Statement of recommendation from the Executive Director, Heritage to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Name: HMAS Castlemaine

Address: Gem Pier, Williamstown

Provisional VHR No. PROV VHR H2407

HMAS Castlemaine, July 2020

Executive Director recommendation Under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017 I recommend to the Heritage Council of Victoria that HMAS Castlemaine, currently located at Gem Pier, Williamstown, should be included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) in the category of registered object.

STEVEN AVERY Executive Director, Heritage Victoria DATE OF RECOMMENDATION: Monday 14 September 2020

This report may contain images and/or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are now deceased.

Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Heritage Council determination

The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria recommends that the Heritage Council include HMAS Castlemaine, currently located at Gem Pier, Williamstown, in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) in accordance with section 49 of the Heritage Act 2017 by determining:

 That this object is of State-level cultural heritage significance and should be included in the VHR in the category of object in accordance with section 49(1)(a) of the Act.  That the proposed categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the object for which a permit under the Act is not required will not harm the cultural heritage significance of the object under section 49(3) of the Act.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

The process from here

1. The Heritage Council publishes the Executive Director’s recommendation (section 41) The Heritage Council of Victoria will publish the Executive Director’s recommendation on its website for a period of 60 days. Submissions must be received by Heritage Council on or before Monday 16 November 2020.

2. Making a submission to the Heritage Council (sections 44 and 45) Within the 60-day publication period, any person or body can make a submission to the Heritage Council. This submission can support the recommendation, or object to the recommendation and a hearing can be requested in relation to the submission. Information about making a submission and submission forms are available on the Heritage Council of Victoria’s website: https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/registrations-reviews/executive-director-recommendations/

3. Heritage Council determination (sections 46 and 49) The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent statutory body. It is responsible for making the final determination to include or not include the place or object in the VHR, or amend a place or object already in the VHR. If no submissions are received the Heritage Council must make a determination within 40 days of the publication closing date. If submissions are received, the Heritage Council may decide to hold a hearing in relation to the submission. If a hearing does take place, the Heritage Council must make a determination within 90 days after the completion of the hearing.

4. Obligations of owners of places and objects (sections 42 and 43) The owner of a place or object which is the subject of a recommendation to the Heritage Council has certain obligations under the Heritage Act 2017. These relate to advising the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria in writing of any works or activities that are being carried out, proposed or planned for the place or object. The owner also has an obligation to provide a copy of this statement of recommendation to any potential purchasers of the place or object before entering into a contract.

5. Further information The relevant sections of the Act are provided at Appendix 1.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Description

The following is a description of HMAS Castlemaine at the time of the site inspection by Heritage Victoria in July 2020. HMAS Castlemaine is an Australian Bathurst-class Minesweeper constructed in Williamstown for the Australian Navy in 1941 and commissioned in 1942. It is constructed predominantly from welded steel and measures 56.73 metres (186 feet) long with a beam (maximum width) of 9.4555 (31 feet) The ‘draft’ (the drop from the waterline to the bottom of the hull) is 2.55 metres (8 feet).

c.2020, HMAS Castlemaine. Source: Maritime Trust of Australia

Exterior and Bridge Forecastle Deck and Boat Deck The Forecastle Deck (to the front of the ship) is dominated by the Bridge, a raised and largely enclosed structure which contains the ship’s helm and compass and from which it is piloted. Forward of the Bridge is the ship’s main armament, a QF 4-inch gun. Forward of the 4-inch gun is a cable windlass, used for lowering/ hoisting the ship’s anchor. To the rear of the Bridge is the Boat Deck which accommodates two lifeboats, a storage compartment for fruit and vegetables, water pumping equipment (for use on board), and a series of hatches providing light/ air to the engine room below. A 40mm anti-aircraft gun is also located to the rear, together with two mounted machine guns. The Bridge The Bridge is mostly enclosed. Within the enclosed portion (the wheelhouse), the main feature is the restored helm – a spoked ‘steering wheel’ which sets the ship’s direction. The wheelhouse also contains the ship’s compass and a series of voice pipes’ connecting the bridge to various parts of the ship. The floor of the wheelhouse is made of brass to avoid magnetic interference with the navigational equipment (compass). To the rear of the wheelhouse, and exposed to the elements, is the signal bridge, which contains two sets of pigeon-holes for storing flags and pennants not being displayed.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Quarterdeck At the very rear of the boat, is the Quarterdeck, which houses the ship’s mine sweeping equipment, consisting of a winch with two floats. A sea mine is positioned near the winch on the port side of the boat. Interior The Upper Deck contains the galley, the seaman’s messdeck (living deck) and the radio room. The Lower Deck houses the steering gear room, minesweeping store, officer’s cabins, wardroom and wardroom store, as well as the officer’s bathroom and pantry and the petty officer’s mess. It also contains a portion of the engine room and the boiler room which also extend down into the hold. The boiler room, located at the front of the engine room, contains two Yarrow Admiralty pattern 3-drum boilers each fired by four sprayers. The boilers provide steam to the engine room (to the aft of the boiler room) where it powers two triple expansion steam reciprocating engines. The hold contains the engine room and the boiler room both of which run from the lower deck. Other elements in the hold include oil fuel tanks and water tanks.

2020, The bridge showing the helm 2020, Winch for hauling mine sweeping equipment

2020, First Lieutenant’s cabin 2020, Lifeboat

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

History

The history has been drawn from information provided by the Maritime Trust of Australia and available from the and the Australian War Memorial. It has been supplemented by additional research where necessary.

Development of the Bathurst Class of Minesweepers In February 1938, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board (ACNB) identified the need for a class of general purpose 'local defence vessels’ that were easy to construct and operate and capable of undertaking both anti- submarine and minesweeping duties. In July 1938, the RAN Director of Engineering, Rear Admiral P.E. McNeil, was instructed to develop plans for a local defence vessel, with a displacement of approximately 500 tons, a speed of at least 10 knots (19 km/h), and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km). McNeil completed his design in February 1939 and while it was never produced, it attracted interest in Australian naval circles, as it offered advantages over existing minesweeping and anti-submarine vessels and could largely be built in Australia’s typically smaller shipyards and using local resources.

