The Bathurst Class Minesweeper known as HMAS Castlemaine.
How is it significant?
HMAS Castlemaine is of historical and social significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A
Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.
Criterion B
Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.
Criterion D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Criterion G
Strong or special association with a particular present-day community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
Why is it significant?
HMAS Castlemaine has a clear association with the naval defence of Victoria and Australia during World War II. The ship was one of sixty Bathurst-class Minesweepers built in Australia between 1940 and 1943, of which eight were constructed in Victoria at the HMA Naval Dockyard in Williamstown. It demonstrates the development of the Victorian ship building industry during World War II, and the service of those Victorians who served on her in Pacific theatres of war as part of the Royal Australian Navy. [Criterion A]
HMAS Castlemaine is the only known intact World War II naval ship in Victoria. It is only one of two extant Bathurst-class Minesweepers in Australia, the other being displayed on land in South Australia, and the only one in the world remaining in a nautical setting. It is one of only a handful of World War II warships which survive in Australia. [Criterion B]
HMAS Castlemaine is a notable example of a World War II naval ship. Despite being stripped of much of her wartime equipment, the superstructure and internal configuration of this Bathurst-class Minesweeper remains intact. Her subsequent restoration was undertaken largely using parts from other Bathurst-class Minesweepers or new elements constructed using original materials and specifications. As a result, the ship closely resembles her 1945 configuration, and displays the principal characteristics of a Bathurst-class Minesweeper in a way that allows the class to be easily understood and appreciated. The HMAS Castlemaine retains her nautical setting and operational capacity. [Criterion D]
HMAS Castlemaine is socially significant for her connection to the servicemen who fought on her and other Bathurst-class Minesweepers during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945 some 10,000 Allied servicemen served on Bathurst class Minesweepers, including many Victorians. As the only remaining intact World War II naval ship in the State, it is one of the few places that offers Victorians a first-hand insight into veterans’ war experiences. The ship contributes to Victoria’s identity and plays an important role in the education of future generations. [Criterion G]
