A Brief History

The site for HMAS Cerberus was recommended by Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson KCB RN after an extensive search of the Australian coastline for suitable locations for major Naval bases. He proposed that a base be established on Hann’s Inlet between Sandy Point and Stony Point on Westernport Bay.

The base was to include a Torpedo School, a Destroyer Base and a Submarine Base, and be capable of accommodating up to 2,000 personnel. The site, covering over 1,500 hectares (nearly 3,600 acres), was purchased in 1911. The first sod was turned in 1913. The old wharf and hospital were erected first, followed by A, B and C Blocks. The Wardroom, Warrant Officers’ Mess, Captain’s and other Officers’ residences were built between 1915 and 1917.

The Drill Hall, Gunnery School and Torpedo School (now part of the Technical Training Centre) were established in 1917 at the height of building activity. The power house and other residences were built between 1918 and 1920.

The base was officially opened in September, 1920, under the command of Commander FC Darley RN. The idea of using it as a Fleet Base was soon abandoned and it became known as Flinders Naval Depot in 1921. The Depot was commissioned HMAS Cerberus on 1 April that year.

Royal Colours were first presented to HMAS Cerberus, on behalf of His Majesty King George V, by the then GovernorGeneral the Right Hon John Lawrence Baird, 1st Baron Stonehaven, GCMG, DSO, PC, JP, DL, in 1927. They were the first Royal Colours to be presented to an Australian Naval Unit. The Queen’s Royal Colours were presented in 1954 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Royal Colours incorporating the Southern Cross were later presented by Governor-General Lord Casey in 1968. The present Royal Colours were presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

In 1930, during a period of naval retrenchment, the Royal Australian Naval College moved from Jervis Bay to HMAS Cerberus, where it remained until 1958 when it returned to Jervis Bay.

The outbreak of World War II found the facilities inadequate to deal with the needs of wartime recruits who were passing through Cerberus at the rate of 400 a month. Temporary buildings were erected to cope with the needs of this sudden influx.

The first Women’s Royal Australian Navy (WRANs) arrived in 1942 and, apart from a short post-war break, have been part of the RAN ever since. 1942 also saw the introduction of an Officers’ Training School to train selected recruits as officers for war service.

The school trained 1,000 sailors during the war and closed in 1945.

There have been many changes to since the war. Progressively, many of the temporary buildings have been dismantled and replaced.

The Roman Catholic Chapel, Our Lady Star of the Sea, was opened in 1948, followed by St Mark’s Chapel in 1954. Other additions include the present accommodation blocks, cinema, Senior Sailors’ Mess, Club Cerberus, gymnasium and aquatic centre, Seamanship School and Wharf, Communications School, Recruit School and Health Centre.

The phasing out of apprentice training, the closure of HMAS Nirimba and the introduction of tri-service training has resulted in many changes at HMAS Cerberus.

Street names of HMAS Cerberus

HMAS Cerberus has a rich history with extensive links to notable personnel and ships from the past. Many of the streets and roads within the base have been named in recognition of individuals who have strong links to the base or ships with geographical connections to Victoria.

Welcome to HMAS Cerberus, we trust that your visit is enjoyable. Important safety information is provided below to assist you during your visit to the Royal Australian Navy’s premier training establishment.

Be aware that Navy Photographers will be taking photographs throughout the day for Navy public relations purposes. Should you have concerns about you or your children being photographed please advise the photographer accordingly.

HMAS Cerberus was opened in 1920 and contains a number of heritage buildings and areas. The age and condition of HMAS Cerberus’s buildings (including steps and entrances) roads and pathways vary. Visitors are to be particularly careful walking within the public grounds and buildings. Issues with access and mobility will require consideration during your visit. Defence recognises that it has an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011, to provide a healthy and safe working environment for its employees (military, civilian, contractors and cadets). This obligation also extends to visitors to Defence establishments. Similarly, all individuals within the establishment have a responsibility to act safely at all times.

VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety requires your cooperation. For this reason all visitors shall:

• Abide by all safety directions given by a Defence employee.

• Ensure the adequate supervision of accompanying children.

• Immediately report any hazard or hazardous condition to a Defence employee.

• Report all incidents/injuries to a Defence employee.

• Not bring alcohol/illegal drugs into a Defence facility.

• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with any Defence property.

• Not enter any restricted area without authorisation.

SMOKING

Safety Message

Smoking is not permitted in any Defence facilities within HMAS Cerberus. Please consider the harmful effects of smoking on others. Designated smoking areas are located throughout the establishment.

Incident Or Injury

If you are injured or an incident has occurred during your visit you are required to report this as soon as possible to any Defence employee.

FIRST AID

These services will be provided by St. John Ambulance who will have a First Aid Station in Main Arena 1 (adjacent Bus Stop 3 - see map on page 14) and a roving team based out of the Wharf area. Your assistance with the completion of an Incident Report form may also be required. This form will enable Defence to take corrective action where appropriate.

Building Evacuation - In the event that a building evacuation is required, visitors should follow the directions of emergency signage or Defence staff and proceed immediately to the nearest fire exit and vacate the facility.