Work is continuing and slowly the ship is "coming to life."

In time it is planned to have her based (subject to relevant approvals) in Ballina as a "new" interest for the area etc and so will bid a farewell to Botany Bay..

The voyage will be interesting and it is planned to call into Newcastle (where she was built..), perhaps Port Macquarie where she is known and the Naval Cadet unit there also bears her name..

These however at writing are only thoughts...one thing at a time..

Many people have asked "what are we going to do with her?" And that is a fair question. I am aware that a few have thought that she would be an ideal "training ship" geared for naval cadets..etc and certainly the ship provided a great example for experiencing a real ex RAN ship. This is something that we are very open to that idea .that is to allow cadets and anyone interested in naval craft and history to be able to see and experience "first hand" these small ships..Oddly enough both Rushcutter and her sister Shoalwater were more than important in developing and furthering the mine warfare capability of the RAN. Work is progressing with Rushcutter and her eventual "purpose" is hoped to provide both education and experience with obviously a naval point of view... a real attraction to benefit an area and maintain the ship for years to come.