With the dawn of a new year, Castlemaine was surveying for a suspected pinnacle in the North-Western approaches to Darwin, with both sweeps streamed. Later in the morning both sweeps fouled the bottom and were carried away. After a lot of hard work, both sweeps and otters were recovered, but needed repairs to them.

Sweeping gear was normally used for the sweeping of contact mines, moored in shipping channels, set at differant depths to make contact with the bottem of ships as they passed over them. It consisted of an Oropesa Float, Otter and a Kite. The oropesa float with the otter suspended underneath at a predetermined depth was streamed over the stern quarter of the ship by a serated cable with a cutter attached near the otter end. On the inboard side of the ship the kite was attached to the cable to control the depth of the cable between the ship and the otter. When the wire caught the mines mooring cable it cut through and the mine floated to the surface to be sunk by rifle fire.

Castlemaine was ordered to Darwin to effect the necessary repairs to the sweeps and wires. After repairs and new sweep wires were obtained, she returned to the survey group on the 4th January.

All the ships returned to Darwin once again on the 9th January. And the following day Castlemaine was paid a short informal visit by the then Minister for the Navy, the Hon. N.J.D. Makin, during his tour of the Northern Operational area. The ships company was mustered and an impromptu address given by the Minister, after, which he viewed the general living quarters.

Daily short leave was given to the crew that could be spared, so they could have a break from the normal routine of shipboard life. Although this was usually at the end of the working day, as a lot of maintenance work was carried out in the short spells in port that couldnt be done at sea.

Following this brief break, Castlemaine returned to survey work, departing on the 12th. to join HMAS Benalla at Browse Island. The folowing day at 2110 hrs a radar contact was obtained, at a distance of 8000 yards, action stations were sounded, and the ship closed on the contact.

With no reply to a challenge at 6000 yds., starshell were fired illuminating the target which proved to be YP 286 a U.S.N. District Patrol Vessel, Castlemaine then proceeded on her way.

After joining Benalla at Browse Island on the 14th, remained at anchor until the following day, when the weather deteriorated and the ship dragged her anchor. With the weather worsening, the ship was ordered to proceed to Port Nelson.

On arrival, orders were received to proceed forthwith to rendezvous with HMAS Shepparton for anti - submarine patrol in the Darwin approaches, 6 enemy craft having been reported by aircraft.

The ships were joined by the HMAS Junee on the 16th, to help with the search.

Later that day the Captain posted the following notice to all hands:

By the 17th the search was abandoned and the ships returned to Darwin, the following day Castlemaine started a boiler clean which continued until the 23rd. During this time recreational leave was given whenever possible.

Departing on the 24th with HMAS Slueth bound for Port Nelson then continuing on to join HMAS Benalla at Echuca Shoal.

The weather this time of year was not very good with cyclones in the area, which delayed some of the work around Port Nelson and Echuca Shoal. After repairing the damaged beacons on the shoals the ships returned to Darwin on the 6th February for fuel and stores, before returning to resume survey duties along with HMAS Stella.

Returning again to Darwin on the 15th February for fuel and water in preparation for her trip South to Fremantle and a docking. The following day Castlemaine departed Darwin for Fremantle, while on passage a diversion was made to search for 2 reported lifeboats. With no sightings, course was resumed for Fremantle, arriving on the 24th February, proceeding straight to the docking slip. The ship was attached to the cradle and hauled out of the water for a bottom clean and overhaul of the underwater fittings. Returned to the water three days later the ship remained at Fremantle undergoing maintenance. The crew was given every opportunity to have leave while she was there. During this time, there was a slight increase in defaulters, which was considered a naturual outcome of the changed enviroment, with no serious charges occuring.

On receiving orders to rejoin the Northern Survey group, the ship departed for Darwin on the 22nd March. The following day, a cyclone warning was received, being directly in the path of the ships track, the course was reversed and permission was granted to return to Geraldton. With weather conditions improving Castlemaine departed port on the 27th.heading North again.

By the 30th. the weather had deteriorated again with more cyclonic weather building up, and it was considered to alter course for Port Nelson, arriving the next day. As usual in any heavy sea the ship was rolling and pitching being very uncomfortable for the crew.

Staying overnight she proceeded the next morning to rendevous with her sister corvettes HMAS's Benalla, Broome, Horsham and Echuca, working with them until the end of May except for the periodic visit to Darwin for stores and the inevitable boiler clean.

