This page lists those of the Bde and supporting units who have helped enhance the positive image of the Army and the Brigade in Townsville. It is sourced from newspapers and local TV.

Content Manager

PA to COMD 3 Bde

07 4771 7828

Cheque Presented by CO FLLA-4 to Salvation Army

GOOD JOB, WELL DONE
"A GOOD job, well done" was the welcome home message passed onto members of the recently-returned FLLA-4 at an official welcoming ceremony at the Townsville RSL last month.
The tri-service 143-member team was welcomed home by COMD 1 DIV MAJGEN Dick Wilson and the deployment CO LTCOL Mick King at the function also attended by COMD 3 Bde BRIG John Caligari, senior Army officers and community leaders.
LTCOL King said it was great to see FLLA-4 as one group.
"For me, it felt a big funny putting these [desert cams] on again, but it's great to see you," he said.
"I look out and see a very proud and fantastic organisation that deployed from February to August.
"I think you've done a fantastic job."
LTCOL King said of the 143 people deployed, seven were awarded Commander of the Taskforce Silver Commendations, six received Bronze Commendations and 11 were given CO's Commendations.
"I think that represents how terrifically well you all did," he said.
"Thank you very much."
LTCOL King made special mention of the support afforded his troops by communities all around Australia.
"But my biggest thanks goes to you, the families, he said.
"You have my genuine and heartfelt thanks for the support you gave your loved ones while they were deployed."
MAJGEN Wilson, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army LTGEN Ken Gillespie, thanked members of the deployment for their sterling work.
MAJGEN Wilson said the 143 people in the contingent were from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
"While they have come from a lot of different backgrounds with a lot of different skills, they came together with one purpose and that was to provide logistics support to members of the ADF deployed in the Middle East," he said.
"You've had a very busy six months and you've done an outstanding job.
"Welcome home and congratulations on a job well done."
MAJGEN Wilson and LTCOL King acknowledged the support provided to the deployment and the ongoing support of the Townsville sub-branch of the RSL represented at the function by president Rod McLeod.
LTCOL King also presented a cheque for $15,293.32 to Red Shield Defence Services, the nominated charity of FLLA-4.

CAPT Bev Kingston, CAPT Col Kingston and CO FLLA-4 LTCOL Mick King

Chefs Give Families a Gourmet Taste of Deployment

FORGET ration packs - how about garlic prawns?
International taste sensations were on the menu at Lavarack Barracks yesterday, when supporters of the centre were treated to a lunch with a difference.
Throughout the year, the Geckos Family Centre have held their Taste of Deployment events for Defence families to taste-test creations from the regions their loved ones had been sent to.
Major Jo Richards-Bell from the centre said the events were a fun way for families to feel involved in their loved one's deployment.
"The Taste of Deployment is about providing foods from the areas our soldiers are deployed in so it gives families the ideas of the types of food the soldiers come across," she said.
"Today was a special day for us because it was specifically aimed at supporters of Geckos Family Centre, we wanted to say thanks to them for the provision of charitable donations and their time in supporting the centre," she said.
Four stewards were on hand to cook up a delicious three-course meal, which included golden garlic prawns, a saut? steak Dianne and a light crepe suzette for dessert.
"The stewards will go through different stages of their careers and practicing different skill sets in courses and this was a chance for them to get out of the mess environment and cook in front of our supporters and practice a skill in the process, MAJ Richards-Bell said.
While this particular taste treat had no specific cultural reference, the Taste of Deployment events have included indigenous cooking, Malaysian dishes and even meals from army ration packs.
"When you're supporting a family member in the Defence Force being involved in the process is important, so families can realise they are just as important as the soldiers themselves," she said.

Soldiers Go Bush With Brave Kids

THEY don't make them much tougher than little Zahra Baker.
The eight-year-old Giru girl has overcome more challenges than most people would in a lifetime, but nothing could wipe the smile off the bubbly youngster's face yesterday.
Zahra joined about 300 other North Queensland kids and their companions to embark on the Camp Quality experience of a lifetime.
Soldiers from B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment gave up their weekend to escort the special children to camp near Innisfail on board Army Bush Master Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
Zahra was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer leading to the amputation of her lower left leg when she was just five-year-old.
Last year, Zahra was diagnosed with secondary lung cancer, but her family recently got the good news that she is in remission.
Her grandmother Karen said Zahra's eyes lit up when she saw the soldiers waiting to take them to camp.
"Her eyes couldn't have been any bigger. She loves the whole army business," Ms Baker said.
"The picture tells the whole story, she handles everything with a smile." She has been on camp a couple of years ago, but she hadn't been well enough to go again until this year.
"The Camp Quality people are just wonderful."
Officer Commanding B Squadron, 3 rd/4th Cavalry Regiment Major Gerry McGowan said troops were honoured to help make the camp a memorable experience for the kids.
"We often use the drive between Townsville and Innisfail as a training run, it was very easy for us to alter our schedule to fit this in," he said.

Recruiting with a 'gap' in it

EMILY Lodge and Cathren Adams are a long way from home having the 'gap' year of their life.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) now offers school leavers an alternative to travel and temporary work before taking up tertiary training or full-time work.
Year 12 school leavers can now take part in an ADF Gap Year.
The gap year allows students to 'try before they buy' when it comes to choosing a military career.
Like any other soldier, the gap year applicants are posted to different locations for their 12 months.
Emily is from New South Wales and Cathren is from South Australia but for their months in the Army Townsville's 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion is their new home away from home.
The two 18 year olds had different motives when choosing to complete a gap year in the Army.
Emily said she saw the ads and thought it looked good.
Cathren had a different approach.
"I pretty much just woke up one morning and decided I'm going to join the Army," she said.
Emily admitted she probably would never have joined the Army if it was not for the gap year.
"I don't think I would have signed up for four years straight away," she said.
Gap year soldiers undergo the same training that any other soldier undertakes.
"We go to Kapooka just like everyone else," said Cathren.
Both girls admitted that sometimes they do cop some flak for being rookies.
"Sometimes people think we don't have the same training as everyone else but we do," said Emily.
Cathren has decided at the completion of her gap year she will join the Army full time but will head home to South Australia first and begin her studies in medicine.
"When I come back I'll be a doctor in the Army," she said.
Emily will have until November to decide whether she will continue a career in the Army or choose a different path.
Army publicity officer, Captain Al Green, said the benefit of the gap year is the soldiers have done all the necessary training.
"The hard part is basically done," he said.
CAPT Green also said there is no obligation to stay.
Both the girls agreed their superiors were very supportive.
"They don't push you to stay at all," said Cathren.
CAPT Green said the beauty of the gap year is that it allows school leavers to make informed choices about their career.
Gap year are offered in the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Applicants must have completed Year 12 in the past two years and be aged 17 to 24.
The 2009 intake will be 250 soldiers for the Navy and Air Force and 500 for the Army.
For more information on applying for a gap year in the ADF contact 13 19 01.