In September 1939, following the outbreak of World War II, a procurement process for the construction of seven ships, broadly based on McNeil's concept, was commenced. Additional orders were soon placed by the ACNB and the British Admiralty and between 1940-44, 60 ships were built. The 60 new vessels were classified as ‘’ – a word for small warship derived from the French. Fifty six of the 60 vessels were retained by the Royal Australian Navy and, in accordance with Navy tradition, they were named after Australian towns – for example: HMAS Castlemaine, HMAS Colac, HMAS Whyalla, HMAS Cowra and so on. It appears as though each town took an interest and assisted in fundraising efforts for their namesake vessel. The lead ship of the new class of Corvettes was named HMAS Bathurst and so the class became known as ‘Bathurst’-class Australian Minesweepers.

Construction of HMAS Castlemaine HMAS Castlemaine was laid down (construction commenced) on 17 February 1941 at the HMA Naval Dockyard in Williamstown as one of eight Bathurst-class vessels to be constructed there. As McNeil had originally intended, the parts were largely sourced locally with the engines being constructed by Thompsons of Castlemaine (VHR H1732) and the boilers being built at Cockatoo Island in Sydney. Following its completion, HMAS Castlemaine was launched by Mrs R.G Menzies, the wife of Prime Minister , on 7 August 1941. Sea trials followed and it was commissioned (entered active service) on 17 June 1942.

Active Service 1942-45 Between June 1942 and 1945 HMAS Castlemaine undertook a wide range of military duties, including: escorting vessels, minesweeping, transporting supplies and survey duties – predominantly in Northern Australia, Timor, Hong Kong and Papua . A detailed list of her war service is at Appendix B. Post War After the end of World War II, HMAS Castlemaine became part of the Reserve Fleet (mothball fleet) kept at . It was regularly towed to Williamstown Dockyard for dry-docking and maintenance, and returned to Geelong. In 1955 HMAS Castlemaine was allocated to Flinders Naval Depot (HMAS Cerberus) for use as a stationary training ship for engine-room artificers and shipwrights. This role required her to undergo a complete engine overhaul, which was undertaken at Williamstown dockyard.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

The overhaul also involved the removal of all non-essential equipment, such as guns, radar, radio, boats, minesweeping gear and deck fittings. The ship was then transported to HMAS Cerberus where the boilers were flushed, the ship's decks were stripped bare and most of the rigging removed. The former messdeck was turned into a workshop and the former minesweeping store into a classroom. The small arms magazine was turned into a damage control compartment, which was regularly flooded for training purposes with parties being required to enter the compartment and plug the holes.

Until the mid-1960s the HMAS Castlemaine continued to be used for training purposes. However, with the building of a new engineering school at HMAS Cerberus, her role as a training ship was reduced, especially as new training methods and technology was introduced to the syllabus. Parts of the engines and boilers were removed to the classrooms as models and in 1969, HMAS Castlemaine was declared available for disposal. The Maritime Trust of Australia and Restoration The Cerberus Trust was established in 1970 by dedicated volunteers for the express purpose of preserving HMVS Cerberus, a pre-federation ship of the Victorian navy (VHR H0186). The group was also interested in acquiring and preserving a Bathurst-class Minesweeper and lobbied to prevent the scrapping of HMAS Castlemaine. In October 1973 the Commonwealth Government gifted the Trust the HMAS Castlemaine with the proviso that it be “restored to her World War II configuration”. The year following their acquisition of HMAS Castlemaine, the Cerberus Trust changed its name to the ‘Maritime Trust of Australia’. While the HMAS Castlemaine had been saved, it was in very poor condition, being described by the Trust as “little more than “a rusty and gutted hulk, [on the exterior] stripped of all her deck fittings, winches and armaments. Inside was not much better; there were neither light fittings nor bridge equipment. Below decks, the engines and boilers were in pieces”.

Since 1974, volunteers from the Maritime Trust of Australia have returned much of HMAS Castlemaine to her 1945 configuration. Externally, the Bridge has been restored and the decks have been re-fitted with armaments, minesweeping gear, rigging. Internally, the boilers, engines, officer’s quarters, radio room and the chart room have all been restored to their original state and the ship is now in operable condition. The two larger spaces have not been restored, with the former messdeck being used as a museum/collection space and the former minesweeping store being used as a meeting room. HMAS Castlemaine was relocated from her original berth at South Wharf to Gem Pier in Williamstown in September 1976 and has largely remained there since. It continues to operate as a Museum Ship today. Selected bibliography Frank B. Walker, 1992, HMAS Armidale: The Ship that had to die, Budgewoi, NSW, Kingfisher Press. Able Seaman Libby Pearce, 2019, The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes, Canberra, Department of Defence. Royal Australian Navy, 'HMAS Castlemaine Ship History', https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-castlemaine [Accessed August 2020]. Peter Parer, 'HMAS Castlemaine' film, 1942, Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C189150 [Accessed August 2020]. Maritime Trust of Australia, Images and Chronology Provided.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Further information

Relevant Planning Scheme Port of Planning Scheme

Heritage Overlay There is no Heritage Overlay for this object

Other Overlays There are no other overlays for this object

Other Listings There are no other listings for this object.

Other Names There are no other names for this object

Traditional Owner Information HMAS Castlemaine is located on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. A Registered Aboriginal Party under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 has not been appointed.

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register HMAS Castlemaine is not included in the Aboriginal Heritage Register. Gem Pier, the current location of HMAS Castlemaine, is within an area of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.

Integrity The integrity of HMAS Castlemaine is very good. The cultural heritage values of the object can be easily read in the extant fabric. (July 2020).

