat 'Sea Dragon' to the Jon Faine morning show (ABC 774) and 3AW. On Wednesday John had a further 10 minute interview with Mark Bannerman on ABC Radio National at 6.30 a.m. On Thursday evening Mike Reed had a 15 minute interview on ABC Tasmania evening program.

This media coverage is aimed at a continual promotion of the ex HMAS Canberra as the centre piece to make "Victoria a world class temperate water diving destination."

VARS Announces Our Patron

We are very excited to announce that Lieutenant Commander (RAN retired) Mackenzie J. Gregory (Mac) has agreed to act as patron for VARS.

Mac joined the Royal Australian Naval College as a 13 year old Cadet Midshipman in January, 1936. His term was sent to sea in August 1939, as war was impending.

Mac, during WW2, served in our three 8inch cruisers, 'Australia', 'Canberra', and, 'Shropshire', plus in the light cruiser 'Adelaide'. He was the Officer of the Watch in 'Canberra' when the Battle of Savo Island commenced at 0143 on August 9, 1942, the night she was sunk. He was in 'Shropshire' for the Japanese surrender at Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945.

Post war, Mac completed the first combined Torpedo Anti-Submarine Specialist Long course in UK Naval Schools. In his specialist capacity he served in the destroyers 'Warramunga' and 'Bataan', at Navy Office, and at the TAS school. From 1950 to 1953 he was appointed Aide de Camp to His Excellency the Governor General of Australia at Government House Canberra ("a quite fascinating time" according to Mac).

Finally, he was Fleet TAS Officer on the staff of the Flag Officer Commanding the Australian Fleet, in the Carrier 'Vengeance'.

Mac keeps himself busy with research and a bit of writing, finishing a trilogy about the German Armed Raiders of both World War I and World War II, and finally the Confederate Armed Raiders of the American Civil War. He recently finished a work on German Armed Merchant Ships of World War II 'Marauders of the Sea' and wants to round it off by covering their counterparts of World War I.

Mac is a fascinating character with a wealth of naval knowledge and a great store of tales to tell. His network of contacts in the naval world is second to none. His website (Ahoy - Mac's Weblog - http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/) is dedicated to all "Who went down to the sea in ships" in World War 2, in whatever capacity they may have served the cause of freedom, but especially to the Eighty Four Officers and Men who died in H.M.A.S. Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island, on the 9th of August, 1942.

We are very grateful to Mac for agreeing to act as our patron and look forward to working with him as this project progresses.

Preparation for Scuttling Begins

It was a long time coming - but things began to move a bit faster once the Deed of Gift was signed. Project responsibility for the preparation and scuttling of the ship responsibility was handed over to the Defence Material Organisation (DMO) in July 2007. DMO called for tenders to conduct this work in August 2007 with Birdon Marine announced as the successful tenderer in May 2008.

Birdon Marine is a family owned business which commenced operations in 1977. They have a diverse business which includes commercial, luxury, defence, new builds and marine construction. For more information visit their website at http://www.birdonmarine.com.au/.

Preparation of the ship will take place in Geelong. This work is expected to take around six months. During this time the ship will be stripped of all environmental and safety hazards, including 25,000 kilometres of wiring, all insulation, oil, flooring and lead ballast. Access points will be cut through the vessel so that divers won't get trapped. Salvageable equipment and materials will be removed and memorabilia will be taken out and put aside for appropriate memorials. All toxic substances will be removed; unsafe access areas welded and barred, decks and doorways opened up, with warning and diver safety notices installed.

The nature of the work means that there are significant Occupational Health and Safety hazards that must be carefully controlled. As the contractor, Birdon has all appropriate measures in place to ensure management of these OH&S issues. However, this does mean that any work performed by volunteers will be very limited.

Many volunteers have said that they want to get in and help make the ship diver safe. It is important to note that Birdon is solely in charge of the ship until the hand over to the Victorian State Government for scuttling and therefore because of Worksafe issues access is strictly limited. Additionally, the ship is alongside a Customs Security wharf and access is off limits to the public.

Birdon has appointed several expert advisors to assist in making the ship "diver safe". These experts draw on personal experience with 8 previous scuttling around Australia to ensure that the best possible job is done in compliance with relevant Government legislation.

