Royal patron
HRH The Princess Royal is the patron of the Western Port Oberon Association.
The Western Port Oberon Association began its association with HRH The Princess Royal when the association owned the submarine HMAS Otama, which she launched and commissioned into service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1978.
The submarine has since been scrapped, after a suitable site and funding were not forthcoming to move the boat ashore. HRH has graciously agreed to continue her association with the Western Port Oberon Association, keen to remain as patron of the project.
HRH visited Otama in Hastings in 2003. In a formal ceremony she presented the President of the association with Otama's decommissioning white ensign, which remains in the museum.
Every Anzac Day, the association's president, Max Bryant, lays a wreath on behalf of their patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Every Christmas, HRH The Princess Royal and the association exchange Christmas cards, many of which can be seen on display at the museum.
The 2003 visit to Hastings
Arrival
HRH The Princess Royal, after a short helicopter ride from Melbourne, arrived in Hastings on 17 October 2003.
The cenotaph
On the way to our museum, HRH stopped off to lay a wreath at the Hastings cenotaph.
At the museum
After the wreath-laying ceremony, HRH made her way to the Western Port Oberon Association's original museum. On her arrival she was greeted by a large crowd who had been waiting patiently to welcome her.
The ensign
In a formal ceremony HRH presented the President of the Western Port Oberon Association with Otama's decommissioning white ensign, which remains in the museum.
Farewell
On leaving, her helicopter circled HMAS Otama, moored out in the bay, so that HRH could once again see the submarine she had commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1978.
Meeting our patron
10 April 2022
Government House, Sydney. On 10 April 2022 HRH The Princess Royal was in Sydney on official duties. There was to be a garden party at Government House, and we were invited to attend.
It was the President's role to decide who would accompany him to the Royal event. It was not an easy decision, as so many wanted to attend. The final attendees, from right to left, were Max Bryant, David Hoare, Nevan Wadeson, Dennis Gist, Ian Heraud and Bruce Jarvis.
Melbourne
Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. HRH The Princess Royal was back in Australia, this time visiting Melbourne, for the celebration of the Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. The President and Captain Phil Leaver were invited.
Anzac Day
