The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Danna Vale, announced the Government would provide an additional $5000 in funding to support the Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Association reunion being held this week in Canberra.

Mrs Vale said she was pleased that the Association is able to go ahead with this week’s reunion despite the loss of about $60,000 in funds raised for the event.

“Last year under the Saluting Their Service Commemorations program, I approved a grant of $3000 towards the costs of the reunion.

“In light of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the reunion I have now approved a further grant of $5000 to assist the Association in holding its reunion luncheon on Friday 19 March,” Mrs Vale said.

During a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial today, World War II veterans who served in the RAN’s Bathurst class ships, known as corvettes, joined Mrs Vale as they dedicated a plaque in honour of all Australians that served in corvettes during World War II.

Mrs Vale said 56 corvettes built in Australian shipyards served with the Royal Australian Navy, and were named after towns in all States of Australia.

“The many towns with ships named after them grew attached to ‘their’ corvettes, and these bonds strengthened throughout the course of the war,” Mrs Vale said.

“The corvettes were small but tough ships completing more duties and carrying greater burdens than ever thought possible.”

The corvettes were one of the workhorses of Australia’s war at sea, employed in a variety of tasks from sweeping and convoy escort duties to troop transport, shore bombardment and surveying.

“The crews that served on the corvettes were close-knit and dedicated to their ships and the defence of Australia and served with distinction. Sadly, many paid the ultimate price for their service,” Mrs Vale said.

“It is fitting that there will now be a lasting tribute at the Australian War Memorial in honour of the service and sacrifice of Australia’s corvette crews.”