Intactness The intactness of HMAS Castlemaine is good and the ship’s superstructure and internal configuration has remained intact. Like other vessels in the VHR, HMAS Castlemaine has, undergone extensive renovation since the Maritime Trust came into possession in 1973 involving the refit of most of the ship’s interior, including the Bridge, officer’s quarters, radio room, chart room, boilers and engines, as well as the reinstatement of much of the ship’s exterior equipment – including the minesweeping gear and weaponry. Parts have largely been sourced from other Bathurst-class Minesweepers or, where not available, re-made to the original specifications. (July 2020).

Condition The condition of HMAS Castlemaine is excellent. The ship is carefully maintained and used as an exhibit/museum space (July 2020).

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Statutory requirements under section 40.

Terms of the recommendation (section 40 (3)(a)) The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria recommends that HMAS Castlemaine is included in the VHR in the category of an object.

Information to identify the place or object (section 40(3)(b)) Name: HMAS Castlemaine

Address: Gem Pier, Williamstown The Executive Director recommends that the extent of registration for HMAS Castlemaine be gazetted as: All of the Australian Minesweeper, Bathurst Class ship known as HMAS Castlemaine.

No extent diagram is required for the registration of an object.

Rationale for the extent of registration The recommended extent of registration is all of the Bathurst Class Minesweeper known as HMAS Castlemaine.

The recommended extent varies from the nominated extent of registration. The original nomination was for ‘the whole ship and its contents’. The current recommended extent excludes the ship’s contents. There is no complete inventory or provenance information of the ship’s contents. Some relate directly to the ship and some do not, only being of general nautical interest. As a result, it is not currently possible to determine which/ if any objects are of sufficient significance to be included in the registration with the ship. It is recommended that a comprehensive assessment of the contents be undertaken in the future.

It should be noted that all parts of the HMAS Castlemaine, including interior and exterior fixtures, are proposed for inclusion in the VHR. A permit or permit exemption from Heritage Victoria is required for works affecting any part of the proposed extent of registration, apart from those identified in the categories of exempt works or activities in this recommendation.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Reasons for the recommendation, including an assessment of the State-level cultural heritage significance of place/object (section 40(3)(c))

Following is the Executive Director's assessment of the place/object against the tests set out in The Victorian Heritage Register Criteria and Thresholds Guidelines. A place or object must be found by the Heritage Council to meet Step 2 of at least one criterion to meet the State level threshold for inclusion in the VHR.

CRITERION A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for satisfying Criterion A The place/object has a CLEAR ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life in Victoria’s cultural history. plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. plus The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria.

Executive Director’s Response The HMAS Castlemaine has a clear association with the naval defence of Victoria during World War II and the Victorian ship building industry. The association of HMAS Castlemaine with World War II naval defence and the Victorian ship building industry is evident in the physical fabric of the ship and is also evident from a variety of documentary sources. World War II naval defence and the Victorian ship building industry are both of historical importance, having had a profound effect on the state’s development. Bathurst-class Minesweepers were regarded as the workhorses of the Australian naval fleet during World War II. The 60 ships that were produced (56 used by the Australian navy) played a critical role in transporting and providing support to troops operating in the waters north of Australia and into Asia. Over 10,000 servicemen served on Bathurst-class Minesweepers, drawn from all over Australia. HMAS Castlemaine has a clear association with the conflict in the Pacific (the ) and with the service of those Victorians who fought on her. HMAS Castlemaine was one of eight Bathurst-class Minesweepers built in Victoria (all at HMA Naval Dockyard in Williamstown) between 1940 and 1943. Fifty-two were built at other naval dockyards around Australia (bringing the total to sixty). It has a clear association with the development and operation of the Victorian ship building industry during World War II and demonstrates the contribution that Victorian shipbuilders made toward the Australian war effort. Step 1 of Criterion A is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: Test for satisfying Criterion A at the State Level The place/object allows the clear association with the event, phase etc. of historical importance to be UNDERSTOOD BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME ASSOCIATION.

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine is the only known intact World War II naval ship in Victoria. The HMAS Castlemaine allows the clear association with the naval defence of Victoria during World War II and the Victorian ship building industry to

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

be understood better than most other places or objects in the state with substantially the same association. While it has undergone significant restoration, both internally and externally, the ship’s superstructure and internal configuration remain largely original and replacement parts used in her restoration have typically come from other Bathurst-class Minesweepers or, where this has not been possible, have been built to the original specifications. Criterion A is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion B The place/object has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life of importance in Victoria’s cultural history. plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. plus The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, being one of a small number of places/objects remaining that demonstrates the important event, phase etc. or The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, containing unusual features of note that were not widely replicated or The existence of the class of place/object that demonstrates the important event, phase etc is ENDANGERED to the point of rarity due to threats and pressures on such places/objects.

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine has a clear association with the development and operation of the Victorian ship building industry during World War II. It also has a clear association with the contribution that Victoria and Victorian servicemen made in naval defence during World War II. The association of HMAS Castlemaine with both the Victorian ship building industry and the contribution of Victoria and Victorian servicemen to naval defence is evident in the physical fabric of the ship and in a variety of documentary sources. In its class, 60 Bathurst-class Minesweepers were constructed between 1940 and 1944, including eight in Victoria. Of the 60 only two remain today: HMAS Castlemaine and HMAS Whyalla (located on land in South Australia). Step 1 of Criterion B is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: State Level Significance Test for Criterion B The place/object is RARE, UNCOMMON OR ENDANGERED within Victoria.

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine is the only known intact World War II naval ship in Victoria and one of only a handful of World War II warships remaining in Australia. It is the only remaining Bathurst class vessel in Victoria and the only Bathurst class vessel in the world remaining in a nautical setting. The HMAS Castlemaine has much in common with the restoration of the Polly Woodside. Both are rare ships in their class which have been restored by volunteers and now play an important educational role in relation to Victoria’s maritime history. Criterion B is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

CRITERION C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion C The:  visible physical fabric; &/or  documentary evidence; &/or  oral history, relating to the place/object indicates a likelihood that the place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of historical interest that is NOT CURRENTLY VISIBLE OR UNDERSTOOD. plus From what we know of the place/object, the physical evidence is likely to be of an INTEGRITY and/or CONDITION that it COULD YIELD INFORMATION through detailed investigation.

