In 1980 HMAS YARRA (Commander Phil Knife), represented the Australian Government at the Independence Celebrations of the new nation Vanuatu. The day after Independence YARRA carried the new Prime Minister Father Walter Lini to his home island of Esprit de Santo where his people were waiting to celebrate both his success and the emergence of their new nation. The band of HMAS MELBOURNE was also carried by YARRA to participate in the celebrations.