Sappers' Dash for Cash Nets $25,800

AUSTRALIAN Army soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3 CER) don't mind doing it for the kids.
In a huge, carefully planned out logistical exercise, hundreds of 3 CER soldiers hit the streets of Townsville in the fight against child abuse and neglect.
The soldiers were armed with bright red buckets collecting donations for ACT for Kids Townsville.
Now in its sixth year, the 3 CER Dash for Cash has become one of ACT for Kids largest community fundraising events in North Queensland.
The 3 CER Sappers raised $25,800 this year in their annual dash.
This brings the total moneys raised over the past six years to $170,000.
3 CER soldiers were at various locations over the two days, including most shopping centres, night sports and weekend markets.
Lesley Sims, Corporate and Community Relations manager from ACT for Kids said hundreds of sappers from 3 CER hit the streets and their goal was to raise as much money as possible to help local kids.
"These are definitely the guys we like having on our side."
"They do a great job and are really passionate about assisting us financially so that we can give back to the community with the service we offer," she said.
ACT for Kids helps families keep their children safe through family therapy for at-risk kids; parents and carers via our ACT for Kids centres; education services to the community; research into child abuse issues as well as advocacy on behalf of children everywhere.
3 CER presented ACT for Kids with a cheque last week.
Ms Sims said they were hoping to have raised around $23,000 this year.

Donations Save Lives - Just Ask Bill

IF you ever needed convincing that blood donation saves lives, just ask Warrant Officer Class 1 Bill Mark.
The survivor of Townsville's 1996 Black Hawk helicopter crash still bears the emotional scars of that horrible night - and owes his life to the donated blood pumping through his veins.
To this day WO1 Mark does not know how much blood he received the night of the June 12 crash, only how grateful he is.
"I have grandkids now that I probably wouldn't have seen if I didn't receive any blood products," he said.
"There were 18 men killed that night with 10 of us injured and all of us received treatment at the old TGH (Townsville General Hospital). I guarantee you that the majority of them received blood products as well."
The accident left WO1 Mark, now a soldier with 3rd Brigade, with a fractured skull and jaw and nearly severed arm.
Now he is campaigning for people to donate blood as part of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) National Blood Donor Week.
"You never get over something like that -what you need to do is deal with it and move on," he said.
"This is part of dealing with it because I'm giving something back."
"The thing is there is somebody who was living in Townsville in '96 and I've got their blood going through me."
WO1 Mark poured red dye into The Strand waterfall yesterday to mark the start of Blood Donor Week.
On Sunday, September 28, he will be involved in a Donor Milestone Award Ceremony, recognising people who have donated more than 100 times.
"One donor has given 400 times - that's unbelievable," he said.
"I never thought about giving blood or the people that gave blood or their reasons for giving blood.
"Even after I got it I didn't realise how important it was - that there was a community out there that actually gave a lot of blood and people that are regular donors."
ARCBS liaison officer Bruce Muller said Australia needed 21,000 donations each week to keep up with demand.

Mum saved by two men after her drink was spiked

I WOULD like to thank two young men for their good deed, as I received a phone call saying my mother was throwing up and blacking in and out.
She had been at the RSL Club on Charters Towers Rd. She felt ill after only three drinks, got in her car to go home and just opposite Woolworths she pulled over and passed out on the road.
These two young men saved my mother from being hit by a car, went through her phone and contacted me and looked after her until I arrived.
Later, we found out her drink had been spiked.
These two good citizens are from Melbourne doing training in the Defence Force.
One was a corporal and the other was of African descent.
My family would like to thank these two men very much for helping my mother and saving her. We would love you to contact us as my mother would like to thank you personally.

Indigenous Students Try Boot Camp

THERE was no obstacle too tough for a group of indigenous youths, who attended army 'boot camp' at Lavarack Barracks this week.
The 17 students are undertaking the first Defence Indigenous Pre Recruitment Course (IPRC), designed to teach essential skills needed to join the military.
Bindal Sharks course designer Roianne West said the eight-week course would ensure candidates had the best chance of forging a successful career in the Defence Force.
The candidates have been immersed in army life, undertaking obstacle courses at Lavarack Barracks and flying on a Chinook to camp out at High Range.
Classroom learning is also included in the course, with literacy and numeracy, aptitude and motivation classes included in the program.
Ms West said historically it had been difficult for indigenous people to pass the tests needed to join the Defence Force.
She said this course was designed specifically to bridge that gap, so candidates could fulfil the requirements needed to forge a successful career with the air force, army or navy.
"About 80 per cent of the candidates should have the skills to pass the application progress," Ms West said.
"Part of the outcome is for them to establish a career in the defence force, but it is not compulsory."
It is the first time the course has been run anywhere in Australia, and Ms West said other areas were closely watching the pioneers, with the view to expand the course throughout the country.

A Versatile Bunch

TOWNSVILLE Legacy had a helping hand from the 1 RAR soldiers last week.
The Legacy building will be knocked down and rebuilt over the next 12 months.
Organisations from the building will be relocating 150m away to six rooms at ANZAC lodge behind the RSL Club on Charters Towers Rd.
Assault Pioneers from 1 RAR helped to remove a plaque that was given to Townsville Legacy to mark its 50th Anniversary.
Secretary of Townsville Legacy, Alan Meiklejohn, said that the plaque will be relocated to the temporary residence but staff will return it to the new building upon its completion.
"It is wonderful to have the 1 RAR boys here helping out," he said.
Lieutenant Chris Isles said the removal of the plaque was a delicate operation.
"They've got to keep the marble in good condition," he said.
The new building will be two levels and will include a lift for easier access.
Office Manager, Denise Eberle, said that it would be nice to move in to a bigger space.
The building is home to the RSL State Headquarters Advocate, Townsville RSL Welfare, Townsville Legacy and other ex-service organisations including Vietnam Veterans Association and Peacekeepers and Peace makers Association.