Executive Director’s Response There is no basis on which to suggest that HMAS Castlemaine has the potential to yield information that is currently not visible and will contribute to an understanding of Victoria. Criterion C is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION D: Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion D The place/object is one of a CLASS of places/objects that has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, important person(s), custom or way of life in Victoria’s history. plus The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria. plus The principal characteristics of the class are EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object.

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine is one of the class ‘World War II naval ship’. It is associated with the naval defence of Victoria and Australia during World War II. It also has a clear association with the development and operation of the Victorian ship building industry between 1940-43. The naval defence of Victoria and Victoria’s ship building industry are of historical importance and had a profound effect on Victoria. The principal characteristics of a World War II naval ship, being those of a Bathurst-class Minesweeper, are clearly evident in the physical fabric of HMAS Castlemaine. Step 1 of Criterion D is likely to be satisfied.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Step 2: State Level Significance Test Criterion D The place/object is a NOTABLE EXAMPLE of the class in Victoria (refer to Reference Tool D).

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine can be considered as a notable example of World War II naval ship, being a Bathurst-class Minesweeper. It is a fine example of a Bathurst-class Minesweeper because: • It displays a large range of characteristics typical of the class of Bathurst-class Minesweepers; and • It displays the principal characteristics of the class in a way that allows the class to be easily understood and appreciated. Criterion D is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION E: Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion E The PHYSICAL FABRIC of the place/object clearly exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics.

Executive Director’s Response The HMAS Castlemaine has importance in that it exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics as a warship. It is an impressive vessel and has become a visually striking part of the Williamstown foreshore area. Criterion E is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: State Level Significance Test for Criterion E The aesthetic characteristics are APPRECIATED OR VALUED by the wider community or an appropriately-related discipline as evidenced, for example, by:  critical recognition of the aesthetic characteristics of the place/object within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding example within Victoria; or  wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.

Executive Director’s Response The aesthetic characteristics of the HMAS Castlemaine have not received critical recognition in an appropriate discipline or wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit. Criterion E is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

CRITERION F: Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.

Step 1: A Test for Satisfying Criterion F The place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE that clearly demonstrates creative or technical ACHIEVEMENT for the time in which it was created. plus The physical evidence demonstrates a HIGH DEGREE OF INTEGRITY.

Executive Director’s Response There is no basis on which to suggest that HMAS Castlemaine has importance in demonstrating a high degree of technical achievement at a particular period. Criterion F is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION G: Strong or special association with a particular present-day community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion G Evidence exists of a community or cultural group. (A community or cultural group is a group of people who share a common interest, including an experience, purpose, belief system, culture, ethnicity or values.) plus Evidence exists of a strong attachment between the COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUP and the place/object in the present-day context. plus Evidence exists of a time depth to that attachment.

Executive Director’s Response HMAS Castlemaine is associated with the servicemen who fought on it and other Bathurst-class Minesweepers during World War II and the servicemen and women who trained on it in the years it was stationed at HMAS Cerberus. Between 1940 and 1945 some 10,000 Allied servicemen served on Bathurst class Minesweepers, including many Victorians. The experience of those who served on HMAS Castlemaine was relatively short, but extremely intense. There are many reports of former servicemen from HMAS Castlemaine and other Bathurst-class Minesweepers retaining a strong sense of identity and becoming emotional when returning to visit HMAS Castlemaine at Williamstown in subsequent years. There is clear evidence of both a strong attachment and a time-depth to the attachment. The experience of those who trained on HMAS Castlemaine while it was stationed at HMAS Cerberus has not been well documented. HMAS Castlemaine was one of a number of training vessels used at HMAS Cerberus and unlike those who fought on it during World War II, trainees were not required to live or spend significant amounts of time on the ship. There is no evidence of a strong attachment or a time-depth to the attachment of this community of people. Step 1 of Criterion G is likely to be satisfied.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Step 2: State Level Significance Test for Criterion G Evidence exists that the social value resonates at a State Level, that is across the ‘broader Victorian community’. (‘Resonance’ means the extent to which the social value of a place/object can be demonstrated to exert an influence. The social value must resonate beyond a particular local, social or cultural community into the ‘broader Victorian community’). Plus Evidence exists that the social value is part of an event or story that contributes to Victoria’s identity.

Executive Director’s Response The connection between HMAS Castlemaine and those who served on her and other Bathurst-class Minesweepers has resonance at a State level. As the only remaining intact World War II naval ship in Victoria its resonance exerts an influence into broader Victorian community. The HMAS Castlemaine is one of the few places Victorians (including veterans) can go to gain a first-hand understanding of World War II naval experiences. The ship is an important part of Victoria’s war history, contributes to Victoria’s identity and the education of future generations. Criterion G is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION H: Special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion H The place/object has a DIRECT ASSOCIATION with a person or group of persons who have made a strong or influential CONTRIBUTION to the course of Victoria’s history. plus The ASSOCIATION of the place/object to the person(s) IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources and/or oral history. plus The ASSOCIATION:  directly relates to ACHIEVEMENTS of the person(s) at, or relating to, the place/object; or  relates to an enduring and/or close INTERACTION between the person(s) and the place/object.