Returning to Darwin for fuel and stores on the 6th May, Castlemaine was in harbour the next day, 7th May (GMT 8th May) when the Admiralty signalled all British naval authorities and ships throughout the world:

With the end of the European War, all thoughts turned to finishing the Pacific campaign as soon as possible.

While at Darwin on the 18th May, Lt.-Cdr. P.G. Collins. Royal Australian Navy R(S) was admitted to the Naval Hospital, with Lt. F.B. Moss. Royal Australian Navy VR assuming temporary command with the ship returning to the survey area.

Returning once again to Darwin, finally on the 28th May Lt. Moss. was given permanent command of Castlemaine having served as her Executive Officer for some time. The following day Lt. M.F. Mackay. Royal Australian Navy R. joined as 1st. Lieutenant.

In company with the corvette HMAS Inverell, departed Darwin on the 31st May, to carry out minesweeping operations off Cape Fourcroy, followed by areas South of Bathurst Island and Cape Don and Clarence Straits. Following this it was back to the never ending survey work on the 14th. June, and the never ending general drills that were held between the survey areas.

As July came and went the survey work continued around Melville Island, Thursday Island and Dundas Straits, with the usual visits to Darwin. Returning for a brief visit to Darwin on the 12th. August, the newspapers confirmed the rumours that had been heard about a huge bomb (the atomic bomb) dropped on Hiroshima by the Americans on the 6th August. By this time it was rumoured that the end of the war was close with Japan trying to negotiate through Russia for peace.

On the 14th August in company with the corvettes HMAS's Benalla, Horsham and Echuca, Castlemaine proceeded for survey operations between Darwin and Thursday Island.

On Wednesday the 15th August, a signal from the First Naval Member timed 0627 hrs. GMT was received from Navy Office, Melbourne:-

The news was received in varying ways by the crew, some finding it hard to believe after so long at war, others just wanting to go home.

In Australia that same day the newspaper headlines were:-

Also that day with hostilities ending at 1200 hrs with Japan. Commodore J.A. Collins signalled the Royal Australian Navy :-

At 0200 hrs on the 16th. August Castlemaine was detached from the survey group and proceeded to Moratai, arriving on the 19th for fuel stores and water from the tanker Bishopdale and the lighter Mombah. With cessation of hostilities a certain amount of reaction had set in, and the feeling on the Mess Deck was mixed regarding the ship being

sent North, having spent 14 months in the tropics surveying out of Darwin without proper leave, compounded by the fact she was due for a much needed refit, that had been scheduled for September. Castlemaine in company with HMAS's Wagga and Strahan departed for Subic Bay in the Philippines for refuelling and stores, arriving on the 24th. reporting to the Senior Officer 6th Submarine Flotilla in HMS Maidstone.

The corvettes were to form part of the Australian Minesweeping Flotilla, attached to the British Forces Task Force 111.2 forming at Subic Bay.

Consisting of HMAS's Mildura, (Senior Officer, Lt.- Cdr. Little. Royal Australian Navy R), Castlemaine, Bathurst, Broome, Fremantle, Stawell, Strahan, and Wagga. the ships were to sweep the entrance to Hong Kong Harbour ahead of a British Force to take over the colony from the Japanese.

This was a scratch fleet of minesweepers, made up of ships that were close at hand, some of them only had Oropesa Gear, others only LL Sweeps. Most of the ships had been on other duties for so long and had to spend the next few days relearning minesweeping. Castlemaine was one of the ships that had a full set of minesweeping equipment still on board, comprising, Oropesa Gear for contact mines, LL Sweeps for magnetic mines and S.A. Type C oscillator for acoustic mines.

The next few days were spent working up together, on the 25th, Castlemaine and Bathurst exercised sweeping formation with Fremantle and Strahan as Danlayers, returning to Harbour on completion. Finally on the 27th August, the group consisting of HMAS's Mildura (Senior Officer, Lt. Cdr. Little) Castlemaine, Bathurst, Broome, Fremantle, Strahan, and Wagga departed Subic Bay for Hong Kong leaving HMAS Stawell at Subic Bay as British Liaison Officer for the port.

Accompanying the Minesweepers were HMS Maidstone (Submarine Mother Ship), 7 submarines of the 8th Submarine Flotilla and the Anti-Aircraft Cruiser HMCS Prince Robert.