Fighting Fit and Ready

All hell breaks out as troops launch assault

MACHINE-GUNS fire in rapid succession, before mortar rounds blast into the hillside.
Troops fire their weapons from light armoured vehicles and a tank crew joins the deafening assault.
It was as close to a war zone as I hope to ever get.
As dawn broke at High Range yesterday, a huge live-fire assault systematically destroyed the 'enemy'.
It was part of Exercise Coral - a realistic war-like activity designed for soldiers to practise working in combined unit combat teams.
From a distance of 1400m, I stood beside machine-gunners who were providing back-up to advancing troops.
Their bullets are orange flashes as they fly through the air. Mortar rounds are fired and cavalry troops provide support.
The hillside is a charred mess, with dark mushroom clouds blackening the sky.
The foot soldiers move in from the east.
As they advance up the ridge-line with tanks for support, smoke grenades are fired to obscure soldiers from the enemy.
The pungent smell of gunpowder assaults my senses. Gunfire reverberates across the ground and through my body.
The persistent attack lasted for over an hour.
While the enemy was fictitious, the soldiers undertook their task with unwavering determination.
This training is life or death - and soldiers need nerves of steel to fight on the front line.

Bushies given a new home

Through highs and lows, triumphs and tragedies, their old home served them well.
But with bigger vehicles, the time finally came for an upgrade.
New facilities for the B Squadron 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment were opened yesterday.
They will house the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle fleet.
Officer Commanding the squadron MAJ Gerry McGowan said the new facilities were a quantum leap in their ability to conduct training, and also for maintenance of the big vehicles.
"The new lines are a re-design of an existing building but they've been designed with the Bushmaster in mind, they're essentially purpose-built for the 93 Bushmasters that we have in the squadron," MAJ McGowan said.
The squadron moved into the facilities in 1973, its members serving in Vietnam, Somalia, Rwanda and East Timor.
Last year 75 per cent of its members were deployed in the Middle East, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
LTCOL John Hathaway said the modern facilities would give the squadron a large amount of yard space, as well as a workshop.
"Originally this facility was built for 162 Reconnaissance which was a small helicopter squadron so what we had to do was convert it to house the Bushmasters," LTCOL Hathaway said.
There were plans to upgrade the gymnasium and sporting facilities, as well as refurbishments for other regiments.
Head of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, MAJGEN David Chalmers, addressed the troops on parade at the opening ceremony, saying it marked the end of an era for the squadron.
The relocation is part of a $207.2 million upgrade to Lavarack Barracks, which is in Stage 4 and will be completed by 2010.

Bushies given a new home

Gap Year's Young Guns

'Doing something different each day and doing something for our country really appealed to me'
THE first Gap Year recruitment drive by the Australian Defence Force has been a huge success, with hundreds of young trainee soldiers signing up fulltime and a dropout rate of only about six per cent.
About 700 recruits joined the program, which gave 17 to 24-year-olds - particularly those just finishing high school - the chance to taste army life without any obligation to stay long-term.
So far, more than 500 of the intake have either joined the ADF full-time or indicated they would like to sign a multi-year commitment. Only 46 Gap Year trainees have dropped out.
The program's success is likely to see an even larger intake next year.
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said the program had achieved many of its goals.
"At the end of the program, these kids will be well trained, will have experience working in teams, will understand camaraderie and will have done their nation a service," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
"It's a win for everyone, whether they enlist afterwards or not."
Taylor Prowse-Cooper, 17, of Cairns, was among the inaugural intake and this Wednesday, the private will graduate from training at the Road Transport Wing in Puckapunyal in Victoria.
Private Prowse-Cooper graduated as the most-improved soldier in her platoon, beating 49 of her peers.
"I chose to do it because it looked different and exciting," she said. "The prospect of doing something different each day and doing something for our country really appealed to me."
She said the basic training was "demanding but do-able".
"We did everything from a pack march to shooting a rifle".
"I have learnt how to drive trucks with eight gears forward and back in all kinds of conditions."
Although they do extensive training, Gap Year recruits are not subjected to any pre-deployment training which would make them combat-ready like regular army recruits.
PTE Prowse-Cooper's mother, Dannis Prowse, said she was proud of her daughter.
"Taylor has gone from being a Catholic girl school student who didn't party? to a girl who can comfortably socialise with her male and female peers," she said.
For more information on the Gap Year, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/ADFGap Year.

Marathon Marvel

Marathon Man Wins at First Go

SGT MICK KRAKEtasted first-up success yesterday, winning the Tony Ireland Holden Townsville Marathon.
Competing in his first marathon, Krake gained a solid lead in the early stages, but had to hold off a fast finishing Justin McGann who began to catch up over the final 10km.
"He started to get pretty close by the end," the 31-year-old Townsville runner said.
"I just used everything I had left in reserve to finish the race and it was enough to get the win."
Just 15 seconds separated the two runners at the end of the 42km course with Krake winning in 2 hrs 54mins 28 secs.
Krake won on the back of a short preparation after only beginning training for the event 10 weeks ago.
He managed the feat with the help of leading Townsvillerunner Simon O'Regan, who provided him with a training program.
"Simon introduced me to a few Townsville Road Runners events this year and it grew from there," Krake said.
"He gave me a very structured program for this event.
Third place went to Peter Clifford in 2:57.17.

Marathon Marvel

2 RAR Connects with its Forerunners

SOLDIERS in their hundreds marched in step on Friday 25 July to commemorate the Battle of Samichon.
The veterans presented campaign medals to current soldiers from their recent deployments.
Commanding Officer 2 RAR Lieutenant Colonel Ben James said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for the current soldiers to further build upon the heritage of sacrifice and mateship that has gone before them in previous generations."
"Today marks 55 years since the Battle of Samichon in Korea, in particular the Battle of The Hook."
"There were 21 casualties from that battle and it was very much a formative part of the battalion's history."
"It was a vulnerable part of the front line, working alongside UN forces and forces from South Korea. The weather was dreadful, cold and snowy."
"Soldiers killed wave after wave of Chinese attack. At the end of the three days of the battle Chinese bodies were lined two deep in front of their trenches."
"It is very difficult for our soldiers to fathom that level of combat now."
One of the veterans, former 2 RAR C Company 7th Platoon Sergeant Dave Candow, said he fought with 2 RAR in Korea and Malaya.
"In retrospect the battalion did a fine job," he said.
"The piece of ground we occupied , the Australians, was the vital ground of the whole division, and if that had fallen to the enemy the whole line would have crumbled."
Of the troops who marched in his honour Mr Candow said they were doing a very fine job in their international postings.
LTCOL James said while the veterans and the fallen were commemorated it was also about recognising some of the outstanding service of soldiers in the battalion today.
"Two of our soldiers have recently received commendations for gallantry in their deployment to Iraq," he said.
"We have had 22 individual commendations for outstanding service for our most recent deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, so I think in more ways than one the current generation are well and truly carrying the mantle of our forebears."