Executive Director’s Response There is no basis on which to suggest that HMAS Castlemaine has a special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history. Criterion H is not likely to be satisfied.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Comparisons These places and objects were selected as comparators to HMAS Castlemaine because they are either military vessels included in the VHR or ships included in the VHR.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Military Seagoing Vessels in the VHR

Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, Swan Hill (VHR H2208) The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum is of historical and social significance to the State of Victoria. It features an original communications bunker, slipways, a Catalina flying boat of the type which was serviced and repaired there during the War, and a collection of related artefacts. Flying boats were an important component of the RAAF war effort. The Catalina aircraft, which was first produced in the US in 1939, quickly became the backbone of the RAAF flying boat fleet. Although it had a low top speed for a fighting aircraft, it also had outstanding load carrying capacity and endurance and was extremely robust. It was deployed extensively in c. 2020 Catalina Flying Boat PBY5. Source: Flying Boat Museum the western Pacific for bombing, reconnaissance, supply drops and rescue missions.

HMVS Cerberus, Half Moon Bay, Black Rock (VHR H0186) The HMVS Cerberus is of historical and scientific (technological) significance to the State of Victoria. The Cerberus was ordered in 1866 and designed by the eminent naval architect E. J. Reed and constructed in the UK. It was the first armoured fighting ship built for service in the Australian colonies and the first to operate without sails. Cerberus operated entirely within Port Phillip Bay, before ultimately being sold for scrap in 1924, when most valuable parts were removed. It was ultimately scuttled in Half Moon Bay and has served as a breakwater for the best 2020. HMVS Cerberus. Source: Andrew Snape part of 100 years. The Navy Base at Flinders, HMAS Cerberus, is named after her.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Places related to the Victorian ship building industry included in the VHR

Alfred Graving Dock, Williamstown Dockyard (VHR H0697)

The Alfred Graving Dock (a dry dock for ship building and maintenance) is historically significant as one of the greatest public works constructed in Australia in the nineteenth century. It is architecturally significant as the work of the distinguished architect William Wilkinson Wardell. After the outbreak of World War II, the Melbourne Harbor Trust used the dockyards for the conversion of merchant vessels and trawlers for war purposes and the construction of naval vessels. The Royal Australian Navy requisitioned the dockyard in 1942. This dock was vital to the defence of Victoria and its ship building industry during World War II. 2008 Alfred Graving Dock. Source Reddit This photograph shows the HMAS Castlemaine undergoing works.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Other ships Included in the VHR

Polly Woodside, South Wharf, Melbourne (VHR H2116) The Polly Woodside is of historical, scientific and social significance to Victoria. It was built in Belfast in 1885 and operated as a cargo vessel. In 1904 the ship was sold to a New Zealand company and until 1921 sailed mainly between various ports in Australia and New Zealand. In 1923 it was dismantled to become a coal hulk and towed to Melbourne. The ship was temporarily requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War and used in New Guinea as a refuelling barge for navy ships, then returned as a coal hulk. In 1968 the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the ship for one cent. It underwent extensive restoration, and in 1978 was opened to the public. The Polly Woodside is a rare surviving example, and one of the best in the world, of a nineteenth-century barque rigged, iron-hulled, ocean-going trading ship and of historical significance for being representative of the type of ship that that serviced Victoria through the intercolonial and international trade in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century; for its long

association with the Port of Melbourne and of social significance for its links to Victoria’s maritime history C 2007, Polly Woodside. Source VHD and for the public support it received for its preservation and conservation.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Summary of Comparisons HMAS Castlemaine is the only known intact World War II naval ship in Victoria. Moreover, it is one of only a handful of World War II warships remaining in Australia. The Catalina Flying boat is comparable as an intact military air/watercraft from World War II, but is very different in form, scale and purpose and, having been constructed in the United States, does not have a connection to Victoria’s manufacturing industry during World War II. The HMVS Cerberus is significantly older (1867), has been stripped of its equipment and converted into a breakwater. It is inaccessible to the general public and cannot provide the same understanding of the ship’s operation as the restored HMAS Castlemaine. It was constructed in the United Kingdom, so like the Catalina Flying Boat is unable to demonstrate the operation of Australia’s manufacturing industries. The Alfred Graving Dock (VHR H0697) demonstrates the nineteenth-century Victorian ship building industry and demonstrates its importance to the State, in both the civilian and military realms, into the twentieth century. It enables the complex process of ship building and maintenance to be understood, whereas ships such as the HMAS Castlemaine represent the finished product of this industry. The Polly Woodside is an intact vessel (albeit from the 1880s) but was designed as a cargo ship rather than a military vessel and was constructed in what is now Northern Ireland. Her character, associations and the experience of her crew were very different to that of HMAS Castlemaine and again being constructed overseas (Northern Ireland), it is unable to offer any insight into the development of Australian or Victorian shipbuilding. By contrast, HMAS Castlemaine is a naval vessel designed and built in Australia for use in World War II. Despite being stripped of much of her equipment in the 1950s/60s, a careful program of restoration (some of which was undertaken at the Alfred Graving Dock) has seen her returned to her 1945 configuration and for the last 45 years it has played an important role as a museum. The careful rebuilding of the HMAS Castlemaine by volunteers has much in common with the restoration of the Polly Woodside. Both rare ships in their class, they now serve an important and educational role in relation to Victoria’s maritime history.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Summary of cultural heritage significance (section 40(4)(a))

The ED recommends that HMAS Castlemaine be included in the VHR as an object. Statement of significance

What is significant? The Bathurst Class Minesweeper known as HMAS Castlemaine.

