More Defence news: 16 March 2009 - 22 March 2009
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Ramp ceremony for Aussie soldier | Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan | Australian Soldier Killed In Afghanistan | Afghan Diggers farewell a mate | First Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship | Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan | Minister launches strategic policy collection |
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Ramp ceremony for Aussie soldier
22 March - Mates of Australian soldier, Sergeant Brett Till, bid farewell to a friend and colleague during a solemn ramp ceremony in Tarin Kowt, southern Afghanistan on Saturday, 21 March 2009. More: Image Gallery | Media Release | Video |
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Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan
21 March - Sergeant Brett Till, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician from the Incident Response Regiment in Holsworthy, NSW, was tragically killed by an explosion during a route clearance task in Afghanistan. More: Image Gallery | Media Release |Personal Statement Released On Behalf Of Bree Till, Wife Of Sergeant Brett Till | Personal Statement Released On Behalf Of Susan And Leigh Staden, Mother And Step Father Of Sergeant Brett Till | Personal Statement Released On Behalf Of Kerrie And Peter Barclay, Parents In Law Of Sergeant Brett Till |
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Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan 19 March - An Australian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting operations in Southern Afghanistan. More: Media Release | Audio | Statement by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston |
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Afghan Diggers farewell a mate
19 March - Australian and coalition soldiers gathered to celebrate and commemorate the life of Corporal Mathew Hopkins. His casket was placed on a Royal Australian Air Force Hercules aircraft to begin the journey home to his family and friends. Corporal Hopkins died while conducting offensive operations in conjunction with the Afghan National Army in Uruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan. Corporal Hopkins, known throughout the Battle Group as Hoppie, was on his second tour in Afghanistan. A professional and respected leader, Hoppy had risen rapidly through the ranks. In a solemn ceremony, Hoppy’s mates spoke of an exemplary soldier and a mate, who would be sorely missed both professionally and personally. They spoke of his recent marriage and the birth of his first child while on leave from the Battle Group. As prayers and reflections concluded, an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle carried Corporal Hopkins’ casket to the airfield, with troops from a host of nations lining the route, paying their respects to a fellow soldier who had paid the ultimate price while working to secure a safe and stable future for the people of Afghanistan. More: Image Gallery | Media Release
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First Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship
19 March - Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, presented Macquarie University student, Kurtis Lindsay with the first Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship, in Canberra on Wednesday. Defence is funding three scholarships worth more than $300,000 over five years for Indigenous students to undertake full-time tertiary studies in science. “I congratulate Kurtis Lindsay on being awarded the first of these Indigenous scholarships,” Mr Snowdon said. “He is a very deserving recipient of the Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship and I have no doubt he will derive great benefit from working alongside the Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s (DSTO’s) scientists in such areas as research into the effect of naval sonar on marine animals, or by providing Defence with advice on the land management of our estates.” The Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship will be awarded annually and covers the student’s university fees, paid 12 week annual work experience with DSTO, and an offer of employment with the DSTO on completion of the studies. Kurtis Lindsay, from the Wiradjui community of Central West NSW, has commenced his Bachelor of Science studies in Biodiversity and Conservation at Macquarie University. Speaking at the presentation, My Lindsay said the scholarship was a great opportunity. “I believe my Indigenous background is one of the key factors which strengthened my passion and respect for the land and its biological components, and I thank Defence for supporting my studies.” More: Media Release | Image Gallery
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Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan
18 March - Corporal Mathew Hopkins was tragically killed in an engagement with insurgents while serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) in Afghanistan. A valued member of the Darwin-based 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Corporal Hopkins was conducting a patrol near Kakarak when he and his team were engaged by a group of around 20 Taliban. Corporal Hopkins was 21 years old, and was married with a young son. His immediate family is currently receiving support from Defence representatives. Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Hopkins. “Our hearts go out to Mathew’s family during this very sad time. We will do everything we can to support them as they deal with their terrible loss. “Mathew was a fine, professional and courageous soldier. He died while serving his nation and his sacrifice should never be forgotten” he said.Further details of the ADF commitment to Afghanistan can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/opslipper/default.htm Photos of Corporal Mathew Hopkins are available at http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download More: Vale Site | Image Gallery |
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Minister launches strategic policy collection
16 March - On 16 March 2009, The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, launched a collection of declassified strategic defence documents that shed light on Australia’s defence and strategic policy for the period of 1946 to 1976. Drafted by uniformed officers and civilian public servants, the papers in "A History of Australian Strategic Policy since 1945" represent the views of the Defence hierarchies of their time about the principles underlying defence policy. These principles include the circumstances under which Australian armed forces might be used, and the kinds of forces and capabilities Australia should develop. The papers were all submitted to the government of the day for consideration, so they provide an insight into the interface between the government’s policy directive, and Defence’s professional advice. “To understand where we are going we need to understand where we have come from. The launch of this publication is significant given the upcoming release of the new Defence White Paper,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. Note: "A History of Australian Strategic Policy since 1945" has a limited print run and is not available for purchase. It is available for download from the Defence website at: www.defence.gov.au/strategicbasis |
