Royal Australian Navy returns to the south coast to help bushfire rebuild, new ship calls Eden home

The Royal Australian Navy has returned to the south coast almost 12 months after it helped evacuate residents during the Black Summer bushfires.

The NUSHIP Supply crew with Cobargo residents Barry and Nerida Heseltine. Picture: Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy has returned to the south coast almost 12 months after it helped evacuate residents during the summer bushfire emergency.

Not only will the new navy ship NUSHIP Supply now call Eden home, but the crew have helped volunteer groups Blaze Aid, who are struggling to find volunteers, and BizRebuild with rebuilding fences in the Bega Valley lost during the bushfires.

Executive Officer of Supply Lieutenant Commander Peter Dargan were happy to continue the work of HMAS Adelaide during the bushfire crisis.

“The stories we have heard this week have shown just how meaningful support from the ADF is to Australian communities,” he said.

The ship will now call Eden home. Picture: Royal Australian Navy

“It also serves as a timely reminder as we enter another high-risk weather season that we need to be ready to be called upon to provide assistance again should it be needed.”

Cobargo residents Barry and Nerida Heseltine thanked the crew for help rebuilding their Lochinglade Alpaca Stud fences, lost during the fires.

“We stayed and fought the fire, which was a silly thing to do but you don’t think about it at the time,” Mr Heseltine said.

“I’ve been in the Rural Fire Service for 23 years and I’ve never seen fires that bad. I will never forget the sound.

“We are still suffering the impacts and not just on our property. I’ve lost my sense of smell and Nerida’s lost hearing in one ear, burnt her feet and has lung problems. It’s affected us a lot.”

The ship’s Commanding Officer Captain Ben Hissink. Picture: Supplied

The couple said it was a combination of luck and Ms Heseltine’s handy use of melting hoses that saved their home.

“Before the navy came we didn’t know what we were going to do. So much work needs to be done and we’re older so it is very overwhelming,” Ms Heseltine said.

“We woke up early this morning because we were so excited knowing we were going to get some help though.

“When the navy pulled up we were overjoyed, this was the greatest Christmas present ever and we thank the navy so very much. We’ll have smiles for weeks.”

The navy has announced the ship will now be based at the Port of Eden, with its mascot, designed by indigenous artists Alison Simpson and Joe Stewart, approved by the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council.

“This artwork is the culmination of a vision we had to create a wholly inclusive ship inspired by the indigenous community that values community and family, and protects each other,” the ship’s Commanding Officer Captain Ben Hissink said.

Leading Seaman Coxswain Brooke Summers, who was aboard the Adelaide during Operation Bushfire Assist, said coming back to Eden and helping the community was a moving experience.

“My experience from coming to Eden now since Op Bushfire Assist has changed dramatically. It’s good to see people out and about and feels amazing to come back and support the community again,” she said.

“The locals have reacted quite well to us being here – I’ve had conversations with some who have expressed their thanks about how happy they were knowing Adelaidewas ready to evacuate them if needed, and that we’ve come back to support them.”