How is it significant? HMAS Castlemaine is of historical and social significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:

Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

Criterion B Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects

Criterion G Strong or special association with a particular present-day community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

Why is it significant? HMAS Castlemaine has a clear association with the naval defence of Victoria and Australia during World War II. The ship was one of sixty Bathurst-class Minesweepers built in Australia between 1940 and 1943, of which eight were constructed in Victoria at the HMA Naval Dockyard in Williamstown. It demonstrates the development of the Victorian ship building industry during World War II, and the service of those Victorians who served on her in Pacific theatres of war as part of the Royal Australian Navy. [Criterion A] HMAS Castlemaine is the only known intact World War II naval ship in Victoria. It is only one of two extant Bathurst-class Minesweepers in Australia, the other being displayed on land in South Australia, and the only one in the world remaining in a nautical setting. It is one of only a handful of World War II warships which survive in Australia. [Criterion B] HMAS Castlemaine is a notable example of a World War II naval ship. Despite being stripped of much of her wartime equipment, the superstructure and internal configuration of this Bathurst-class Minesweeper remains intact. Her subsequent restoration was undertaken largely using parts from other Bathurst-class Minesweepers or new elements constructed using original materials and specifications. As a result, the ship closely resembles her 1945 configuration, and displays the principal characteristics of a Bathurst-class Minesweeper in a way that allows

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

the class to be easily understood and appreciated. The HMAS Castlemaine retains her nautical setting and operational capacity. [Criterion D] HMAS Castlemaine is socially significant for her connection to the servicemen who fought on her and other Bathurst-class Minesweepers during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945 some 10,000 Allied servicemen served on Bathurst class Minesweepers, including many Victorians. As the only remaining intact World War II naval ship in the State, it is one of the few places that offers Victorians a first-hand insight into veterans’ war experiences. The ship contributes to Victoria’s identity and plays an important role in the education of future generations. [Criterion G]

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Categories of works or activities (permit exemptions) recommended under section 38 (section 40(4)(b))

Introduction The purpose of this information is to assist owners and other interested parties when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place or object. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place or object. It is acknowledged that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future. However, under the Heritage Act 2017 For places: a person must not knowingly, recklessly or negligently remove, relocate or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate all or any part of any part of a registered place without approval. It should be noted that the definition of ‘develop’ in the Act includes any works on, over or under the place. For objects: a person must not knowingly, recklessly or negligently remove, relocate or demolish, damage or despoil, or alter a registered object, or disturb the position of a fixed object without approval. If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place or object and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place or object as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted. Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under section 38 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under section 92 of the Heritage Act). It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.

Disrepair of a registered place or object Under section 152 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not allow that place or object to fall into disrepair.

Failure to maintain registered place or registered object Under section 153 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not fail to maintain that place or object to the extent that its conservation is threatened.

Conservation management plans It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.

Aboriginal cultural heritage If works are proposed which have the potential to disturb or have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage it is necessary to contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain any requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. If

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Other approvals Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.

Archaeology There is no identified archaeology of State level significance at the place.

Notes  All works should ideally be informed by a Conservation Management Plan prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.  Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.  Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits where applicable.

General Conditions  All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered object.  Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the object are revealed which relate to the significance of the object, then the exemption covering such works must cease and Heritage Victoria must be notified as soon as possible.

Specific Permit Exemptions The following categories of works or activities (permit exemptions) do not require a permit from Heritage Victoria. They are considered not to cause harm to the cultural heritage significance of the object and have been developed in consultation with the owner. General  Undertake hull and superstructure corrosion protection works on an ongoing basis.  Undertake hull external corroded steel deck area replacement and repairs within current hull lines, using like for like materials and original ship build plans.  Continue to source and install original ship fittings and memorabilia consistent with the Trust’s mission to return the ship to its 1945 configuration.  Minor repairs and maintenance which replaces like with like. Repairs and maintenance must maximise protection and retention of fabric and include the conservation of existing details or elements. Any repairs and maintenance must not exacerbate the decay of fabric due to chemical incompatibility of new materials, obscure fabric or limit access to such fabric for future maintenance.  Maintenance, repair and replacement of existing external services such as plumbing, electrical cabling, surveillance systems, pipes or fire services which does not involve changes in location or scale.  Maintain and operate original ship fitted machinery – including boilers and engines.  Maintain, modify and move portable museum memorabilia within the ship.  Works or activities, including emergency stabilisation, necessary to secure safety in an emergency where a structure or part of a structure has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and poses a safety risk to its users,

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

the public or the vessel itself. The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, must be notified within seven days of the commencement of these works or activities.  Works necessary to secure any armaments provided works do not alter the form or function of original fabric or fittings of the vessel.  Painting of previously painted external and internal surfaces in the same colour, finish and product type provided that preparation or painting does not remove all evidence of earlier paint finishes or schemes.  Cleaning including the removal of surface deposits by the use of low-pressure water (to maximum of 300 psi at the surface being cleaned) and neutral detergents.

Interiors  Works to maintain or upgrade existing bathrooms and galley, including installing new appliances – providing no pre-1946 fabric is removed.  Installation, removal or replacement of existing electrical wiring. If wiring is currently exposed, it should remain exposed. If it is fully concealed it should remain fully concealed.  Removal or replacement of post 1945 light switches or power outlets.  Removal or replacement of existing hooks, brackets and the like for hanging displays.  Maintenance, repair and replacement of post 1945 light fixtures, tracks, carpets and/or flexible floor coverings, window furnishings and the like in existing locations.  Removal or replacement of smoke and fire detectors, alarms and the like, of the same size and in existing locations.  Repair, removal or replacement of existing ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the central plant is concealed, and that the work is done in a manner which does not alter the vessel’s fabric.

Public activities  The installation and/or erection of temporary elements associated with short term events for a maximum period of seven days and no more than 12 times a year. This includes: o Temporary (lightweight) structures such as shelters, marquees and tents which are weighted down with sandbags or water or attached to the ship. o Temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or to secure public safety. o Temporary infrastructure, including wayfinding/directional signage, lighting, public address systems, furniture and the like in support of events and performances which do not require fixing.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Appendix 1

Heritage Council of Victoria determination (section 41) The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent statutory body that will make a determination on this recommendation under section 49 of the Act. It will consider the recommendation after a period of 60 days from the date the notice of recommendation is published on its website under section 41.

Making a submission to the Heritage Council (section 44) Within the period of 60 days, any person or body with a real and substantial interest in the place or object may make a submission to the Heritage Council regarding the recommendation and request a hearing in relation to that submission. Information about making a submission and submission forms are available on the Heritage Council’s website.

