Rotary surprises captain

The Rotary Club of Palm Beach surprised HMAS Stirling commander Captain Brian Delamont with an honorary membership during a visit to the naval base last week.

After dedicating time and resources to the upcoming Rockingham Beach Cup, the Rotarians awarded Capt. Delamont with the membership to say thanks.

This year, the base will assist with traffic management, general logistics and provide entertainment through the navy band.

The commander got an insight into the community work the local Rotary club does during a speech at one of their meetings, which he said left a lasting impression.

“There are many navy personnel throughout the base who are involved in Rotary but that was the first time I got an appreciation for what they do and the amount of money they raise for the community,” he said.

“We’re very happy to provide some assistance to the Rockingham Beach Cup and people on the base are keen to volunteer because it’s their community as well.”

About 30 Rotarians were given a tour of the base last Wednesday.

HMAS Stirling conducts about 340 community engagement events each year, including visits, school trips and charity days.

Capt. Delamont said the 2000 personnel based at Stirling spent about $100 million of wages in Rockingham and the wider region every year and the navy was committed to engaging with the community.

“About 17 per cent of the navy is recruited from outside WA, including myself, so going out and getting involved in in the community is a great way to build social networks,” Capt. Delamont said.

“We have great support here in the community so whatever we do, we make sure the resources of the navy go back into our local community.”