35 Portraits Make Cut for Awards

SOME of Townsville's many faces have been portrayed as part of the prestigious Xstrata Percival Portrait Award, which has opened for viewing at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
The 138 entrants in this year's award competed for a share in $10,000 in prizes last night.
A portrait by Nick Mourtzakis won the major $5000 prize.
Sinclair MacLagan won the $1000 Phillip Leong Art Award with a portrait on cedar panel of Brigadier John Caligari, Commander of the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade.
Melbourne artist, critic and writer Elizabeth Cross, who judged the 2008 awards, selected 35 works to be hung as part of the main exhibition.
Among the entries was Barbara Pierce's painting of her daughter Anna, 12.
"This is the first time I've done a painting of someone who's posed for me," she said.
"Anna was there, a ready-made model, and I was very interested in painting my own daughter."
Anna, a Year 7 student at Belgian Gardens State School, said she liked the painting, even though posing for it was a bit 'boring'.
Ms Cross said she had sought well-executed works that captured the character of the subject.
In accordance with Parisian tradition from 1863, the works not selected have been included in the 'Salon des Refuses', and have also been hung in the gallery.
Ms Cross is to present a lecture on portraiture and provide an insight into the rigorous selection process from 9.30am, Saturday 26th July. The exhibition continues until September 14.

Museum Movement on the Jezzine Redevelopment Front

RELICS ON THE MARCH

A MAJOR display of military history will be rehoused as Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point is prepared to become a community hub.
After almost 30 years, the North Queensland Military Museum will close its doors on August 1 before it is relocated to a larger facility on the site.
Townsville army reservists have moved from Jezzine to Lavarack Barracks since deeds were signed to hand the land back to the community in early March.
A band of 11 community members have formed the Jezzine Barracks community trust to oversee the lands redevelopment.
Trust chair John Bearne said the community members would be welcome to make submissions about how they would like to see the land used when a public consultation period begins in September.
North Queensland Military Museum project manager Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hodgkinson said the facility would move from its fort location to a larger location to allow more historic relics to be displayed.
"Jezzine Barracks is being handed back to the Townsville City Council by Defence and that will finally occur in March next year, as part of that the forts are being transferred to council as well.
"So we are moving the museum to the big red brick building near the entrance that used to be the lines of the 31st Battalion.
"It will be much larger, its going to have five galleries with everything from pre-federation army history up to what the guys are doing at the present time in Iraq and Afghanistan."
"This is only a fraction of what we've got because the place is so small there is only so much we can display, we will be able to display a lot more in the new place."
LTCOL Hodgkinson said relics would be painstakingly packed to ensure the historic goods are not damaged during the move.
"We've got trained curators who know how to pack things properly, for instance when it comes to documents and photographs its important to use acid free paper, specialty curatorial paper," he said.
A closing ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1 about 1pm and community members are welcome to attend.
LTCOL Hodgkinson said the forts, which were built in 1891 to protect Townsville's Port, and used until WWII, would be restored to their original condition.
He hopes to run tours through the forts once the land is open to the public.
Mr Bearne said the trust would take public submissions from all interested parties about how the land should be used from a specially developed office in West End in September.
"That may take some time, we expect a lot of interest, we are certainly looking forward to a big response from the public," Mr Bearne said.
The Defence department is carrying out $4 million of preparation work on buildings at the site before it is officially handed over in March.

Thanks Danielle for your bravery

TIME TO GIVE?Major Paul Firth, Lions Club coordinator John Muller, Danielle Van Zweeden and WO2 Darryl Holzhauser will hit the town tonight.

CANCER patient Danielle Van Zweeden will be at the forefront of soldiers minds when they invade Townsville clubs tonight.
Troops are joining Lions Club members for a pub crawl with a cause: to help raise funds for the new Queensland Cancer Council hospice and palliative care centre adjacent to Townsville Hospital.
Mrs Van Zweeden, 41, was diagnosed with colon cancer about three years ago and last August was told she had just six months to live.
But the optimistic fighter has put her own problems aside to help raise money for the new palliative care centre.
"There are basically no options for palliative care in Townsville, you can die in a hospital bed or at home, and neither of those options really appealed to me," Mrs Van Zweeden said.
"When I found out the cancer council was fundraising I jumped on board."
Mrs Van Zweeden said, as it stood, when cancer sufferers were undergoing chemotherapy, they often shared the oncology ward with people on their last days.
"You have to be positive when you're undergoing treatment and believe you will get better. When someone in the bed next to you is dying from the disease you're trying to fight, it is hard to take."
Her husband Stephan is a Sergeant with 10 Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) and soldiers are collecting as a farewell gesture to the couple who are moving to Wodonga.
10 FSB officer commanding 2nd Force Supply Company, Major Paul Firth, urged Townsville residents to dig deep for the two-day fundraiser.
"Danielle has been a member of our extended family for the past seven years," MAJ Firth said.
"We are trying to raise money for the new hospice and Danielle has been a great advocate in relation to getting this centre up and running.
"In a way it's also to say 'thankyou' for her effort."
Rollingstone and District Lions Club and Townsville Castle Hill Lions Club members are coordinating the campaign and hope to raise upward of $10,000.
Teams of soldiers and Lions will hit pubs, clubs and bars in Townsville on Friday night, before they conduct a bucket collection at about 15 shopping centres in Townsville on Saturday morning.

Thanks Danielle for your bravery

Townsville trio become brothers in arms

Click to Enlarge

FOLLOWING TRADITION... front from the left, Matt Cannon,
Omar Marlon and Lucas Clifford

Townsville trio become brothers in arms

FROM obstacle courses to rifle training, three Townsville lads are being put through their paces as they kick-start their army careers.
Matthew Cannon, 18 Omar Marlon, 30, both of Kirwan, and Lucas Clifford , 19, of Hermit Park, have all signed up. All are following family traditions by joining the Defence Force and have spent recent weeks doing basic training at the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka.
Private Cannon said he was enjoying the physical aspect of the course.
"It's been difficult at times, but fun - the hours are very long and some classes are tedious, and it's very physically demanding," PTE Cannon said. "But I think it's changing me - I feel more mindful of others. I'm making friends.
"And I can shoot now."
PTE Clifford said he was confident he had made the right career choice.
"So far I love it - it's everything I thought it would be," PTE Clifford said. "It's mind over matter when it gets physical, but it's what you are being trained to do."
"We are all getting a lot fitter - even though when we went into town on local leave we still stuffed our faces full of junk food."
But it's not all about the young blokes.
Private Marlon is following his lifelong dream of becoming a soldier. PTE Marlon was brought up in the Philippines where height restrictions prevented him from joining the army.
"It was my childhood ambition . Back there my grandad, dad and my two brothers are in the army, but I was too short - I was under 162cm," PTE Marlon said. "But the Australian Army has other rules, so here I am."

