MEMBERS of the armed forces, the diplomatic community, government officials and other personnel within the maritime sector gathered in the sunshine by Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra on Sunday (October 18th) for the 36th annual Merchant Navy commemoration - to remember the sacrifices of Australian merchant seafarers in the two World Wars and beyond.
In welcoming the attendees, Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund chairman, Sean Barrett, noted that this year marked the first that no war veteran was able to attend. Tom Curry, who had hoped to join the ceremony as the veterans’ representative, was unfortunately unable to make the event. As veterans become fewer, Mr Barrett said, it is more important than ever to "keep this memorial alive (...) and to proactively honor their sacrifice".
Following Mr Barrett's welcome, Sister Mary Leahey OAM lead with a prayer, calling for peace and observing that she had 'never met a veteran who agreed with war'.
Images: Alistair Reed
This year’s guest of honour, Commodore Ashley Papp delivered the 2026 Merchant Navy Address, speaking about Australia’s dependence on the sea for its prosperity, security and essential supplies, and the central role merchant shipping played during the Second World War. Drawing parallels with the current world climate, he pointed to disruptions to global supply chains and the continuing importance of seaborne trade.
Commodore Papp stressed however, that it is "the people who operate the ships that we commemorate: the merchant sailors and their families, whose service and sacrifices have often gone unrecognised". He urged those gathered to “tell their stories” and said, “We owe them, we will remember them".
Among those attending were Commodore Andrew MacAlister, representing the Chief of Navy; Captain Josh Fagan; Lieutenant Colonel Olly Gray of the Royal Marines; and Commander Zia Jones of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Government and maritime representatives included Mark Brewer of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Kaylene Dale, CEO of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and Meredith Barnes of the ACT Office for Seniors and Veterans.
Images: Alistair Reed
The ceremony included prayers led by John Kewa of the Missions to Seafarers in Port Kembla, the Act of Remembrance led by Captain Ted van Bronswijk, and a wreath-laying ceremony. With no veteran present, Commodore Papp laid a wreath on behalf of the veterans. The event was supported by the National Capital Authority, the Canberra Brass Band, conducted by Stewart Dawes, and the Lake Burley Griffin Sea Scouts.
In closing, Mr Barrett also spoke about the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund’s ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the Merchant Navy. These include its long-running campaign to have the Red Ensign flown on Sydney Harbour Bridge on Merchant Navy Day, 3 September - a goal the fund continues to work towards, with progress gradually being made.