Arriving off Tamken Island at 0600 hrs on the 29th, the flotilla commenced sweeping operations, of the 36 mile long channel HMAS's Mildura, Bathurst and Castlemaine taking line abreast, with sweeps out ahead of the fleet. Astern came the HMS Maidstone and the HMCS Prince Robert, with the submarine flotilla in two lines to port and starboard, and the four remaining corvettes bringing up the rear. As night fell the fleet anchored in Joss Bay, Tamkan Island.

The following morning sweeping operations were recommenced towards the entrance of Hong Kong, with all the corvettes out ahead of the British Fleet that was now appearing on the horizon, commanded by Admiral Harcourt in the cruiser HMS Swiftsure. As the corvettes closed the entrance to Tathong Channel, the coastal guns could be seen through binoculars, with some of the Japanese soldiers standing around them. After sweeping four laps of 3 miles through the Tathong Channel, it was declared safe from mines, and the HMS Kempenfelt followed by HMS Swiftsure (Admiral Harcourt) and the rest of the fleet entered Hong Kong harbour with the corvettes following and going to anchor between the Island and Kowloon.

Despite the ravages of war the railway station and the Peninsula Hotel appeared unchanged, except for a good coat of paint, Japanese troops still wandered around the streets in small groups. Across on the island, damage could be seen from the bombings by the allies.

A landing party of 12 was put ashore and ordered to take charge of a number of prisoners from a hut used as a lookout on the Hong Kong Headland. All but one man entered the hut, where they found a Japanese with his hand on a detonator. One of the sailors shot him as he was about to press the plunger. It was later found that the hut was wired with explosives. The party took a Japanese machine gun as a souvenir. At the end of the war the gun was donated by the crew to the City of Castlemaine, and later placed in the Art Gallery. In 1980 it was re-donated to the Castlemaine and can now be seen on board.

The 2nd September was the day everyone was waiting for, the signing of the official surrender of Japan, on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

The Royal Australian Navy was represented by Commodore J.R. Collins, also present were the corvettes HMAS's Pirie, Ipswich, Cessnock and Ballarat, who were described by a BBC Commentator as a:

On the 3rd September Castlemaine proceeded to Picnic Bay, Lama Island, to destroy all the Japanese Suicide craft there. Much to the delight of the inhabitants and some satisfaction to the crew, 120 of these craft were destroyed, before returning to Hong Kong harbour.

The following day Castlemaine was detailed to act as a tug for the berthing of the transport SS Empress of Australia, which was later in the month, to evacuate the ex-P.O.W's from Hong Kong.

Then on the 6th the ship proceeded to sea on anti-pirate patrol and as escort ship to incoming ships through the searched channel. While on patrol, three junks loaded with Japanese soldiers trying to escape, were intercepted and escorted back into Hong Kong. Also the Japanese garrison from Tathong Point, were embarked, and taken back to Hong Kong to be placed in the camps set up to take them.

Needing a boiler clean Castlemaine returned to the harbour anchorage on the 8th. for five days, unfortunately because things had not returned to normal ashore, leave could not be given to the crew. While at anchor the ship entertained several parties of P.O.W.s, with a fair amount of the canteen stock being distributed to them.

A signal was received by all Royal Australian Navy ships at sea on the same day to lift blackout restrictions, and for the first time in 6 years they were able to steam with lights.

By this time the ships of the 21st (Senior Officer. Cdr. Read, Ballarat) and the 22nd Minesweeping Flotilla (Senior Officer. Cdr.Travis, Geraldton) had arrived from Manus. The 21st & 22nd MSF when formed were attached to the British Pacific Fleet with their Pendant Numbers being changed to that of a B prefix.. The 18 ships making up these two Flotilla’s had been ordered for the R.N. originally. Also the ships of the 21 st MSF wore the distinguishing Red Band on there funnel.

The corvettes of the Australian Flotilla, already there, were split up with the Oropesa sweep fitted ships being attached to the 21st and the ones fitted with the LL sweeps attached to the 22nd Flotilla. There were now 22 Australian corvettes at Hong Kong, clearing the harbour and approaches of mines.

