BATHURST Grange Distillery has commissioned a commemorative gin for the crew of HMAS Bathurst to mark 15 years since the ship was launched.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An Armidale class patrol ship based out of Darwin charged with protecting our borders, the ship commemorates 15 years since its launch date on February 15, 2021.
Owner of Bathurst Grange Distillery, Toby Jones, said the distillery was approached to produce a commemorative gin for the crew to enjoy when off duty.
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND BATHURST:
The limited release edition was produced in Bathurst last week.
Mr Jones said the crew of the HMAS Bathurst have an affinity toward Bathurst as its namesake and was hoping to visit before COVID.
"The crew have been purchasing our gin and are delighted to have the local Bathurst Grange Gin in their wardroom," he said.
"The special commemorative edition will be a further connection for the crew to Bathurst."
Lieutenant Commander Ash Payne, commander of HMAS Bathurst, said the crew have strong ties with the community of Bathurst, and this was another connection for her team.
She said crew have already connected with the Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Elders at the university and the children's ward at the Bathurst Base Hospital and the relationship with the Bathurst Grange Distillery was an extension of the relationships already in place.
She said while the ship is based in Darwin, its ceremonial home town is Bathurst.
Lt Commander Payne said while the crew's planned visit to the city last year was put on hold because of COVID, she said they were hopeful of visiting this year.
She said the crew were grateful Bathurst Distillery was able to make the commemorative bottle, saying it would be a really nice keepsake for the crew.
"A lot of the crew are returning to the ship for the second or third posting (crew are posted to the ship for two to three years), so it's nice to have this keepsake."