VARS will continue to play an active role over the next six to nine months leading up to the actual scuttling. Dive site access arrangements still have to be negotiated and agreed. Engineering plans and specifications must be drawn up for reef preparation, access and site management. The final layout of the ship must be such as to maximise the attractiveness of the wreck as a dive destination. A sub-committee has been established to work with DMO and Birdon on this aspect. This sub-committee is also planning to produce a 3D computer model of the wreck that will enable the viewer to take a "virtual tour". This 3D model will be produced using the latest in high-technology visualising equipment and will be a "first" for dive wrecks within Australia.

VARS and Birdon Marine have established a very good working relationship. The VARS committee is working with the Birdon appointed project manager and expert advisors as well as with DMO and other relevant government agencies. Birdon have ensured that appropriate access to the ship has been provided to committee members to allow them to continue to provide substantial input as preparation work continues.

Sub-Committee Reports

Site Management - Convenor: Alan Beckhurst
A white paper has now been prepared outlining a possible site management plan. Input was sought from across the dive industry in preparation of this white paper. Government authorities have now appointed a consultant to further investigate and provide a report. Further consultation is now planned with the objective of finalising details and preparing a proposal to Government over the next few months.

Ship Preparation - Convenor: Jason Salter
Ship preparation is now underway! As outlined above, it is important to note that public access is not possible due to the OH&S issues and the restrictions existing on the wharf. VARS has an excellent working relationship with Birdon and has been able to gain access as we need it. Various members of the VARS committee have visited the ship and the sub-committee is now actively liaising with Birdon to ensure the best possible outcome for divers and the dive community.

Fund Raising / Membership - Convenor: Warrick McDonald
VARS is now approaching the stage when volunteers will be able to become active. Additionally, it is also the time when further funds are likely to be required as the work ramps up. We are continuing to look for members and obtain financial support to enable work to continue over the coming months to ensure that the best possible outcome is obtained for the dive community.

Persons who can offer time for the following are requested to contact Warrick who will put you on to the right person who will be looking after this event.

1. Fund raising
2. Membership drive
3. T shirt printing and purchase
4. Celebration ball to be held just after the sinking
5. Memorial monuments. Bellarine and Mornington peninsula

Anyone interested in becoming a member or otherwise offering support should make contact via the details in the website.

Marketing / Promotion - Convenor: Bryan McGoldrick
The groundwork for a marketing plan has been put together. Activities are now underway to secure appropriate funding to put the plan into action.

The ex HMAS Canberra arrived off Port Phillip Heads at around 2200 on the Monday, 9th June 2008. It was intended that it cross the RIP at 0630 on Tuesday, 10th June 2008, but problems with the tow line shortening delayed this. So it had to wait until the next tide at 1200 noon.

Two boats from the Dive Victoria Group (Nemo and the new Sea Dragon), plus Henderson Dive's cat went out to the boarding grounds to greet the ex HMAS Canberra.

She entered the bay at noon on Tuesday and slowly made her way up the South Channel. Unfortunately she will not complete her journey into Geelong until Wednesday, as the Pilots would not attempt to berth a towed vessel after dark. She will lie at anchor this evening.

Channel Nine and Seven News choppers covered the entrance, and Channel Seven landed to interview Dive Victoria's Jason Salter, VARS president John Lawler, and Alan Beckhurst.

The event was well reported on the Tuesday, 10th June 6 p.m. news by Channel 7 and Channel 9. John Lawler crossed live from Dive Victoria's new dive boat "Sea Dragon" to the Jon Faine morning show 774 and 3AW. On Wednesday he had a 10 minute interview with Mark Bannerman on Radio National at 6.30 a.m. The media coverage is aimed at a continual promotion of the ex HMAS Canberra as the centre piece to make "Victoria a world class temperate water diving destination."

Sorry to disappoint, but VARS has been advised by the Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development (DIIRD) that the ex HMAS Canberra will now not be coming through Port Phillip Heads on Monday 9th June 2008. It's new estimated time of arrival through the heads is Tuesday 10th June 2008 at 6:35 a.m., though this too is subject to possible change. We aill attempt to keep you all advised via this web site and the various online diving forums.

It is expected that there will be a media gathering and welcoming ceremony, probably at the Old Grain Wharf in Geelong, sometime after the ex HMAS Canberra has berthed.

You can track the progress of Karori, the tug towing the ex HMAS Canberra, using the following Google Map link: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111840711548775414449.00044ea4df0a872c79403&ll=-33.94336,122.739258&spn=22.346441,34.892578&z=5

The Victorian Artificial Reef Society (VARS) has been advised that the ex HMAS Canberra has departed Rockingham WA and is on its way to Geelong.