Consideration of submissions to the Heritage Council (section 46) (1) The Heritage Council must consider— (a) any written submission made to it under section 44; and (b) any further information provided to the Heritage Council in response to a request under section 45. (2) The Heritage Council must conduct a hearing in relation to a submission if— (a) the submission includes a request for a hearing before the Heritage Council; and (b) the submission is made by a person or body with a real or substantial interest in the place or object that is the subject of the submission. (3) Despite subsection (2), the Heritage Council may conduct a hearing in relation to a submission in any other circumstances the Heritage Council considers appropriate.

Determinations of the Heritage Council (section 49) (1) After considering a recommendation that a place or object should or should not be included in the Heritage Register and any submissions in respect of the recommendation and conducting any hearing into the submissions, the Heritage Council may— (a) determine that the place or part of the place, or object, is of State-level cultural heritage significance and is to be included in the Heritage Register; or (b) determine that the place or part of the place, or object, is not of State-level cultural heritage significance and is not to be included in the Heritage Register; or (c) in the case of a recommendation in respect of a place, determine that the place is not to be included in the Heritage Register but— (i) refer the recommendation and any submissions to the relevant planning authority for consideration for an amendment to a planning scheme; or (ii) determine that it is more appropriate for steps to be taken under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 or by any other means to protect or conserve the place; or (d) in the case of a recommendation in respect of additional land which has been nominated to be included in the Heritage Register as part of a registered place in accordance with section 32, determine that the land be included in the Heritage Register if—

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

(i) the State-level cultural heritage significance of the place would be substantially less if the land or any part of the land which is or has been used in conjunction with the place were developed; or (ii) the land surrounding the place is important to the protection or conservation of the place or contributes to the understanding of the place; or (e) determine that the object is integral to understanding the cultural heritage significance of a registered place or a place the Heritage Council has determined to be included in the Heritage Register. (2) The Heritage Council must make a determination under subsection (1)— (a) within 40 days after the date on which written submissions may be made under section 44; or (b) if any hearing is conducted into the written submissions, within 90 days after the completion of the hearing. (3) A determination that a place or part of a place, or object, should be included in the Heritage Register may include categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place or object for which a permit under this Act is not required, if the Heritage Council considers that the works or activities would not harm the cultural heritage significance of the place or object. (4) If the Heritage Council determines to include a place in the Heritage Register, with the consent of the owner of the place, the Heritage Council may determine to include in the Heritage Register additional land of the owner that is ancillary to the place. (5) If a member of the Heritage Council makes a submission under section 44 in respect of a recommendation, the member must not take part in the consideration or determination of the Heritage Council. (6) The Heritage Council must notify the Executive Director of any determination under this section as soon as practicable after the determination.

Obligations of owners of places and objects (section 42) (1) The owner of a place or object to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of— (a) any works or activities that are being carried out in relation to the place or object at the time the statement is given; and (b) any application for a planning permit or a building permit, or for an amendment to that permit, that has been made in relation to the place but not determined at the time the statement is given; and (c) any works or activities that are proposed to be carried out in relation to the place or object at the time the statement is given. (2) An advice under subsection (1) must be given within 10 days after the statement of recommendation is given under section 40. (3) The owner of a place to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of an application, permit or amendment if, before a determination under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place— (a) an application for a planning permit or a building permit or for an amendment to that permit in relation to the place is made; or (b) a planning permit or building permit or an amendment to that permit in relation to the place is granted. (4) An advice under subsection (3) must be given within 10 days after the making of the application or the grant of the permit or amendment. (5) The owner of a place or object to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of the following activities or proposals if, before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place or object— (a) any activities are carried out in relation to the place or object that could harm the place or object;

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

(b) any activities are proposed to be carried out in relation to the place or object that could harm the place or object. (6) An advice under subsection (5) must be given within 10 days after the owner becomes aware of the activity or the proposal, as the case requires. (7) If, before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place or object, a proposal is made to dispose of the whole or any part of the place or object, the owner of the place or object must advise the Executive Director in writing of that proposal. (8) An advice under subsection (7) must be given at least 10 days before entering into the contract for the disposal of the place or object. (9) The owner of a place or object who proposes to dispose of the whole or any part of the place or object before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of the place or object must, before entering into a contract for that disposal, give a copy of the statement of proposed contract, is to acquire the place or object or part of the place or object.

Owners of places and objects must comply with obligations (section 43) An owner of a place or object to whom section 42 applies must comply with that section.

Penalty: In the case of a natural person, 120 penalty units; In the case of a body corporate, 240 penalty units.

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Appendix 2

Detailed Activity Timeline for the HMAS Castlemaine

Date Activity Source 17 February 1941 ‘Laid Down’ at the Melbourne Harbour Navy website Trust Dockyard Williamstown 7 August 1941 Launched by Mrs R G Menzies, wife of Navy website then Prime Minister Robert Menzies 17 June 1942 Commissioned Navy website 26 - 28 June 1942 Sailed with HMAS Rockhampton Navy website escorting convoy OC5 from Melbourne to Sydney 28 June 1942 – 11 August 1942 Following completion of working up Navy website exercises off Broken Bay the ship escorted convoys between Sydney and Melbourne 11 August 1942 Sustained damage following a collision Navy website with a Manly ferry in Sydney Harbour 14 August – 22 August 1942 Repairs from the Manly ferry collision Navy website undertaken at Cockatoo Island Sydney 30 August 1942 Arrived in Townsville following the Navy website resumption of escort duties 30 August 1942 – 5 October 1942 Escorted vessels from Townsville to Navy website Port Moresby 5 October 1942 Arrived at Darwin having escorted the Navy website MV Van Heutsz (Dutch) 7 October – 8 October 1942 & 13 Undertook two trips escorting a single Navy website October – 19 October 1942 vessel each time between Darwin and Thursday Island 13 October – 19 October 1942 Escorted the MV Joseph Lane to Navy website Thursday Island 5 November 1942 Rendezvoued with MV Darvel at sea Navy website before escorting into Darwin 7 November 1942 Arrived at Betano Timor to support Navy website guerrilla operations against Japanese occupation forces in Timor. Transported military mail and stores, a Dutch military officer, 4 war correspondents, troops and refugees 9 November 1942 Returned to Darwin Navy website 29 November 1942 Left Darwin for Timor with HMAS Navy website Armidale as part of Operation Hamburger involving 3 vessels to provide relief, reinforcement and evacuate 2 Returned to Darwin, searching for two Navy website downed airmen on the way and carrying 77 Portuguese civilians removed from Timor and transferred to the Castlemaine at sea. (Of note that