Geckos Relaunch and End of Era Parade - 20 Jul 08

Troops' Lasting Legacy

Recognised for courage under fire

It was the highest commendation for a job well done.
About 100 Iraq veterans marched with a sense of accomplishment in Townsville yesterday to mark the end of an era in the Middle East.
The new Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie travelled to Lavarack Barracks for the first time in his position, to give his first address to troops.
Iraq diggers donned their desert-cams and marched alongside their mates, before the appreciative crowd of dignitaries, family members and friends.
Lieutenant General Gillespie said 3500 Aussie troops who served in Iraq with the Al Muthanna Task Group, Overwatch Battle Group and Australian Army Training Team (AATT) Iraq left a lasting legacy to the Iraqi people.
"Let me acknowledge the difficult and dangerous conditions in which you served," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.
"Thank you for your courage and commitment, at times under fire but always under threat. You displayed initiative, commonsense and determination in completing your mission."
Australian troops maintained security in southern Iraq and helped train about 33,000 Iraqi soldiers.
They built essential infrastructure such as water, irrigation and power supply, and undertook rural projects enhancing crops and animal production.
Community facilities were built including schools, health clinics, sporting facilities and parks.
"These activities were carried out with the skill, compassion and friendly goodwill thereby continuing a tradition for which the Australian Defence Force has become renowned over many decades," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.
"You've added another proud chapter to our military history and we can all be very proud of their contribution .
"I can think of no better way to commence this role than being here in Townsville to say thank-you."
Commanding Officer AATT Iraq - 6 Lieutenant Colonel Bob Hamilton said the difference Aussie troops made to the Iraqi people was evident during his six month deployment in 2006.
"From a personal perspective when you go on operation and see people who are scared about their immediate future?their kids can't go to school they can't get food or power, they don't have medical facilities and those sorts of things," Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton said.
And at the end of the tour you see children cleanly dressed, with books under their arms walking down the street and you think we've done a good thing if the parents are comfortable enough to let their kids walk to school unsupervised.
"That's a very rewarding experience for any soldiers."
Families were thanked for their support during an open day and official relaunch of the Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks. The Townsville parade was the last official Iraq ceremony, following similar marches in Darwin and Brisbane.

Bridging the gap on field

NAIDOC WEEK
Bridging the gap on field

Footy match for reconciliation

NAIDOC Week will see Townsville's first reconciliation footy game which will bring together forces personnel and Palm Islanders.
The Palm Island Skip Jacks will play Australian Army Thunder for the Bill Coolburra Shield.
Bill 'Kookaburra' Coolburra, originally from Palm Island, was an Aboriginal Sapper in the Australian Army.
Mr Coolburra toured Vietnam, North Borneo, Singapore and Thailand beginning in the 1960s.
For Mr Coolburra, the Saturday match will see his former home team, Palm Island, play his former employer.
"It is a great pleasure and a great honour (to be the shield's namesake)," he said.
Mr Coolburra spoke about being a part of the Army, a time he holds dear to his heart.
"I've got a kidney from an Army mate of mine ?I've known him for 43 years," he said.
Department of Defence Indigenous Liaison Officer Lee Smallwood said the Palm Island team was smaller than the opposition but had great skills developed from a weekend competition on the island.
"The 19-player Palm Island team has players from 18 to 33-years-old", Miss Smallwood said.
The Thunder's coach, Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason Griffiths said the match was about promoting rugby league in the community and in the defence force.
"It fosters a very good relationship between defence and it also gives the guys from Palm Island, who don't get to play rugby league all of the time, the opportunity to come and have a game of football," WO2 Griffiths said.
He said the team included players from Lavarack Barracks and Townsville's 5th Aviation Regiment.
The Lavarack team competes in other matches, including the Defence World Cup later this year.
"It gives us an opportunity to view players we do not normally get to see and it gives them the opportunity to put their hand up," WO2 Griffiths said.
"I just look at it this way?that we are doing our part in the reconciliation process."
Miss Smallwood said Mr Coolburra was a major role model in the indigenous community.
She said the match was a way of showing the young Palm Islanders a potential career opportunity where they will also get to develop their football skills.

End of Era Celebrated - 20 Jul 08

SOLDIERS returned from Iraq will march together at Lavarack Barracks to commemorate the end of an era of service in the country.
The new Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie will travel to Townsville for the first time in his new role to oversee the march on July 20.
Soldiers' families will also be thanked during the celebration, which will include an official launch of the Gecko's family centre.
Major Jo Richards-Bell said all defence families were welcome at the event, which would both celebrate the Iraq soldiers' achievements and recognise the important role the families left behind played during deployment.
"From our perspective, if we don't look after the families and ensure the welfare of the family is well and truly established, we find the capability of soldiers can be reduced ," Major Richards-Bell said.
"Without families we don't have support to carry on and do what we have to do."
Major Richards-Bell said about 150 Townsville based troops who served in Overwatch Battle Group West, Australian Army Training Team Iraq or the Al Muthanna Task Group would march in a parade from about 2.15pm.
"The parade is to recognise the service of those members who took part in those operations," Major Richards-Bell said.
She said a Black Hawk and Bushmasters would be on display and various activities would be held including a gun race and obstacle course.
Animals from Billabong Sanctuary will also be available for children to see.
Major Richards-Bell said Gecko's opened about 18 months ago, but had recently undergone a $500,000 face-lift thanks to various defence and community sponsors.
She said the day would allow families to become familiar with services offered at the centre.
"It is a unique centre at the moment, but it's value has been recognised and defence is looking to replicate the concept at other Australian bases," Major Richards-Bell said.
The event will run from 2pm-4pm.