On the 14th. September in Company with Burnie, Mildura and Strahan, Castlemaine proceeded to carry out a clearing sweep off Tathong Point at the approaches to Hong Kong. Three mines were swept up on the first run, with one blowing up Burnie's sweep. After all mines had been swept and destroyed, the ships anchored in Junk Bay for the night. Work resumed the next morning and the whole area was cleared with a total of 23 mines being swept.

The morning of the 16th September dawned on Hong Kong, the difference on this day, was the formal surrender of Hong Kong by the Japanese to the British at Government House. Castlemaine was represented at the ceremony by Lt. Moss, later that evening all the naval ships in the harbour gave a fireworks and searchlight display, to the delight of the Chinese and ex-internees of the Island.

Now that the surrender had been signed the Castlemaine, Burnie, Mildura, Bendigo and Whyalla proceeded outside into deep water to drop all their depth charges over the side as a safety measure before resuming their sweeping operations.

On the 19th Castlemaine proceeded to carry out a sweeping search from Hong Kong through Kap Shui Mun to the entrance of the Canton River, prior to HMS Wager proceeding through these waters, with Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, C in C British Pacific Fleet, on board.

The following days were spent sweeping for mines, on the 25th after a day of sweeping the ship anchored in Stanley Bay. That evening the ships company entertained 25 of the Stanley Camp's internees while they were waiting to be returned to England.

During the month, information had been received that a rating who had been landed at Moratai, before the ship had departed for Hong Kong, had been diagnosed as having Pulmonary T.B. On receipt of this, the ships company was examined and 14 suspects were x-rayed, with the recommendation, that the rest of the crew be x-rayed as soon as possible, or on return to Australia.

At the beginning of October the 21st Minesweeping Flotilla were sweeping at Mins Bay and Castlemaine sank 10 mines in one day. Then on the 3rd, the Starboard boiler was found to have 5 leaking tubes. The boiler was shut down and the ship returned to Hong Kong for repairs arriving on the 4th October and securing alongside HMS Kelantan a Minesweeping Depot Ship.

She remained alongside until the 10th Oct., during which time repairs were carried out and the minesweeping stores were transferred to the Naval Dockyard.

On completion of repairs Castlemaine moved to the anchorage in the harbour until the 13th when she went alongside the tanker Wave Governor for fuel then returned to anchor.

Finally the day all the crew had been awaiting, in company with Strahan, they departed Hong Kong at 0800 hrs. 14th Oct. 1945 for Morotai, arriving on the 20th and refuelling from the tanker British Unity. After anchoring for a time they departed on the 23rd for Thursday Island, arriving on the 28th for fuel and water.

Departing Thursday Island on the 29th October, Castlemaine took the 36 ton Patrol Craft HMAS Coongoola in tow for Townsville via the inside passage.

While on her way down the Australian Coast the Government announced on the 9th November, the decommissioning of 21 corvettes, with Castlemaine, Cootamundra and Wagga to pay off at Melbourne.

At long last the Castlemaine arrived at her home port of Melbourne on the 16th November 1945, after having steamed some 117,000 miles and 13,000 hrs. underway. The following days were spent de-storing the ship, and preparing her for reserve, at South Wharf, finally on the 14th. December Castlemaine Decommissioned, with the White Ensign being lowered for the last time. With a skeleton crew remaining on board, the rest departed for the demobbing process and eventual return to civilian life.

On the 16th December 1945, with a maintenance crew she passed into the Reserve Fleet. Before departing for Corio Bay, Geelong, to join her sister ship Wagga in F reserve, Castlemaine was dry-docked at Duke & Orr's, for cleaning and bottom painting. She was followed into the reserve fleet by Bowen, Fremantle, and Junee.

With the end of the war, the 20 corvettes built on Admiralty account were gradually disposed of to overseas Navies. The remaining 32 Australian ships were to pay off into the reserve fleets gradually as they returned home.

Over the years as her sister ships in the reserve fleets around Australia were sold or re-activated for various periods, Castlemaine remained at Geelong, except for the periodic drydocking at Williamstown.

On the 12th February 1947, a storm blew up in Corio Bay, the following day the catamarans at No.2 buoy between Cootamundra, Castlemaine and Fremantle broke adrift.

Being the centre ship Castlemaine suffered the most damage with the top edge of the ships side plating being bent inboard 2" to 3" (This damage can still be seen today) and one wooden boom broken.