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

the HMAS Armidale was sunk under heavy attack during this mission) 2 December 1942 Resumed escort duties between Darwin Navy website and Thursday Island. Continued to undertake escort, minesweeper and general duties in Northern Australian waters. 15 - 16 December 1942 Came under attack whilst escorting Navy website merchant ships Period and James Cook from Thursday Island to Darwin. The Period was directly hit and suffered casualties including 4 deaths. The anti- aircraft artillery on the ship was used to repulse the attacks. 2 January 1943 Arrived at Port Moresby after escorting HMAS Castlemaine website the troopship Van Heemskerk from Merauke. 19 March 1943 Went aground in an unsurveyed HMAS Castlemaine website channel whilst escorting SS Babinda with RAAF personnel and supplies to Arnhem Land. 21 March 1943 Refloated with the tide HMAS Castlemaine website 20 July 1943 Returned to Sydney for refit. HMAS Castlemaine website 27 August 1943 Departed Sydney. “Engaged in HMAS Castlemaine website escorting convoys between Sydney and Brisbane and Sydney and Melbourne.” 12 November 1943 Ceased escort duties between Sydney HMAS Castlemaine website and Brisbane and Sydney and Melbourne 28 November 1943 Journeyed to Townsville and continued HMAS Castlemaine website to engage in escort voyages between the North Queensland ports and New Guinea 18 – 19 December 1943 Whilst travelling to Cairns diverted to Navy website assist vessels run aground on Bougainville reef. 23 March 1944 Transferred to the control of the Naval HMAS Castlemaine website Office-in-charge New Guinea where it made “…numerous trips from Milne Bay and Langemak Bay near Finshafen.” Performed escort duties, “…transported supplies and personnel to Buna, Lae, Finschhafen, Saidor and Madang and escorted convoys to Cape Gloucester in New Britain, Seaddler Harbour on Manus Island and Hollandia (Jayapura) northern New Guinea.” 11 June 1944 Departed Milne Bay travelled via HMAS Castlemaine website Brisbane and Sydney to Adelaide for annual refit. 2 August 1944 Departed Adelaide for Fremantle then HMAS Castlemaine website returned to Darwin. 20 August 1944 – 24 February 1945 Arrived in Darwin and began service HMAS Castlemaine website “…with a survey unit charting the Scott Reef-Browse Island area.” 24 February – 22 March 1945 Visit to Freemantle HMAS Castlemaine website

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22 March 1945 – 16 August 1945 Returned north and performed survey HMAS Castlemaine website duties around the Darwin and Kimberley region. 14/15 August 1945 INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF JAPAN’S SURRENDER 16 August 1945 Departed for Morotai HMAS Castlemaine website 19 August 1945 Arrived at Morotai HMAS Castlemaine website 24 August 1945 Arrived Subic Bay (Philippines) HMAS Castlemaine website 27 August 1945 Joined “…newly formed RAN HMAS Castlemaine website minesweeping flotilla consisting of eight ships…” and departed for Hong Kong, 29 - 30 August 1945 Undertook minesweeping operations HMAS Castlemaine website 2 September 1945 FORMAL JAPANESE SURRENDER CEREMONY 30 August – September 1945 Employed with flotilla on patrols HMAS Castlemaine website destroying Japanese suicide craft and small enemy craft 3 October 1945 Redeployed with flotilla to mine HMAS Castlemaine website clearance operations in the Hong Kong area 14 October 1945 Mine clearance flotilla departed Hong HMAS Castlemaine website Kong. Between14 October – 25 October 1945 Travelled independently from the rest of Examiner, 27 October 1945, page 4 & the minesweeper flotilla in order to The Age, 25 October 1945, page 2, escort HMAS Strahan to Sydney, via Trove Brisbane, for repairs and de- commissioning after it sustained damaged from a mine when trying to intercept pirates in Hong Kong. 16 November 1945 Arrived Melbourne. HMAS Castlemaine website 16 December 1945 ‘paid off’ into reserve in Melbourne Navy website 1955 Allocated to Flinders Naval Depot Navy website & (HMAS Cerberus) for use as a Nomination document stationary ship for engine-room & artificers and shipwrights as well as by Naval Historical Society Australia the Seamanship School for training in anchor work and general seamanship. 1958 Transferred to Cerberus Westernport Navy website & Victoria and continued to be used as an Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister immobilised training vessel. and Minister for Defence, the Hon. L.H. Barnard, MP, 14 September 1973, No.148/73, accessed 21 July 2020 (see quote above for reference) 1969 Ship declared available for disposal Navy website after training vessel role diminished October 1973 Ship gifted to the Cerberus Trust with Navy website the proviso that it be restored to her World War II configuration 1974 The Maritime Trust of Australia Navy website established to take responsibility for the restoration and preservation of the ship June 1974 Ship opened to the public as a floating Navy website museum at various berths 18 March 1980 Provision of goods for the restoration of Commonwealth of Australia General HMAS Castlemaine for historical Gazette (1977-1987), Issue No. G11, purposes published in the page 7, Trove Commonwealth of Australia General

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Gazette (1977-1987), Issue No. G11, page 7, Customs Act 1901 Notice of Determinations under part XVI, “C80/50942. Goods for restoration for historical purposes of HMAS ‘Castlemaine’. 11.81. 19.)

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