Amazing on ship concert shares Australia's pride

We have been informed the December concert on board HMAS Canberra has been postponed, most likely till the New Year. The new date and details are not available as yet but we will provide more information through Military Voice as soon as it comes to hand.  

A concert on board HMAS CANBERRA (Pictured)

To celebrate 100 years of supporting Australia’s veterans and their families the National RSL is putting on an amazing evening concert on board the Royal Australian Navy’s massive Flagship, HMAS Canberra.

The concert is about recognising the thousands of veterans, families and supporters who, as part of the RSL in communities across Australia, have for 100 years cared for generations of servicemen and women. You don’t have to have a link to the RSL or the military to attend. The concert is a about remembering that we all care for our veterans.

RSL National CEO and former RAN Officer, Sam Jackman says the concert promises to be a fantastic evening for the up to 1,000 concert goers on the ship, and for many thousands of local RSL members at sub-branches and clubs across the country joining in via the live web-cast.

“In the past 100 years the RSL has been at the forefront of supporting veterans, both providing practical assistance on the ground and in representing the needs of veterans and families at the highest levels,” she said. “This concert remembers that long and proud tradition of service.”

The artists include Kasey Chambers, Archie Roach, Anne Kirkpatrick, Eric Bogle, Fred Smith, as well as the high-spirited Stilettos, Sing Australia and the Royal Australian Navy Band.

The $150 tickets are great value and provide concert goers a rare opportunity to enjoy a fully catered night out on a Sydney Harbour venue few people will ever get to enjoy – inside the RAN’s massive Flagship. Included in the price are fine wines from Atkins Family Winemaker, beers and ciders from Lion Co, and a specially created limited edition Great War replica soldier bag from the Military Shop that is filled with great gifts, such as an RSL Centenary Proof Medallion, keyring, and other bits and pieces from sponsors and supporters. All this for less than the cost of a theatre ticket in Sydney!

The concert is in the ship’s aircraft hangar and concert goers should wear comfortable clothing and “sensible” shoes – there will be a several ship’s ladders to negotiate, which may be difficult for some. Special arrangements are available for people with mobility issues. Remember, this concert is on board an active naval vessel.

Ms Jackman says funds raised from the event will help new generations of serving and non-serving men and women make the often difficult transition from military service to civilian life.

“The RSL has great programs that provide our veterans with hands-on support and encouragement,” Ms Jackman said. “Things like Operation K9, where the RSL is working with the Royal Society for the Blind to link especially trained dogs with veterans who are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“And there are programs like RSL Active, which provides weekly spin classes, cycling tours, walking groups and kayaking trips.  Active also provides peer-to-peer support, career counselling, access to training and education programs, and help with finding a new career.”

Ms Jackman says the concert celebrates the good work the RSL and its members continue to do in every state and territory and reinforces the RSL’s commitment to continue its work with and for veterans of all ages.

“This is not just a concert. It’ll be an amazing experience. Not everyone gets to go on board an active naval vessel. Tickets are limited so I encourage anyone who wants a fantastic night out to get in early and join us on board for this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Special offer for Military Voice readers. Tickets $125.  Buy tickets here. 

CONCERT DETAILS

WHEN: 6pm – 10pm, Thursday 8 December 2016. (Arrive 6pm to allow for security clearances and the adventure of climbing through the ship)

WHERE: On board HMAS Canberra, Garden Island, Sydney NSW.

SECURITY: Photo ID required.

MCs: Acclaimed TV personality Ian Leslie OAM and Footy Show presenter Erin Molan.