More Defence news: 14 January - 20 January 2008

17 January - Hundreds of girls in a poor suburb of Al Gharraf in Iraq’s Dhi Qar province have a new school building, thanks to the local town council and Australian troops.

The new, purpose-built facility Girls School was once the headquarters of the former ruling Ba’ath Party, and has been completely refurbished with classrooms, administration offices, electrical equipment and a playground.

The work was undertaken by local contractors and created approximaely 50 jobs in the rural and underpriveleged area during the 12-week construction phase.

Overwatch Battle Group (West) Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) staff learned from local education officials that approximately 500 children and 50 teachers were using an unsuitable and unsafe facility, and so secured $US300 000 in Coalition forces funding to create a new facility.

The new Girls School was officially openned on 6 January 2008 by the Mayor of Al Gharraf, Mr Mohammed Jassim Jabbur, and Major Matt Campbell, Offiicer Commanding Combat Team Leader, Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4.

More: Imagery

16 January - Sergeant Michael Lyddiard, the Australian soldier wounded in Afghanistan last November, will return to work as a Combat Engineer next week.

Sergeant Lyddiard was seriously injured when an Improvised Explosive Device that he was rendering safe detonated during a route clearance task on 2 November.

Townsville-based Sergeant Lyddiard described himself as a ‘proud Australian Digger’ and said his training and equipment saved his life.

He also spoke of the brave actions of his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan.

“Despite being treated like a hero since returning, it was the actions of my mates that deserve recognition,” Sergeant Lyddiard said.

“It was the heroic deeds of the Corporal who immediately took control of the incident site and directed first aid, the three diggers who provided immediate first aid, and the Sergeant who coordinated security and medical evacuation which saved my life.”

Sergeant Lyddiard also thanked well-wishers and the Defence Community Organisation for their support during his recovery and spoke of his plans for the future.

“The way ahead for me is forward and the best way to do that is as a Combat Engineer. I have had some bad times and I know there will be plenty more, but it’s best I get through these with my family and the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, our second family,” Sergeant Lyddiard said.

More: Imagery | Read Sergeant Lyddiard’s full statement here