Centaur Association

At-Sea Service a Memorable Day

Over thee hundred family and friends boarded HMAS Manoora in the early hours of Friday 24th September 2010, farewelled by the Deputy Premier, Hon Paul Lucas MP. As dawn emerged it was apparent it was going to be a calm and sunny day and the ship headed north to Caloundra for a sail-by to greet the many others on the beach not able to make the sea journey. Next it was east, approx 48km out to sea to the location of the Centaur, where a truly memorable and moving ceremony was held made all the more poignant with wreaths and ashes strewn overboard by dignataries, Martin Pash, and families.

The return journey was a relaxed trip back as acquintances were made and renewed and some speeches and presentations made in the hanger space of the ship. At around 9.15pm HMAS Manoora docked at Brisbane Port and all alighted having shared a fulfilling and sacred occasion. An enormous sense of gratitude goes out to Capt. Stephen Dryden, RAN and his crew as tremendous hosts as well as the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments for making it all possible.

See below for other coverage of the day.