Ararat RSL has asked Ararat Rural City Council to donate the bell from the original HMAS Ararat to the organisation.
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But Mayor Paul Hooper said at Tuesday night’s meeting, the council decided more research was needed before a decision was made.
Cr Hooper said the council would compile a report for the next council meeting on May 16.
The Navy ship’s bell is located in the customer services foyer at the municipal offices along with the manufacturer’s stamp and a photo of the ship, signed by its crew.
It previously hung outside the council chambers and was rung to let people know the mayor was entering.
Ararat RSL president Frank Neulist said the RSL had made the application because it was hosting crew members from the current HMAS Ararat from Darwin on Anzac Day.
“It’s a bell from the Navy and … it’s more appropriate for us to display it,” he said.
Two ships of the Royal Australian Navy have been named HMAS Ararat after the town.
HMAS Ararat was a Bathurst-class corvette launched in 1943 and scrapped in 1961.
It was awarded battle honours in the Pacific 1943-45 and New Guinea 1943-44.
HMAS Ararat (II) is an Armidale-class patrol boat launched in 2006 and active as of 2016, and is now based at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.