MEMORIES CAPTURED IN RTF 3 TOUR BOOK

Book publishing could be a new career for 4 Fd Battery Commander MAJ Adam Worsely.
"Volunteered" while he was away on ROCoL for the job of co-ordinating editor of the tour book for RTF-3, he took to it like a duck to water.
"I got a lot of help and guidance from book designer Richard Hudson in Brisbane," MAJ Worsely said.
"But I am really pleased with the way it turned out and so far, the feeback has been very positive."
Members of RTF-3 gathered at 3 CER before the Welcome Home Parade last month to present a copy of the book to Nicole Pearce, whose husband TPR David "Poppy" Pearce was killed in the first few months of the deployment.
CO RTF-3 LTCOL Dave Wainwright said it was important for them that the book was presented to Mrs Pearce by the whole group.
The book begins with a very simple, but evocative dedication to PTR Pearce.
MAJ Worsely said the book itself was dedicated to their mate but did not dwell on the incident.
I was asked to produce a memory of the tour," MAJ Worsely said.
"My main aim was to set it out so people could use it to explain to their family what it was like being there and doing the work they did."
MAJ Worsely said working on the book had been an enjoyable experience.
"It was something of a release valve," he said.
"It gave me something to do every night that was a pleasure."
Every copy of the 186-page book was sold before the deployment left Afghanistan. The book also includes a DVD carrying images from the deployment.
LTCOL Wainwright said as OC HQ Coy at Tarin Kowt MAJ Worsely had been an obvious choice to compile the book.
"I promised the soldiers it would be a good quality publication, something they would be proud to show their families," he said.
"I wanted somebody in charge of it who could back that up."
LTCOL Wainwright said the welfare aspect of the deployment was very important to him.
"I wrote to all the soldiers' families before the deployment and many of them responded," he said.
The book is another way of giving something back to the families, he said.
LTCOL Wainwright said many members of the task force had contributed to the book.
Apart from some excellent "overview" articles about the country, the people and the local politics there are contributions from every part of the Task Force.
"I wanted him to have a book they could show their families and children and be able to look back on in years to come," LTCOL Wainwright said.
"I think we'vre achieved that."

Good Job.. Ian and Christine Worsley of Traralgon with their son, MAJ Adam Worsley, the co-ordinating editor for the publication.

RTF-3 Book presented to Mrs Pearce

1 RAR Recon Pl SGT - Rugby Star

When Gavin Whiteside left Fiji for Gladstone at age 10, little did he know his rugby skills would see him touring France as part of the Australian Army's rugby union team. After graduating from Gladstone State High School, Gavin joined the army in 1995. In the years since, Gavin's soldiering has involved a number of elite infantry roles where he specialised in reconnaissance and airborne rappelling requiring him to move into enemy territory with stealth and return with vital information. He has already been deployed to many parts of the world, including Malaysia and East Timor. But his rugby skills have sent him even further to South Africa, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Argentina, and now France and Germany.
Soldiers from across Australia took time out of their Army careers to tour France and Germany as part of the Australian Army Rugby Union European Tour. The tour from April 27 to May 17 was aimed at enhancing the Australian Army's relationship with the French and UK Armies and to promote rugby as the premier international military sport. Gavin and his team-mates were on show both as representatives of the Australian Army and as elite athletes. The tour provided an excellent opportunity for selected players to further develop their playing skills while a unique range of cultural and historical activities, including battlefield tours. Gavin played matches against the French Army, the French Combined Services and the British Army on the Rhine. The team also took time to remember fallen Diggers at the first ever ANZAC Day Dawn Service held at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France. At 30, Gavin is now the Recon Platoon Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and he's normally based in Townsville.

King of Castle run simple for Simon

TOWNSVILLE soldier Simon O'Regan continued his blistering run of form by taking out the annual King of the Castle race yesterday.
And he managed to do it without any hill training in the lead-up to the event.
O'Regan is gearing himself for the Gold Coast Marathon in five weeks and had to rely solely on his fitness to get him home in 33 mins 30 secs in the gruelling 9.5km event.
"I was pretty much concentrating on the Gold Coast so I didn't do any specific hill training for this, I just relied on my fitness," he said.
"I was confident of racing the people who live in Townsville, it's always a thing with King of the Castle, in past history there's always a couple of out-of-towners turn up".
O'Regan also finished first in this year's Playtime Dash for Cash.
Forty-year-old veteran Tony Ford made a successful showing in the race, picking up third place with a time of 36 mins 31 secs after a 15-year absence from competitive running.
Mick Krake finished second in 35.58.

King of the Castle

Army boss on a mission to meet the students

TOWNSVILLE'S top soldier yesterday took charge of school students when he became a principal for the day.
Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier John Caligari took assembly at Annandale State School to mark the start of Education Week in Queensland. "I was a bit nervous to start with," he said.
"Talking to five to 12-year-olds is a bit different to dealing with soldiers who are 18-plus.
"The kids were a toucher audience - I can't throw them in jail."
Brigadier Caligari asked children who had a mum or dad serving with the Australian Defence Force to stand - and one quarter of the 1000 students got to their feet.
"I found out 27 per cent of the school kids are from defence families.
"Then I said to them: stay standing if mum or dad is overseas on operations now and about 70 of them kept standing."
Brigadier Caligari also spent about 40 minutes with children of families recently posted to Townsville.
"It was amazing - they all knew how to email their mum or dad overseas or talk to them over the phone."
Brigadier Caligari said one of the reasons he wanted to be principal for the day was to thank teachers and students who look after defence kids and make them feel at home.