The weather prediction is favourable for a good tow to Port Phillip Bay and the ship is expected to arrive around Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th June.

VARS has met with the Victorian Government agencies to plan the programme for the media coverage into bay on the day.

A further update will be advised when a definite arrival date is available.

You can track the progress of Karori, the tug towing the ex HMAS Canberra, using the following Google Map link: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111840711548775414449.00044ea4df0a872c79403&ll=-33.94336,122.739258&spn=22.346441,34.892578&z=5

29 March 2008: VARS News Update

In Brief

The Deed of Gift is moving closer to signature by both State and Federal Governments. A major milestone has now been achieved with the site position now agreed between all parties. This agreement was required prior to the signing of the Deed document. It is expected that this second major milestone is now only weeks from being completed.

Sub-Committee Reports

Site Management - Convenor: Alan Beckhurst
A white paper has now been prepared outlining a possible site management plan. Input was sought from across the dive industry in preparation of this white paper. Government authorities have now appointed a consultant to further investigate and provide a report.

Ship Preparation - Convenor: Jason Salter
As outline in the last update the bulk of this work will occur once the tenderer has been formally announced. At this stage the key tasks will be to coordinate with the successful tenderer to ensure that ship is correctly prepared to maximise diving enjoyment and safety.

Fund Raising / Membership - Convenor: Warrick McDonald
VARS is now approaching the stage when volunteers will be able to become active. Additionally, it is also the time when further funds are likely to be required as the work ramps up.

Marketing / Promotion - Convenor: Bryan McGoldrick
The groundwork for a marketing plan has been put together. Activities are now underway to secure appropriate funding to put the plan into action.

Site Location

Agreement on a resting place for the ex HMAS Canberra has now been reached between all stakeholders. The agreed site is in an area about 1 nautical mile WNW of the J4. Average depth is 28 metres. This will mean that the wreck will be able to be accessed by all levels of divers as the main deck will be in 18 metres.

16 January 2008: VARS News Update

In Brief

The ex HMAS Canberra project continues to move forward. The recent federal election slowed down the finalisation of the Deed of Gift and formal letting of the contract for preparation and scuttling. These two items are now firmly back on the agendas of the relevant government departments and should be finalised soon.

The VARS committee remains very active and is maintaining close liaison with all relevant parties. Work is continuing on key elements such as ship preparation plans, site management plans and marketing strategy. It should be noted that previous dive wreck projects around Australia have typically taken 5 years from inception to final sinking. We are now 2 years into the ex HMAS Canberra project and look like beating these previous timelines quite substantially.

Formalisation of Deed Document

A major milestone in this project is the completion of the Deed of Gift. This is the agreement between the State and Commonwealth Governments that allows the formal handing over of the Canberra. Until this document is signed, no actual work can commence in moving or preparing the ship.

VARS understands that this document is now in the final stages of preparation. Agreements have been reached regarding issues such as funding and it is now a case of "putting the ink to paper". Current indications are that this will be completed by end January.

Tender Process

The tender process has now been completed. VARS understands that a successful tenderer has been selected. However, the formal letting of the contract cannot occur until the Deed of Gift has been signed. We are maintaining close contact with relevant parties so that we are able to move quickly once the contracts are finalised.

Sub-Committee Reports

Site Management - Convenor: Alan Beckhurst
This has been the most active of the sub-committees in the past month or so. The main task is to prepare a submission to Government on appropriate site management including access provisions and ongoing monitoring and management.

A discussion paper has been circulated to relevant parties in the commercial and private dive community. Comments and discussion points have been received and the submission paper to Government is close to completion. The sub-committee is working hard to ensure that access fees and rights are determined in such a fashion as to allow fair and equitable access whilst recognising that ongoing management costs must be recovered and that commercial viability of the site is ensured.

Ship Preparation - Convenor: Jason Salter
Work has started on preparation of a plan for diving the wreck. However, the bulk of this work will occur once the tenderer has been formally announced. At this stage the key tasks will be to coordinate with the successful tenderer to ensure that ship is correctly prepared to maximise diving enjoyment and safety.

