The ANI runs a number of events of interest to the naval and maritime community. The ANI’s two flagship events are:
- the ANI Annual Dinner during which the McNeil Prize is awarded and the Vernon Parker Oration is delivered by an eminent Australian; and
- the Goldrick Seminar in which an issue of particular interest of the Chief of Navy is explored.
ANI Vernon Parker Oration and Dinner and 2026 McNeil Prize
19 May 2026
2026 Vernon Parker Orator
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN
Chief of Navy
The Australian Naval Institute invites you to one of its flagship events of the year — the 2026 Vernon Parker Oration and Annual Dinner.
Join us on 19 May 2026 at the National Ballroom, Hotel Realm, Canberra, for an evening of insight, discussion, and connection across Australia’s naval and maritime community.
This year’s Oration will be delivered by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, Chief of Navy, offering a unique perspective on the strategic challenges and opportunities shaping Australia’s maritime future.
The Vernon Parker Oration is a cornerstone event, bringing together defence, industry, academia and government to advance understanding and foster meaningful exchange on naval and maritime issues.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the 2026 McNeil Prize, recognising outstanding contribution to the operational capability of the Royal Australian Navy.
Secure your place and be part of the conversation shaping Australia’s maritime future.
Event Details
Date: 19 May 2026
Time: 18:15 for 19:00 start
Venue: National Ballroom Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit BARTON 2600 , ACT
Ticket Prices:
ANI Member – $185
ANI Non Member – $210
Oration Plus Membership – $270
Table for 10 – $1950
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN Chief of Navy
Vice Admiral (VADM) Mark Hammond AO RAN joined the RAN in 1986 as an electronics technician before commissioning as a naval officer in 1988. Graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in 1990, VADM Hammond served in frigates before volunteering for submarine service and qualifying in the Oberon Class. He is a dual qualified officer, graduating from the RAN Principal Warfare Officers Course, the Netherlands and United States Navy Submarine Command courses, and Australia’s Senior Submariner.VADM Hammond served extensively in Collins Class submarines. He also gained international experience in French, British and US nuclear attack submarines and Dutch conventional submarines. His Command of HMAS Farncomb included submarine operations across the Indo-Pacific. Subsequent shore postings included the Assistant Naval Attaché in Washington DC, Submarine Capability and Joint Exercise Staff roles, and 12 months as the Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force.
On promotion to Commodore, VADM Hammond was appointed Director General Maritime Operations. He then returned to the United States as the liaison officer to the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was awarded the United States Legion of Merit (Officer) for his performance in this role and, in 2018, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.
On promotion to Rear Admiral, VADM Hammond assumed duties as the Deputy Chief of Navy in 2018, and in late 2020, was appointed Commander of the Australian Fleet. In these demanding appointments, VADM Hammond first oversaw substantial workforce growth. He then focused on enhancing the resilience and warfighting capability of Navy’s people and Fleet during the COVID19 pandemic.
VADM Hammond assumed Command as Chief of Navy on 7 July 2022. He is the first RAN Recruit School and ADFA graduate to do so, and only the second submarine commanding officer to be appointed to the role. In 2023, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior command roles. In April 2024, he was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Order of National Security Merit Gukseon Medal for outstanding and meritorious services rendered to the Republic of Korea. In October 2024, VADM Hammond was honoured with the Republic of Singapore’s Meritorious Service Medal – Military (Pingat Jasa Gemilang – Tentera) for exceptionally distinguished performance in furthering links between Australia and Singapore.
VADM Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Management, Master of Maritime Studies and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
Away from Navy, VADM Hammond’s interests include antique wooden boats, cricket, rugby league (South Sydney Rabbitohs), AFL (Port Adelaide), chess and submarine warfare in World War II. He is the Australian Patron of the Australia–America Veterans Association.
The 2026 ANI McNeil Prize will be presented during the evening to a recipient who has made an outstanding contribution to the operational capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. The McNeil Prize is awarded to ‘an individual or individuals from Australian industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy’. The winner of the 2025 McNeil Prize was Robert Dane, PHD, Ocius Technology Ltd, Founder and CEO
2026 ANI McNeil Prize
The 2026 ANI McNeil Prize will be presented during the evening to a recipient who has made an outstanding contribution to the operational capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. The McNeil Prize is awarded to ‘an individual or individuals from Australian industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy’. The winner of the 2025 McNeil Prize was Robert Dane, PHD, Ocius Technology Ltd, Founder and CEO2025 ANI Goldrick Seminar
Action Stations: Australia’s Fighting Navy in 2030
2 October 2025
Hotel Realm, Barton ACT
The ANI hosts an annual one-day conference known as the Goldrick Seminar, in honour of the late Rear Admiral James Goldrick, AO, CSC. Admiral Goldrick was a globally renowned naval historian and strategist. He was also a former President and Life Member of the ANI. The 2025 Goldrick Seminar was held in Canberra on 2 October 2025 under the overarching theme Action Stations: Australia’s Fighting Navy in 2030. Much of the current focus is on AUKUS and the future Navy, but given the lead time for naval procurements, the Navy of 2030 will not be substantially different to that of today. This seminar aims to explore how Australia can best use the maritime capabilities expected to be in service in 2030 to support national objectives and interests. This theme was selected in conjunction with the Chief of Navy and is one of Navy’s key areas for research.