The Isis RSL Sub Branch is now the proud custodian of a HMAS Childers shield.
In December, the Navy formally farewelled the Armidale-class patrol boats, including the HMAS Childers, in a solemn decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.
Since mid-2025, the Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP and the Childers Chamber of Commerce have been working with and supporting the Isis RSL Sub Branch in a bid to acquire items from the ship.
A crew member from HMAS Childers obtained the shield and had it restored, painted and personally delivered to the Isis RSL Sub Branch.
The shield (or crest as it’s known) was originally presented to HMAS Childers upon commissioning in July 2007.
“It’s wonderful to see this piece of history find a home in Childers,” Mr Batt said.
“I am very keen to see more items of memorabilia from the HMAS Childers – including name plates, lifebuoys or bells – be considered for long term loan to the Isis RSL Sub Branch.
It would be fitting for Childers to honour the connection and legacy of HMAS Childers.”
During a visit to Larrakeyah Defence Precinct & HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin (as a member of the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade), Mr Batt was excited to see the HMAS Childers in dock.
Mr Batt spoke to the CO of HMAS Coonawara about the link to the electorate of Hinkler.
Upon return, and ahead of the decommissioning, Mr Batt further expressed interest with correspondence to the Navy’s Seapower Centre Australia who preserve and develop Australian naval history.
Terry East President Isis RSL Sub Branch welcomed the addition of the crest and thanked Mr Batt for his support.
“One of my initial ideas was to retrieve the prop from HMAS Childers and have it mounted as a memorial in town,” Mr East said.
“It’s important to pay tribute to our ex Navy personnel and we would be forever grateful and proud to house HMAS Childers memorabilia that may become available.”
Negotiations are ongoing and Mr Batt updated the Federal Parliament on developments in the Federation Chamber on Tuesday.
Background HMAS Childers
In December, 2025, the Navy formally farewelled the Armidale-class patrol boats, including the HMAS Childers, in a solemn decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.
The event not only marked the retirement of three distinguished vessels but also symbolised the closing chapter of a significant era in Australia’s maritime history.
From intercepting illegal fishing operations to supporting humanitarian missions and joint exercises with allied nations, Childers embodied the resilience and dedication of the Armidale-class ships.
During the past two decades, the Armidale-class became a familiar presence across northern waters, ensuring the integrity of Australia’s maritime domain.
The decommissioning paves the way for the next generation of patrol vessels.