Fund Raising / Membership - Convenor: Warrick McDonald
This committee has been active in finding ways to expand VARS membership and secure funds to enable VARS to continue to operate. A number of people have signed up as possible volunteers to assist with the work of the various sub-committees. The committee is grateful for this display of interest and support. Letters will be forwarded to the various volunteers to thank them and (where applicable) invite them to join VARS. As sub-committees become more active, those volunteers will be further contacted and invited to assist in particular ways.

Marketing / Promotion - Convenor: Bryan McGoldrick
Initial work has commenced on prepare of a marketing plan to successfully market the Canberra as the centrepiece of Victoria - World Class Temperate Water Dive Destination. At this stage the key issue is to seek appropriate funding to allow a marketing drive. It is envisaged that the majority of this drive will be in the first year or so. It will be designed to attract interstate and overseas divers and hence expand our overall diver base.

Site Location

VARS continues to lobby Government to ensure that the vessel will be scuttled in the most appropriate location to maximise its value as the centrepiece of Victoria - World Class Temperate Water Dive Destination and to ensure access to a broad range of divers.

19 October 2007: VARS News Update

Key Sub-Committees Established

The newly expanded committee elected at the September Annual General meeting has been active in setting up key sub-committees to tackle the work required in the forthcoming months.

Ship Preparation - Convenor: Jason Salter
Key Tasks — Prepare a plan for diving the wreck. Coordinate with successful tenderer to ensure that ship is correctly prepared to maximise diving enjoyment and safety.

Fund Raising / Membership - Convenor: Warrick McDonald
Key Tasks — Expand VARS membership. Secure funds to enable VARS to continue to operate.

Marketing / Promotion - Convenor: Bryan McGoldrick
Key Tasks — Prepare a marketing plan to successfully market the Canberra as the centrepiece of Victoria - World Class Temperate Water Dive Destination. Liaise with Government and Tourism industry bodies.

Site Management - Convenor: Alan Beckhurst
Key Tasks — Prepare a submission to Government on appropriate site management including access provisions and ongoing monitoring and management.

Tender Process

The tender process is continuing - being managed by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). It is expected that the successful tenderer will be announced in the next few weeks.

Site Location

VARS continues to lobby Government to ensure that the vessel will be scuttled in the most appropriate location to maximise its value as the centrepiece of Victoria - World Class Temperate Water Dive Destination and to ensure access to a broad range of divers.

Volunteers

Names of potential volunteers continue to be collected. As work progresses these volunteers will be called upon to assist as required.

12 October 2007: VARS Media Release
In 2008, the ex HMAS Canberra warship will be sunk in Victoria to create a major new temperate water dive site. The Victorian Artificial Reef Society (VARS) is now calling for volunteers to help with this exciting project.

See the full media release here.

The inaugural VARS Annual General Meeting was held at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, 11th September 2007 at The Bells Hotel, South Melbourne.

Approximately 25 VARS members attended, with many having dinner together before the meeting began.

John Lawler read and tabled the President's Report.
Mick Jeacle read and tabled the Financial Report.
(View/download the VARS Annual Report 2007 (Adobe PDF | 426.51 KB))

Both of the motions for changes to the VARS Rules were passed unanimously.
(View/download the VARS AGM 2007 Special Business Motions (Adobe PDF | 25 KB))

The 2007–2008 VARS committee was elected as follows:
President - John Lawler
Vice President - Mike Reed
Secretary - Alan Storen
Treasurer - Mick Jeacle
General Committee Members - Alan Beckhurst, Warrick McDonald, Bryan McGoldrick, Jason Salter
(Full committee details)

VARS Notice of Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the first Annual General Meeting of the Victorian Artificial Reef Society Incorporated (VARS) is to be held:

WHEN:
8:00 pm on Tuesday, 11th September 2007

WHERE:
The Bells Hotel
corner of Moray and Coventry Streets, South Melbourne, Victoria (Melway 1D L12)

AGENDA:

1. To receive apologies
2. To receive the Annual Report (President)
3. To receive the Financial Report (Treasurer)
4. To elect the committee for the 2007/2008 year
   positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and two general committee members
5. To elect the auditor for the 2007/2008 year
6. General Business
7. Any other business
8. Close

Please view/download the VARS Annual Report 2007 (Adobe PDF | 426.51 KB)

Please view/download the VARS AGM 2007 Special Business Motions (Adobe PDF | 25 KB)

Proxy forms are available from the Secretary, Alan Storen, 15 Regal Court, Vermont South VIC 3133 OR storens@bigpond.net.au and must be returned 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Or, you can download a copy of the VARS Rules and use the appropriate proxy form contained therein:
VARS Constitution (Adobe PDF | 69 KB)

VARS members are invited to join the current committee for a meal at Bells Hotel prior to the AGM, commencing at approximately 7 p.m. (at member's own expense).