Army boss on a mission to meet the students

Muso Turns Hobby Into Career Major

As a young muso, Andrew Ryder couldn't believe his luck when he got the chance to turn his hobby into a fulltime job.
Today, 30 years after marching out of the classroom at Townsville's Pimlico High School and into the Army as a music apprentice, he still blows a merry tune.
As director of music of 1 RAR's band, the amiable MAJ Ryder, 46, spends most of his time ministering to the needs of the band and "calling the tunes", so to speak, on its many and varied outings.
These range from official military ceremonial occasions, like the May 24 Welcome Home Parade on Townsville's The Strand for troops who served in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste, to community fundraisers, such as Legacy's annual big band night, usually held later in the year.
But just in case there are some out there who think being in an Army band is just a lot of hot air, forget it.
Band members are subjected to the same physical weapons and helicopter underwater evacuations training as other soldiers.
"The day usually starts with PT and ends with paper work?and in between there are morning rehearsals and equipment maintenance among other things," MAJ Ryder said.
Over the years he has been to Timor-Leste three times with Army bands and to Gallipoli and the Western Front with bands and groups of veterans.
The 1 RAR band performs about 200 "tasks" a year - inside and outside the Army.
"Community demands can be heavy, to the point we have to knock back some requests, which is something we don't like doing.
"Of course, everyone wants a band on a Friday or Saturday, never a Wednesday?so being a member of an Army band means working some odd hours".
But MAJ Ryder said it was a small price to pay for the valuable interface it provided between the Army and the public.
As a conductor he likes nothing better than having his band performing at its best.
But he is not frightened to put himself to the test either, turning out when he can with the local Barrier Reef Orchestra.
"I have a blow with him occasionally?but not really often enough, said a smiling MAJ Ryder.
Growing up with two brothers and two sisters in a household that sported a piano, a young Andrew played the trumpet at school and later, in the Army, the French horn, his instrument of choice.
Promoted to major in January, he now holds the same rank as younger brother Bn, a member of RAEME, currently stationed at Wodonga.
Other brother Jamie, is a Townsville fireman, while sisters Diana, a dental technician, Susan a government administrator, both live in the city along with their mum and dad, Faye and Keith Ryder.
His postings have been Army Apprentice School Melbourne 1978/79, 2 MD Band Sydney 80/82, 1 RAR Band Townsville 83/84, 1 RTB Band WaggaWagga 85/91, Defence Force School of Music 92/94, Army Band Darwin 95/2000, 1 RAR band 2001/08.
It was while in Wagga Wagga he met wife-to-be Jenny and then "dragged her around the country"?along the way producing three daughters - Alice 20, an environmental science student at James Cook University, Jane, 18, who is about to go to JCU to study Arts and new Media and Clair, 17, who is in Year 12 at Annandale Christian School.
A true son of the north, MAJ Ryder, who has handed in his papers and will retire in January, has no plans to leave Townsville ?"other than on fishing trips and to take Jenny to Broome's Cable Beach to see the "staircase to the moon", the phenomenon caused by moonlight reflecting on rippled sand flats.
"?that and the pearls," he said, laughing.
While students can aspire to musical careers in the ADF, following in MAJ Ryder's footsteps is a bit more difficult these days.
The Army music apprenticeship scheme he signed up as a 15-year-old in 1978 no longer exists.
"I also had the benefit of an education system that, at the time, offered a lot musically?
I recall being involved in music at least three days a week and playing in the Townsville Youth Orchestra.
"I couldn't believe my luck when I found out I could get a paid job doing what was my favourite hobby".
He said today's high entry standards are a challenge to high school leavers because they may not have developed the necessary musical skills or range.
"But this shouldn't stop them considering ADF musical careers," MAJ Ryder said, adding that the Army had six regular bands, and the Navy and Air Force two each.
"We are short of musicians and are recruiting".
However, he warned potential applicants that they should be applying because they loved music and not because they just wanted a job.
"It soon shows up if the latter is the motive," said MAJ Ryder, whose band can have up to 26 musicians but currently has 16.
This number is about to be increased by one with the recruitment of an experienced Mackay music teacher who wants to get back to playing.
"You know these people have the skill, love their music and will add to a band's depth of experience".
Speaking of experience, the average age of musicians in the 1 RAR band is 36.
"Six of us are over 40, so we are probably seen as old farts," said MAJ Ryder, grimacing.
There are, of course, musicians who see Army life, even as a member of a band, as too..er, orchestrated and contrary to their artistic flare.
"In reality, though, we all have to live with constraints of one kind or another?so I don't see being in an Army band as restrictive.
MAJ Ryder said the evolving repertories of military bands showed they had the ability to perform on and off parade grounds.
"While we play what is required on ceremonial occasions, the days of Army bands playing 20 marches in succession at public fundraisers are long gone.
Pop, rock, swing?you name it and we can play it.

Muso Turns Hobby Into Career Major

Women in Defence Celebration Day

Women celebrated


An event to celebrate the significant contribution made by Australian women to the defence of the nation both in peacetime and during conflict will be held at Townsville's Lavarack Barracks on June 1.
The Celebrations of Women in Defence event will bring together former and serving members of the ADF as well as current and former Defence public servants.
MAJGEN Liz Cosson, Head of National Operations in the Defence Support Group, will be an official guest at the event.
Event organiser MAJ Wendy Quayle said the celebration aimed to gather a cross-section of women, from those who served in World War II up to the present.
"It's about paying tribute to the key role played by women in Defence, and ensuring that their endeavours and achievements are recognised," MAJ Quayle said.
"It will also recognise the changes in the roles of women in Defence over time, and inspire women who are currently in the regular forces, the Reserve, and the public service."
She said former members would also get a look at the range of opportunities that existed for women in Defence today.
The event will feature displays and memorabilia including photos, uniforms and recruiting material from the 1960s and '70s. Women currently serving in local North Queensland ADF units will be on hand to explain their careers.

Women in Defence

Appreciation of Contribution

BRIG Caligari
HQ 3 BDE
Lavarack Barracks

Dear John


Attendance at the 'DCO Welcome and Information Afternoon' on 23 February 2008 exceeded our expectations, and the generous positive feedback that we continue to receive confirms that the event has been an enormous success.
The success of the function was directly linked to your efforts in promoting and supporting the event, and also providing DCO with access to the Geckos venue. It was greatly appreciated that the main guard entry was opened on the day of the event.
All DCO staff have acknowledged the valuable contribution that you have made in promoting family and welfare issues in the local community, and I would like to extend our appreciation of your support for this activity and other DCO events.
I look forward to our continued positive working relationship.

Yours sincerely


KAREN GREEN
Area Manager
Defence Community Organisation
Townsville

Keeping an Army tradition

FOR Townsville soldier Cory Hackett, serving with the army is a long-standing family tradition.
The 30-year-old sergeant has 14 years of military service under his belt, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfathers before him.
SGT Hackett's father served during the Vietnam War era, his grandfather during World War II and his great-grandfather during the Boer War and World War I.
SGT Hackett is on his fourth overseas deployment and third tour of Timor-Leste.
"I was here in 1999, then again in 2001-2002, and I served in Iraq in 2006," SGT Hackett said.
Normally based in Townsville with 2 RAR, SGT Hackett has several months to go serving with the International Stabilisation Force based in Dili.
SGT Hackett said he was looking forward to catching up with his parents Betty and Stephen and his siblings in Bendigo when he gets home.
He has also missed his dirt bike while he has been away.
"There's plenty of great dirt bike country here," he said. "Shame I don't have the bike over here to go with it."