On the 3rd April 1947, Castlemaine and Cootamundra were towed up to the Naval Dockyard at Williamstown for docking and repairs. With the work completed Castlemaine was towed back to No.2 buoy at Corio Bay, on the 1st May

The following year, on the 1st June 1948, Castlemaine was again towed from Corio Bay to the Naval Dockyard, for docking and repairs prior to being put into a mothballed state.

The work was to take approx. 18 months and consisted of repairs to the hull, boilers, machinery and other equipment. The oerlikon guns and bofors gun were landed and put in storage. During the last days of the refit, the 20" searchlight and platform were removed, along with the 272 radar dome above. The ship was then fitted with dehumidification equipment, and sealed up.

With the completion of dockyard work Castlemaine was returned under tow to Corio Bay on the 14th December 1949.

For the 1949/50 Naval estimates Castlemaine was one of 12 Fleet Minesweepers (as they were now called) selected for fitting of full minesweeping equipment during 1950. Later she was dropped from this selection and stayed at Corio Bay.

In 1955 by the stroke of someone's pen in the Navy Office, Castlemaine was allocated to Flinders Naval Base, (HMAS Cerberus) for use as a stationary training ship for engine-room personnel.

To prepare for this role she was towed to Williamstown for a complete engine overhaul with all other non essential equipment, such as guns, radar, radio, asdic, boats, minesweeping gear and deck fittings being removed. A steaming crew joined the ship for the voyage to Westernport Bay, then up Hann's Inlet to the wharf beside the seamanship school which was to become her home for the next 15 years.

After arriving at her new berth in 1956 Castlemaine was firmly secured to the wharf, and as a training ship for engine-room mechanics and shipwrights, the boilers were flashed and the engines and propellers turned slowly.

The ships decks were stripped bare and little rigging remained, but the anchor cables were flaked out on the wharf by the shipwrights as part of their training. For the training of the engine-room crews it was like being at sea except they never left the wharf.

The former mess deck was turned into a workshop and the minesweeping store into a classroom for the recruits. Later the small arms magazine was turned into a damage control compartment, which was flooded with water through water boxes that had various size holes and splits in them. The damage control parties had to enter the compartment and plug the holes as water poured in, along with smoke bombs and lights going out.

In need of a docking in 1958, it was decided to have the ship towed to Williamstown. On the 26th February the 2 Q Class Frigates, Quickmatch and Queenborough arrived at Westernport Bay and prepared to take Castlemaine in tow when she arrived from F.N.D. with her steaming crew on board. That evening at high tide the tow was commenced, all going well until off Queenscliff when the tow line parted. This was quickly reconnected and the ships proceeded through the heads into Port Philip Bay. The tow line again parted, but as they were well inside the Heads, Castlemaine proceeded under her own steam for the rest of the way, accompanied by the Frigates, arriving on the 27th.

After completion of her docking and repairs, Castlemaine departed Williamstown under her own steam on the 12th. May, and rendezvoused with Queenborough for the return to Westernport Bay. The only mishap being a steering gear failure, which was quickly repaired. On arrival at Westernport, the ships departed company and Castlemaine continued on up Hands Inlet to her berth at F.N.D.

In 1964 with the ship in need of another docking, it was decided to steam the ship to Williamstown. With the minimum of stores and equipment put on board for ship safety and navigation, the ship ran a four hour basin trial on Friday 9th October. Following another basin trial on the Monday, it was found the port vacuum pump had failed. Following repairs it was decided that it would be prudent to rendezvous with a tug off West Head to accompany Castlemaine.

Finally on the 13th, she slipped and proceeded down Hann's Inlet with the Navy tug AT 1521 secured ahead to assist in steadying the swing of the ships head. On arrival off Stony Point the ship anchored for the night until 0530 hrs on the 14th, she then proceeded to West Head where she was met by the tug Batman which was to accompany her up to Melbourne.

Castlemaine secured alongside the cross wharf at the Williamstown Dockyard at 1445 hrs after a trouble free passage, averaging a speed of 8.2 knots. The steaming party had worked hard in trying conditions with food being cooked on a portable barbecue on the after deck.

On completion of Dockyard work Castlemaine once again, returned to her home at Flinders Naval Base.

With the building of a new engineering school, Castlemaine's role as a training ship was reduced, especially as training methods and new technology was introduced to the syllabus. Parts of the engines and boilers were removed to the classrooms as models.

