Upcoming events Past event reports

2023 Sydney Annual Lunch

4 Aug 2023
HMAS WATSON

Update on the NWOA Sydney Lunch 04 Aug 2023 at HMAS WATSON.

Further to my earlier advice regarding the forthcoming NWOA Annual Sydney Lunch, the following details are now confirmed.

The event will commence with a briefing on contemporary warfare training provided by the staff of the Training Authority Maritime Warfare. Attendees will then be joined at lunch in the Wardroom by the Fleet Commander, senior Naval Warfare and Training staff, and current PWO and MWO staff and students.

Senior Officers attending the event will be:

  1. Fleet Commander – RADM Chris Smith

  2. COMSUPPORT – CDRE Heath Robertson

  3. COMTRAIN – CDRE John Stavridis

  4. DG Future Navy Workforce – CDRE Anthony Klenthis

  5. Head Warfare Community – CDRE Phil Stanford

  6. DTAMW – CAPT Ben Reilly

  7. CO WATSON – CMDR Aaron Scott

Members should arrive by 11.00 at the Wardroom. The briefing will commence at 1115 and afterward, members proceed will proceed to drinks and lunch in the company of the above-mentioned Navy team. It is expected the event will conclude around 14.30.

Because of the major redevelopment project which continues at WATSON, vehicular access to the base remains restricted and public transport (ideally the ferry) is recommended. The 10.15 & 10.45 services from Circular Quay will get you to Watsons Bay in sufficient time for the briefing, and there are suitable return services from Watsons Bay at 14.15 or 14.45. On street parking is also available in the surrounding streets but cannot be guaranteed, and there are regular bus services to/ from the city.

As was the case last year, WATSON will provide a minibus shuttle service to the base from Watsons Bay wharf to meet the 10.15 and 10.45 ferry services. A return shuttle service will also be available after the lunch.

It is confirmed that the event will be a no-host function with members able to purchase their lunch and drinks in the Mess. Wives and partners are most welcome to attend.

The committee encourages members to strongly support this event. It will provide a rare opportunity, in informal circumstances, for retired members to interact with Navy’s senior leadership team directly responsible for delivering vital warfighting capability in the challenging strategic environment currently prevailing.

This lunch has been created as an event on the website and members are requested to use that facility to indicate their attendance.