The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the creation of the first Naval College in Australia, at Osborne House in Geelong.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon has joined those marking the college’s centenary and paid tribute to those who have taught Australia’s naval officers over the past 100 years.

“This centenary event recognises the opening of the college which was a significant milestone for both the Australian Navy and in Geelong’s history.”

Prior to 1 March 1913, Navy Cadets were sent to England for Officer Training. The Australian Navy sought to have cadets trained at home so as not to lose their “Australian-ness”, but the facility at Jervis Bay in NSW was not due for completion for another two years. Osborne House was selected as a temporary facility to become the first Royal Australian Naval College.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN who inspected a guard contingent from HMAS Cerberus, local Naval Cadets and the Navy Band. Vice Admiral Peter Jones AO DSC RAN also delivered an address on the history of the Royal Australian Naval College.

“Some of our most distinguished naval officers including Admirals Collins and Farncomb, and Captain Waller were first trained in this building. Osborne House is an incredibly important link in Australian Navy history,” said Mr Snowdon.

The Naval College was based at Osborne House until 1915, after that it served as a Naval Convalescent Hospital, the home of Australia’s first submarine fleet, a training base during the Second World War and the headquarters for the Shire of Corio for some 50 years.

Media contacts:
Minister Snowdon’s Office: Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796
Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999