During 1967 an investigation was undertaken for converting her to a Tank Cleaning Vessel, similar to Colac. In the end the idea was abandoned, and she remained at HMAS Cerberus, rusting away.

In 1969 the Castlemaine was declared for disposal by the Government, as the ship was now immobile, the only future was the breakers yard.

Finally Castlemaine was offered for "Sale by Tender as Lies", with tenders closing on the 24th June 1971.

The "Cerberus Preservation Trust" beginnings started in 1970, after a dinner at the Naval and Military Club, Melbourne, attended by interested persons, to preserve the rusting and derelict hulk of the famous iron-clad warship HMVS Cerberus, which was built in 1870 and once a proud unit of the Colonial Navy of Victoria. Cerberus had been sunk as a breakwater at Black Rock, Port Phillip Bay in 1926.

Firstly an investigation committee was formed, headed by Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Lockwood. Royal Australian Navy . (Ret'd), to conduct a feasibility study on raising the Cerberus. In November 1970 the "Cerberus Preservation Trust" came into being with Sir Cecil Looker as chairman, Mr. S. Baillieu Myer as Treasurer and P.J. Williams as Secretary, supported by a committee of nine other persons. One of the stated objects in the constitution of the Trust was to work towards the establishment of a Victorian Maritime Museum.

In 1971 negotiations had commenced with the Victorian Government to obtain a lease of the old Duke & Orr's dock site, and an approach was made to the National Trust to form a joint maritime museum and ship preservation project with their Polly Woodside vessel. Unfortunately the outcome of talks were unsatisfactory, resulting in two projects. By now the proposal to save the Cerberus unfortunately proved extremely difficult due to tight financial conditions, and general lack of interest by the community at that time, and was put "on hold" but not forgotten.

Attention was then turned to the Castlemaine, the supporting vessel as a more likely candidate to succeed. By 1973, and to better describe a broader scope of future activities the organisation changed its name from "Cerberus Preservation Trust" to that of "The Maritime Trust of Australia of Australia."

Finally,in October 1973, after considerable work by the committee, the Castlemaine was gifted to The Maritime Trust of Australia for preservation by the Commonwealth Government. By now she was little more than a rusty and gutted hulk, stripped of all her deck fittings, winches, armament, etc. Inside was not much better with no light fittings, bridge equipment, just bare bulkheads, engines and boilers in pieces along with a terrible mess of rubbish everywhere.

Now the work to transfer the ship from Flinders Naval Base to Melbourne began in earnest. The ship had to be hammer tested and surveyed for the return to Melbourne and her role as the first historic vessel for the Victorian Maritime Museum project. After a detailed inspection of the engines and boilers, it was found too costly for them to be made ready for the ship to proceed under her own steam.

Arrangements then had to be undertaken for a tow for her final sea voyage and a new berth. Meanwhile a party of volunteers from various Naval Associations and members of the Trust, descended on the ship shortly before Christmas 1973, to clean out the former mess decks and galley areas for painting.

In February 1974, a further party of volunteers arrived on the ship to prepare her for sea and the long tow back to Melbourne. With the co-operation of the Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners, through the Harbour Master Capt. Macfarlan, they kindly offered the use of berth No.7 South Wharf for Castlemaine, just below the site of Duke and Orr's Drydock. (Now the home of Polly Woodside)

Finally the great day arrived, after many negotiations, and with the help of the Ports and Harbours Department, of the Victorian Government, a tow for Castlemaine had been arranged. This offer was made by the then Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Robert Dunstan, D.S.O., M.L.A.

At 1300 hrs. on the 24th June 1974, Castlemaine with a volunteer crew, let the lines go from the wharf at Flinders Naval Base, and with Pilot Capt. F. Hart on board, was towed down Hann's Inlet to Stony Point, by the Ports and Harbours tugs Goudie and Victory along with the Crib Point tug Taurus. After negotiating the difficult channel Castlemaine was safely berthed at the Stony Point Pier by 1530 hrs. to await the arrival of her next tow.

The same day the P.& H. steamer Rip, formerly HMAS Whyalla and a sister vessel to Castlemaine departed Melbourne for Western Port, arriving at Cowes that evening. The following day the 25th, she moved to an anchorage off Stoney Point, so that the tow line could be made up and final details for the operation attended to.

