Photograph of Rosemary Farne - Miss Navy 1966

Date1966

Object number00046571

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 219 x 165 x 1 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Kathleen Maguire

Terms

DescriptionThis photograph represents the official launch of WRAN Rosemary Farne's entry into the 1966 Miss Australia Quest, sponsored by the Garden Island Social and Sporting Club. Rosemary wears a HMAS KUTTABUL tally on her cap, leather gloves and carries her Navy issue handbag.HistoryFrom 1907 to 2000, the Miss Australia Quest was one of the longest running and most successful Australian charitable events. Millions of dollars was raised for a number of charities including the Spastic Centre. In 1966 one of the entrants was Rosemary Margaret Farne, a writer in the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) stationed at HMAS PENGUIN but working out of HMAS KUTTABUL. Rosemary joined the Royal Australian Navy in September 1965 completing training at HMAS CERBERUS in Victoria. She joined HMAS HARMAN for a short period before being transferred to Sydney. Rosemary left the Navy in October 1967 when she married - at that time, WRANs who married were not permitted to remain in the Navy. Rosemary was sponsored by the Garden Island Social and Sporting Club who raised funds for her entrance fee into the Miss Australia Quest and arranged events for her to attend to raise charitable monies, including ship visits and various naval social events such as the Junior Sailors' Cabaret at HMAS WATSON. Unfortunately Rosemary did not win the title, which went to Miss Sue Gallie.SignificanceThis photograph represents the extra curricula activities women in the Navy in the 1960s undertook and the uniforms they wore. Today's women have far greater job opportunities and responsibilities than those represented by WRAN Rosemary Farne in the 1960s.