Bushfire evac bonds navy ship to Vic town

The naval vessel that rescued hundreds stranded in Mallacoota amid raging bushfires has been bonded formally to the Victorian town for the rest of its working life.

Local MP and Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester on Wednesday announced Mallacoota had been made HMAS Choules' ceremonial homeport.

"The ceremonial homeport is a significant connection for any navy ship, bonding the ship and crew to a community for the life of service, and ensuring the friendships developed during a time of devastation continue," he said in a statement.

Bushfires devastated the East Gippsland township over the 2019-2020 New Year period, forcing residents and holiday makers to huddle on the beach for safety.

With roads in and out of Mallacoota blocked to all but emergency services, Choules swung into action as part of Australia's largest domestic maritime evacuation.

"Mallacoota was one of the hardest-hit areas during the bushfires with images of the devastation circulating around the world," Mr Chester said.

"It was our navy personnel from the Choules who helped hundreds of locals and visitors in their time of need."

The ship evacuated 1305 people, 162 dogs, three cats, a rabbit and a parakeet from Mallacoota to the Port of Hastings near Melbourne across two trips in early January.

It also delivered fuel, medical supplies and food to the local community during the crisis.

Another 58 people, two dogs, a cat and a rabbit were rescued by navy training vessel MV Sycamore.

Mr Chester was joined by Choules' then-Commanding Officer Captain Scott Houlihan and Mayor Mendie Urie for Wednesday's ceremony on the shores of where the evacuations took place.

The ship's crew plans to return to Mallacoota in November to meet with community members.