Early on the 26th, at 0400 hrs. in dark and flat calm conditions, Castlemaine was moved away from the wharf by the tugs Goudie and Victory, the tow line was made fast to the Rip. An 8 inch poly-propylene hauser with a chain cable bridle at each end was used. The vessels departed at 0430 hrs. and shortly before entering Bass Strait the line was lengthened to 750 feet.

Castlemaine was manned by 4 volunteers, one an original crew member, as the ship was not powered, emergency navigation lights and lifesaving gear were carried along with a walkie-talkie to keep in contact with the Rip.

The two ships made good progress and approached the Heads at 1200 hrs, but had to wait until 1230 hrs. for the tide, before entering Port Philip Bay. A course was set up the West Channel to Hobsons Bay, where they were met off the Gellibrand Pile Light at 1700 hrs, by two Melbourne Harbour Trust Launches carrying the official welcoming party comprising the Minister for Public Works, Maritime Trust of Australia Council and members, along with members of the press.

The line was cast off from the Rip and passed on to the tug Jas Hill at 1757 hrs., just after passing Point Gellibrand, for the tow up the Yarra to No.7 South Wharf, arriving at 1915 hrs. The weather had been fine and clear for most of the voyage until off Williamstown when it turned gusty.

The following day, the Rip came up the river and berthed ahead of the Castlemaine to retrieve her towlines. The next, day, the 28th June 1974, there was a unique line-up of ships at South Wharf, consisting of three ships built as corvettes. At the head of the line was the Rip (ex-HMAS Whyalla) the Castlemaine and the former Pilot Ship Akuna (ex-HMAS Gladstone.) The first and last of these ships had been considerably altered from their original shapes, to be nearly unrecognisable as former corvettes.

Once the ship was safely alongside, an enthusiastic group of volunteers, with no working capital, started the cleaning and restoration of the vessel. The ship was fitted with temporary lighting ( a string of festoons throughout) from a power point on the wharf. Although the ship was in poor shape the gangway was opened to the public within a week, on Saturdays and Sunday's, for a small donation, which provided a small amount of revenue to cover the mounting costs. Insurance for the tow alone had cost $1,200 for the day, plus all the other costs that were mounting up just to open for the public.

The few volunteers attacked the problems with blind enthusiasm, but more importantly the job was started, and the ghosts of the old ship stirred.

During the first year considerable work was done to re-instate the electrical services throughout the ship by adapting modern fittings to fit until the original 1940's style could be found. By the end of the year the diesel generator had been rebuilt and, finally, Castlemaine's engine room throbbed to the sound of machinery again, and all the lights that remained were switched on.

Negotiations with the Victorian Government for the lease of the Duke and Orr site had not been completed, and when it was learned a new bridge was to be built across the river lower down, thus trapping the ship forever. A decision was made to abandon the original idea of the Duke & Orr site and find an alternative berth. Another temporary berth was found, and at 1400 hrs on Thursday 21st. August 1975, the Howard Smith's tug Tooronga came alongside and made fast. Then with her volunteer crew, Castlemaine was towed down river to her new berth, No. 17 North Wharf, courtesy of the Melbourne Harbour Trust.

Work progressed slowly on cleaning the rust and painting the main mess deck for use as a museum area, a number of show cases were added to show off objects of a maritime interest. At this time the ship lacked original equipment and spare parts.

The Secretary of the Maritime Trust of Australia approached the Chief Commissioner of the Melbourne Harbour Trust, Mr. A.S. Mayne, who showed, along with supporting executives, including the Harbour Master and Chief Engineer, considerable enthusiasm for the preservation of the Castlemaine at the berth requested, viz Gem Pier Williamstown. A close association was immediately forged between the Maritime Trust of Australia and the M.H. Trust, the original builders of the ship. They recognised that the vessel was an integral part of the history of the Port of Melbourne and Australia's Maritime Heritage.

After the decision was made for the ship to be berthed at Gem pier, itself an historic relic, being the oldest pier on Hobsons Bay, 1000 cubic yards of spoil had to be removed from the berth so Castlemaine could float free.

One morning in September 1976, the tug Thomas Webb tied up alongside Castlemaine, crewed again by her small band of volunteers. Soon, both were under-way down the river to Williamstown. Once there, the tow was handed over to a MHT Tug and three workboats, who took the ship into shallower water and eased her alongside the pier. Finally a permanent home had been found for Castlemaine within sight of her birth place.

