Navy Victoria Network

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄
The May edition of our monthly newsletter BROADSIDE is now available for you to read. Please feel free to share.

BROADSIDE The May edition of Navy Victoria Network's newsletter BROADSIDE

The Australian Government has announced it has secured the first vessel in its Maritime Strategic Fleet, the ANL Kokoda.

The ANL Kokoda, a large cargo ship, will be the first to participate in the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program, as Australia continues to work with industry to procure additional vessels for Australia’s maritime capacity.

Australia announces large cargo ship ANL Kokoda as first vessel in Maritime Strategic Fleet The Australian Government has announced it has secured the first vessel in its Maritime Strategic Fleet, the ANL Kokoda.

Those passionate about technology and maintaining computer systems are aware of the jokes that go with it.

But communications specialist Able Seaman Michael Cunningham wears this moniker like a badge of honour.

“It’s cool to be a nerd. Especially in this day and age,” he said.

Logan local succeeds at sea A Navy communications specialist proves that it's cool to be a nerd when you get to follow your passions.

When Commander Andrew Littlejohn paints a picture, technical aspects like colour theory and perspective are his focus to develop skill, more so than an underlying message.

“What I prefer to do is more representational. I'm not trying to push a narrative or get things out,” he said.

Painting a way through service A Navy commander's lifelong artistic endeavours result in his oil paintings being displayed at a major creative arts festival.

How does a 23-year-old sweet potato farmer from North Queensland’s Atherton tablelands end up on an Anzac-class frigate in the middle of the South China Sea?

For communications specialist Able Seaman Matthew Faber, it was the dedication and guidance of a high school teacher that inspired him to serve.

Tablelands teacher inspires life of service A high school teacher helps one farmer turned sailor find his purpose in the Navy.

Healthcare professionals are not immune to the psychological toll of trauma.

This was a key message discussed by Captain Ian Young during his lecture at the 94th Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress in early May.

“Surgeons and health professionals in general think they are immune because they deal with trauma or blood, guts and gore,” he said.

Rest, recovery and readiness A captain lectures on the overlooked issue of protecting the health of military healthcare professionals.

The family of Victoria Cross hero Cameron Baird has thanked Australians after the Albanese government reversed its decision to remove their travel allowance following backlash from the veteran community.

Family of Australian war hero issues heartfelt thanks after travel allowance backflip The family of Victoria Cross hero Corporal Cameron Baird has thanked Australians after the Albanese government backed down on the decision to strip them of their travel allowance.

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Growing up in Williamstown, Victoria, Lieutenant Ryan Hanaphy remembers the pride and excitement of seeing Anzac-class frigates built in his hometown.

Years later, that childhood connection came full circle when he was posted to HMAS Toowoomba shortly before the birth of his second child.

That excitement quickly turned to concern when he learned the ship would embark on a near six‑month regional presence deployment across East and South-East Asia, meaning he would likely miss his daughter’s birth. Cont....... https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-05-27/being-there-moments-that-matter

Australia’s serving personnel and veterans are paying up to $130,000 extra on their home loans because the government restricts a key housing scheme to just three lenders, with a new seven-year deal set to entrench the arrangement until 2033. But a little-known structural flaw in the way the scheme is run means many are paying far more than they should, while others are locked out of the benefit altogether.

Defence personnel, veterans slugged up to $130k tax on home loans By: Stephen Kuper – Defence Connect

ASC announced more than 60 businesses have progressed through a national qualification program to support the build of Virginia Class submarines. The milestone, announced at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference (IODS) in Perth this week, highlights Western Australia’s growing role in AUKUS and ASC’s work to uplift local suppliers to compete in the US submarine supply chain.

Australian industry surges into Virginia Class submarine supply chain - APDR ASC said more than 60 businesses have progressed through a national qualification program to support the build of Virginia Class submarines.