HISTORY

Boy Cadets

      In the early 1900's while reporting on the feasibility of Western Port as the site for the establishment of Flinders Naval Base, Admiral Jellicoe stated: "I cannot emphasise too strongly the necessity of at once building the Canteen and of providing suitable recreation...and I would advise that the Depot should not be occupied until this work has been completed."

      The HMAS CERBERUS Canteen was born...over the years it has grown into a complex organisation turning over several millions of dollars annually to provide direct financial benefit to the welfare of the sailor. The HMAS CERBERUS Canteen was renamed Cerberus Retail Service Traders (CReST) in 1999 to better reflect its diverse enterprises in today's world.

      CReST is by far the largest contributor to the RAN Central Canteens Fund (RANCCF). The RANCCF itself then funds projects such as the RAN Relief Trust Fund (the source of interest free furniture and housing loans for serving members); the RAN holiday centres (for quality accommodation at extremely low rates); and the RAN housekeeping scheme (family support for deployed members) and many more initiatives.

      CReST is also the sole source of income for the Cerberus Welfare Fund, which expends more than $200,000 each year to support some 33 social and sporting clubs, the annual children's Christmas party and many other causes.

HMAS CERBERUS 85th ANNIVERSARY