More Defence news: 15 December 2008 - 21 December 2008
| Horse Soccer kicks off in the NT | Reservists return from Solomon Islands | Australian relief supplies for PNG floods | |
Horse Soccer kicks off in the NT
15 December - The first official game of Horse Soccer has been played between the Northern Territory Mounted Police and NORFORCE’s Horse Troop at Berrimah Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Centre. While the game was an exciting display of horsemanship and teamwork, the activity is an important part of developing the horse’s psychology and physiology. The one metre sized ball is often used as a de-spooking aid and assists horses with the ability to relate to fight or flight in situations both the mounted police and horse troop members can find themselves in. No injuries were suffered during the match, except a little pride, as the NORFORCE Troop went down 1-3 to their friends in Khaki. More: Image gallery |
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Reservists return from Solomon Islands
15 December - More than 140 Army Reservists from New South Wales have returned home safely from a successful four month deployment to Solomon Islands just in time to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends. The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, welcomed home the Reserve soldiers who deployed as part of the Australian contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), where Australia and her Pacific partners are helping the local government to bring peace and stability through improved law and order. More: Image gallery |
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Australian relief supplies for PNG floods
15 December – Over the weekend, an Australian Defence Force C-130 left for Papua New Guinea carrying water containers, tarpaulins and water purification tablets to be distributed in the worst areas hit by severe swells early last week. The plane will fly to Kavieng (New Ireland province) and Lorengau (Manus province) where the supplies will be passed on to PNG officials and Non-Government Organisations for distribution to those in greatest need. On Friday it was announced that Australia would provide up to $1 million to assist Papua New Guineans adversely affected by severe sea swells. Reports suggest 50,000 people have been affected by this disaster and several hundred houses have been washed away when water levels rose alarmingly. The Australian Government will await further assessment of needs to determine whether any additional assistance may be required. More: Media release |
