Shark Bay shire nod for HMAS Sydney activities after application rejected by City of Greater Geraldton

A three-day event marking 80 years since the disappearance of HMAS Sydney II is on track to take place in Denham in November after requests to hold the festival in Geraldton were knocked back.

The HMAS Sydney Association (Victoria) initially submitted a grant application to the City of Greater Geraldton for support for the event — at which a march, concert and memorial at sea is planned.

After the application was denied, the group was successful in acquiring $3000 through the Shire of Shark Bay’s community assistance grant program.

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The Shire also pledged $6610 in-kind support, including the hire of venues, tables, a marquee and transport for older attendees.

According to the council’s June meeting minutes, the 1500 to 2000 visitors expected to attend the event would “have a positive impact on the town’s business operators”.

Councillors supported the application despite the HMAS Sydney Association (Victoria) not operating within the Shire of Shark Bay.

Event details are yet to be confirmed but activities will run from November 17 and 21 in Denham.

HMAS Sydney II disappeared on November 19, 1941.

The City of Greater Geraldton will spend more than $100,000 on its own public service at the national memorial.