23 July 2007: VARS News Update
Today, the Federal Government offered to fund and sink the ex-HMAS Canberra as an artificial reef and wreck dive site in Victoria.

Dr Brendon Nelson, Minister for Defence, announced that the Federal Government is prepared to take Project Management responsibility for the ex HMAS Canberra project and make $7 million in funding available.

See the full announcement here.

20 July 2007: VARS News Update
Today, VARS members John Lawler, Alan Beckhurst and Lloyd Borrett met with Tim Holding, Victorian Minister of Tourism, at his Springvale office to continue discussions about the ex HMAS Canberra project.

VARS also put out a Media Release titled "Warship Still In Limbo" which you can either read online or download the Adobe PDF version (Adobe PDF | 26.73 KB)

VARS will be having its Annual General Meeting at 8 pm on Tuesday the 11th September 2007 at Bells Hotel, corner of Moray and Coventry Streets, South Melbourne (Melway 1D L12). Anyone interested in the ex HMAS Canberra project is welcome to attend.

25 May 2007: VARS News Update
John Lawler provides an update as to what VARS has been doing in recent months with the ex HMAS Canberra project.

Please view/download the Update from John Lawler (Adobe PDF | 33.2 KB)

21 May 2007: The Independet newspaper report
On Friday 11th May 2007, The Bellarine Peninsula Independent newspaper carried a page one feature story with the above headline. It is an interview with John Lawler about progress of the ex HMAS Canberra project.

Please read the full story online, or view/download the Adobe PDF version (Adobe PDF | 552.87 KB)

8 May 2007: VARS News Update
MPs Lisa Neville and Martin Hunt have responded to VARS concerns with the ongoing delays in securing the ex HMAS Canberra and subsequent preparation and sinking of this vessel as a dive wreck.

Please view/download the reply from Lisa Neville MP (Adobe PDF | 97.26 KB)

Please view/download the reply from Martin Dixon MP (Adobe PDF | 91.6 KB)

23 April 2007: VARS News Update
VARS writes to Dr Brandan Nelson, Minister of Defence, about its concerns with the ongoing delays in securing the ex HMAS Canberra and subsequent preparation and sinking of this vessel as a dive wreck.

Please view/download the Adobe PDF version (Adobe PDF | 25.86 KB)

20 April 2007: The Independet newspaper report
On Friday 20th April 2007, The Bellarine Peninsula Independent newspaper carried a page one feature story with the above headline. The story highlights how the Victorian State Government is way behind schedule with the ex HMAS Canberra project.

Please read the full story online.

29 March 2007: VARS News Update
VARS circulates a story with the above headline from The Independent, Friday March 16, 2007 on page 3 of the Bellarine Edition.

Please read the full story online, or view/download the Adobe PDF version (Adobe PDF | 366.06 KB)

28 March 2007: VARS News Update
Well its about that time folks. VARS has now released a web site designed to keep you up-to-date with the progress of the "Let's Sink the ex HMAS Canberra" project.

Please visit www.hmascanberra.com.au.

Eventually we hope this web site will become the place to go for information about diving the ex HMAS Canberra and other dive sites in Victoria.

We hope everyone is as excited as we are to be entering this new era as we prepare to have the ex HMAS Canberra in Victoria as an artificial reef and wreck dive site.

And we are not done just yet. There are exciting new additions planned for the web site over the coming months. So please keep coming back and checking us out.

14 March 2007: VARS News Update:
Members of the VARS Committee met with Dr Brendan Nelson (Minister of Defence) and Steward McArthur (Federal Member for Corangamite) to further discuss the sinking of the ex HMAS Canberra in Victoria as an artificial reef and wreck dive site.

Those present at the meeting were: Stewart McArthur (Federal Member for Corangamite), Graham Harris (Ex Navy), Alan Beckhurst (VARS), Mick Jeacle (VARS), Lieutenant Daniel Fankhauser (Aide-de-Comp To Dr Nelson), John Lawler (VARS), Tom Wende (VARS), Rubens Monaco (VARS), The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP (Minister for Defence).