What a day for Mallacoota. Last Wednesday, March 10, the Mallacoota community was proud to welcome the HMAS Choules on her first return visit to the town following the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires.
The Choules played a positive and calming role in the Mallacoota community in its time of need, conducting the largest domestic maritime evacuation in Australia’s history – more than 1300 residents, holidaymakers and pets – in early January 2020.
East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Mendy Urie, Cr Arthur Allen and a large turnout from the community were at Bastion Point to officially welcome the Choules, then-Commanding Officer of  Choules, Captain Scott Houlihan, and the ship’s company for the ceremonial homeporting.
The announcement was widely welcomed and made more special given many of the Navy personnel who forged a strong bond with the people of Mallacoota during the evacuation were present for the ceremony.
The connections between the Choules, her crew and the community are significant.
“It is this connection that prompted council, on behalf of the community and with the strong support of Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, to permanently recognise the critical role the Choules and the ship’s company played in the town’s history,” Cr Urie said.
“The Australia Defence Force and the Choules provided certainty and a sense of calm at this time. In the many stories which locals and visitors have shared since that time, the efficiency, genuine care and respect that the crew demonstrated during the evacuations remain very strong feelings of that time.
“It is remarkable that in only a matter of a few days, the Choules had completed two evacuation voyages from Mallacoota by sea, when evacuation by road was not possible. It was the most significant domestic naval evacuation of civilians in our history. And as we know, the vulnerable, very sick or injured were also evacuated by aircraft.”
Captain Scott Houlihan, of the Royal Australian Navy, said it was one of the most rewarding moments, personally and professionally, of a 30-year career.
“Choules has a home,” Captain Houlihan said.
“We are humbled and privileged you have chosen to share this incredible part of the world with us. It is a great honour and with the deepest respect we can now call this piece of paradise Choules’ home.
“After watching my team interact with the people of Mallacoota, it was clear to me something special was happening.”
Mr Chester said the ceremonial homeport “is a significant connection for any Navy ship, bonding the ship and crew to a community for the life of service, and ensure the friendships developed during a time of devastation continue”.
An afternoon tea hosted by council, supplied by Mallacoota businesses and held at the Mallacoota Clubrooms followed the ceremony.

IMAGE: East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Mendy Urie, and Cr Arthur Allen, flank HMAS Choules Captain Scott Houlihan, at the ceremony last Wednesday to make Mallacooota the ceremonial home of Choules (in background), which completed two evacuations during the Black Summer Bushfires. INSET: Federal Member for Gippsland and Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester (right), with Commander Ben Reilly and Captain Scott Houlihan. (PS)