Balmain based business ‘Planet Cake’ produced a 100kg cake model of an LHD: The helicopter landing platform being built to replace Manoora and bolster the Navy’s amphibious warfare capability.
The cake, which took 100 hours of labour to produce, was presented to Manoora’s Commanding Officer Commander Stephen Dryden today.
CMDR Dryden said the cake represented the dawning of a new era for the Navy.
“Manoora has given us an understanding of how to carry out amphibious and expeditionary warfare.
Now she is moving over and making way for the next generation of Amphibious Assault ships. This is a great success story, and the gift puts the icing on the cake.” He said.
Senior Cake Artist Anna Maria Roche has decorated for a raft of celebrities, including Nicole Kidman and Molly Meldrum, but said the LHD was a challenge.
“The most difficult thing was to make it look right.
The helicopters on the top were a big challenge, because I normally only do flowers.
I had to use black, blue, green and yellow icing to get the grey colour right.” She said.
Mrs Roche said she was flattered to be included in Manoora’s celebrations.
“I felt very honoured to have pleased so many hungry sailors.
It was very nice to help cut the cake, because for weddings we never get to do that.” She said.
Manoora will officially be retired during a ceremony at Garden Island on Friday.
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