Since the ship arrived at Melbourne, a lot of work has been done, but has taken years to achieve by the very few volunteers who have given up their time, mostly at weekends. By taking a year by year look you can see what has been achieved in the restoration of the ship, remembering she was a gutted hulk when the trust acquired her.

26th June, berthed at No.7 South Wharf.

Rigging of temporary lighting.

Cleaning of interior compartments

Painting of main mess deck.

Ship model of S.S. BALLARAT and some display cases put on-board.

Decision by the trust to abandon the Duke & Orrs proposal due to the forthcoming closure of the river and the building of the Johnson St. Bridge. ( now the Grimes Bridge.)

Upper decks sandblasted and painted.

New base prepared for minesweeping winch.

Electrical wiring in engine & boiler rooms checked.

Generator rebuilt and put into commission with lights to engine and boiler room switched on.

Modern deck lights were fitted until the naval style could be acquired.

Upper mast and yard restored.

August, ship moved to a temporary berth at No.17 North Wharf.

Gem Pier, Williamstown, chosen as a new home for ship.

Main Mess deck being turned into a museum area.

Lifeboats donated by the M.H.T. ex the dredger Geo. Kermode.

Show cases fitted in Main Mess Deck

Ship model of S.S. COOMA dating from 1900's put on -board

A.W.A. donated 1940 style Direction Finder and other Radar equipment.

September, towed to Gem Pier, Williamstown, her new permanent berth.

40mm Bofors gun obtained from South Australia and fitted to after deck.

Direction Finder aerial fitted to front of bridge.

Fitting out of timberwork to cabins commenced.

Featured in a T.V. series "The Sullivans"

Souvenir Shop opened.

Rebuilding of searchlight platform.

Fitting of searchlight.

Splinter shield reconstructed around helm.

Boiler front rebuilding by Ships Engineer

Bottled Gas, Hot Water service fitted to ship.

Hull and Quarter deck Painted.

New galley funnel fitted.

New gas stove fitted to Galley.

Chartroom, C.O's Cabin and C.P.O's mess refitting completed.

Cathodic protection anodes fitted.

After awning stanchions and wires fitted.

Wooden deck removed from foredeck due to rust underneath.

4 inch Gun obtained from Bendigo and lifted on board by the M.H.T. pile barge.

New vents made and fitted.

Diesel generator completely stripped and overhauled.

Gyro Compass donated by A.W.A. and assembly started.

New yard fitted to foremast to take radio aerials.

Foredeck sandblasted and painted.

Boat booms made and installed on Stb. side.

Boilers opened up for cleaning.

Scupper pipes renewed.

Internal decks aft repaired.

Water and gas plumbing carried out.

Structural work commenced on the bridge canopy and decks.

The anchor windlass was taken off for refurbishment by the P.M.A. apprentices.

Rewiring of the bridge commenced along with the Gyro Compass.

The Navy arranged for the starboard side of the ship to be painted.

The ship then returned to Gem Pier.

Two new water tanks were constructed

All the joinery work in the after cabins was completed.

Evaporator and boiler room fan overhauled.

Rewiring of bridge continuing.

Timber work on bridge completed along with the rewiring and replacement of instruments.

Gyro Compass completed and waiting for final balancing.

Electrical work continued and plans were being drawn up to recreate the Radar Antenna by the ships Eng/Electrician.

The ship was again used for a T.V. film, "Darwin 1942".

Port lifeboat lowered to wharf for repair work.

Foremast scaffolded in preparation for restoration.

Commenced main engine bearing inspections by Engineers.

Gyro Compass re-balanced and put into working order.

Officers pantry aft completed.

Starboard engine bearing inspection completed, and port engine inspection started.

Radio and electrical items donated, were transported from Sydney.

Main engine bearing inspections completed.

Facsimile Radar Antenna fitted to top of mast.

New yard arm fitted.

Rigging of masts and top lights.

Navy style Deck lights fitted.

Engine-room vents replaced.

Scaffold removed from mast

Needle-gunning and undercoating of decks proceeding.

Awning stanchions fitted to foredeck.

0.5 machine-gun shields constructed and fitted

This year also saw the condemning of Gem Pier, her home, as being unsafe. After last minute talks between the Government and Local Council, agreement was reached to rebuild the pier, and for Castlemaine to return on completion. This would take approximately 12 months, and would mean finding a new berth for the ship while rebuilding took place.