Published on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 at 4:51:09 PM
Hundreds are expected to gather for a commemorative sunset service marking the 85th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Sydney II, Australia's greatest naval tragedy.
Held at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, the moving ceremony will honour the 645 crew who lost their lives, paying tribute to their sacrifice and preserving their legacy for future generations.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune reflected on the enduring significance of honouring the crew members.
“We are fortunate in Geraldton that most of us have not experienced the impact of war on our shores, but 85 years ago, this was not the case,” he said.
“The 645 crew members of the HMAS Sydney II paid the ultimate price to protect our country and our freedom.
“I encourage everyone to come together to honour their memory and reflect on their sacrifice.”
The full program of commemorative events includes public presentations and a virtual reality short film at the WA Museum of Geraldton, daily guided tours at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and a model ship display at the Geraldton Airport.
The sunset service will be held on Thursday 19 November 2026 from 5.45pm - 7pm at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.
The main address will be delivered by Associate Professor Jeremy Austin, an ancient DNA specialist whose research applies methods for recovering highly degraded DNA to human identification and forensic investigation. Associate Professor Austin identified the Unknown Sailor Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark.
A free shuttle bus service will be available to transport community members to the event. It will depart from the QEII Seniors and Community Centre carpark at 5:20pm.
The bus will return to the QEII Seniors and Community Centre after departing from the Memorial at 7pm. The carpark at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial will be closed from 3pm to 8pm and only accessible to permit holders.
For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed online via the City’s YouTube channel.
More information regarding the event can be found on the City’s website.
The HMAS Sydney II 85th Commemorations align with the Connected theme of the City’s Strategic Community Plan which reflects the organisation’s commitment to holding events that build social connections.
Back to All News