Australia: Brisbane Enjoys Navy Week Activities

A temperate evening set the stage for the commencement of Navy Week in Brisbane on August the 16th 2013. 

King George Square was dressed for The Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters. The square was filled with both service men and women joined by a number of civilian personnel eagerly anticipating the show.

Navy Cadets from the Brisbane Flotilla were fallen into their parade positions by the Parade Commander, Chief Petty Officer Paul Cannard. Squadron Leader Paul Lineham, as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the opening of Navy Week 2013, as he began his descriptive narrative to accompany the display.

The Queensland Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band commenced the musical section of the evening with a talented marching display accompanied by a mix of marching tunes. This segment was concluded with a stunning vocal performance by Leading Seaman Gemma Tilley of ‘I am Australian’ and ‘Never Walk Alone’. The Drum Core was then detached to perform the Ceremonial Beat to Quarters.

“Sunset” was then called and the flag was lowered. A traditional ceremonial flag folding was completed by Leading Seaman Ashley Pearce and Able Seaman Luke Newman.

A function was then co-hosted by the Lord Mayors representative Councillor Margaret DeWitt and Commanding Officer Navy Headquarters South Queensland, Commander Peter Tedman, DSM, for invited guests in the Ithaca Auditorium at the newly refurbished Town Hall.

Sunday the 19th of August saw performances by the Queensland Detachment of The Royal Australian Navy Band led by Chief Petty Officer Andrew Stapleton on centre stage in Brisbane’s Queen St Mall. Three thirty-minute sets were played at 1130, 1200 and 1300, showcasing the band’s skills with a mix of Swing, Latin and Blues. The performances were well attended by the public with everyone enjoying the convivial atmosphere of live music on a Sunday afternoon.

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Press Release, August 20, 2013; Image: Navy