Maquis Forces Melbourne, like most of the original Maquis International chapters, was formed by former Starfleet members who were disheartened in the direction Starfleet was heading.
Sutherland was originally to be a Shuttle/Sister Ship off of the U.S.S. Nebula (another Nebula Class Starship). When Nebula announced its break from Starfleet and asked if Sutherland would like to be part of a Brand New Organization of Self Governing Chapters (Cells), how could we resist?
Maquis Forces Melbourne is dedicated to the Enjoyment and Fun of all forms of Trek.