Donors help Ramos-Horta

LT Glen Mitchell, 3 CSSB

It may be an old clich?but for eight Australian soldiers on Operation Astute in Timor-Leste their blood is truly worth bottling.
The soldiers provided blood for immediate transfusion during the emergency treatment of President Jose Ramos-Horta at the Aspen Medical Facility, Dili, following his serious wounding by rebels on February 11.
The soldiers had previously consented to be part of Aspen's emergency donor register, members of which make themselves available for blood donations in the event that their blood type is required urgently and Red Cross supplies are not available.
The register - believed to be the first of its kind in the ADF - lists more than 40 fully-screened and tested potential donors at the H-POD and Camp Phoenix in Dili.
President Ramos-Horta's treatment is the first time the register has been activated in Timor-Leste.
One of the donors was LT Glen Mitchell, 3 CSSB. As the operations officer with the Combat Service Spt Coy collocated with the Aspen hospital at the Dili heliport base - otherwise known as the H-POD - LT Mitchell knew very quickly after the shooting that President Ramos-Horta would undergo emergency surgery at Aspen.
"For me it then became simply a matter of locating the emergency donors with the President's blood type around the H-POD and lining up with them," he said.
"As a donor you feel good no matter who you're helping to save, but the fact that we were helping someone who means so much to the future of this country, plus the fact that it was Aussies showing this compassion, was great.
"I feel like I have a very strong connection to this country now."
Another of the emergency donors was CPL Paul Faulkner, 2 RAR, who is also a donor back in Australia.
"I'd encourage everyone to consider donating blod. It's a really worthy cause back home, and here I'm simply doing my bit as well," CPL Faulkner said. "I guess it did feel a bit special - being able to help out President Ramos-Horta, who's so important to Timor-Leste, made it even more so."

On the list: LT Glen Mitchell, 3 CSSB, one of eight soldiers who donated blood for President Ramos-Horta's emergency treatment.

Lots of good reasons for being a blood donor at Lavarack

Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Caligari

Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Caligari and Nurse Jo Conroy

Lots of good reasons for being a blood donor at Lavarack

The Red Cross can do more with your blood than you might think.
When the Australian Red Cross Blood Service van visited Lavarack Barracks recently, Brigadier John Caligari gladly donated blood, hoping to promote an important message to his soldiers and the community.
"There are misconceptions because we get lots of inoculations that someone might not want our blood, but the message is that the Red Cross can do anything with it," Brigadier Caligari said.
"Even if you have blood that the Red Cross doesn't want to use for transfusions, they can use he plasma or take the platelets. There's a lot of things you can do with the blood these days."
Brigadier Caligari said he had thought he could not give blood after serving in Somalia in 1992, having received vaccinations and malaria treatments while he was there.
But when he visited the van, he was surprised to find there were more uses for blood than before.
"We're convincing

Triumph of Spirit

A TALIBAN IED has not daunted the spirit of SGT Michael Lyddiard, whose courage helped him return to work in Townsville on January 21.
It has been less than three months since SGT Lyddiard lost his right eye and forearm to an IED he was attempting to render safe in Afghanistan.
The explosives ordnance disposal operator said his decision to return to his second family - 3 CER - was well supported by Army.
"I'm happy with light duties because I really pushed for heavy, " SGT Lyddiard, who is a quarter of the way through rehabilitation, said.
The 13-year veteran thanked all who had supported him since the incident, and praised the efforts of his mates who saved his life.
He recalled being part of an RTF convoy returning to base on November 2 last year.
He said the infantry solders did their job "extremely well" when they identified a possible IED and reported it over the radio.
The EOD sergeant explained that by rendering safe the device, it could be studied and exploited.
"If we don't do it, we're putting more soldiers at risk, he said.
With his buddy in position, SGT Lyddiard crawled towards the IED on his stomach.
"My number two turned around and said: 'Lydds, you're doing a great job, mate'. I remember clearing it, my buddy being there, and then it going off", he said.
"I blacked out during the blast, but I awoke as soon as I landed on my back. I felt the sensation of blood and I heard my mates come to my aid."
A corporal took immediate control of the incident site. A sapper trooper and lance corporal rendered first aid while a sergeant coordinated security and the medical evacuation, with assistance from another sapper.
"These blokes went straight into action as soon as the device went off and saved my life," SGT Lyddiard said.
"Being mates, they encouraged me, they talked about my wife, they talked about my child and talked about me getting back to work. "They controlled my bleeding, but more importantly they kept me going mentally."
He later learnt that a mate had stayed with him for the six hours he was at a medical facility in Kandahar.
He also thanked a nurse called Anna, who made sure "the first voice I heard was an Australian one when I woke up".
SGT Lyddiard was later transferred to a hospital in Germany, and thanked the "sensational" efforts of the medical staff there.
He paid tribute to his wife Katri, who was by his side when he awoke in Germany.
"Katri has fully supported me all the way through my career, and more importantly, has ensured that I had love and support around me since the incident," he said.
SGT Lyddiard said he would return to Afghanistan in a heart beat, but that his family might have something to say about it.
Fortunately, 3 CER will still benefit from his experience and spirit as the soldier takes up an operations and training position at the unit.
"I've wanted nothing but to be a combat engineer," he said.
"I wanted nothing but to build the bridges, build the roads and help the (Afghan) community when we did that task. Being an EOD is what I wanted to do."
SGT Lyddiard also extended his thanks to those who sent letters and flowers throughout his recovery.


Base honour

SGT Michael Lyddiard has not been forgotten by his mates in Afghanistan - in fact they have named a base after him. RTF 3 soldiers built the Afghan National Army patrol base in Oruzgan province. The Afghan troops occupying the base and their Dutch counterparts agreed that Patrol Base Khyber will not carry the local name of Camp Lyddiard.

Helping the needy, drives soldier

Corporal Michal Moczulski

AID ?Corporal Michal Moczulski is excited to be putting years of training into practice

Helping the needy drives soldier

SEEING aid delivered to Timor-Leste's most needy people has made one Townsville soldier's deployment more than worthwhile.
Corporal Michal Moczulski, 26, has been in Timor-Leste for one month serving with about 950 other Australian Defence Force personnel on Operation Astute.
CPL Moczulski said he was thoroughly enjoying his first overseas deployment and was excited to finally be putting years of training into practice.
"Every moment of every day I'm absolutely stoked to be here," CPL Moczulski said.
"We work closely with the UN mission and the civilian authorities here to make sure that aid gets to those who most need it. Everywhere I see signs of reconstruction and development.
"We're definitely having a positive impact."
CPL Moczulski began as a specialist geomatic engineer with the Army's 1st Topographical Survey Squadron in Brisbane and is a corporal with 2 RAR.
He is attached to the Battle Group's Civil-Military Co-operation organisation for the duration of his deployment in Timor-Leste.
On his return to Australia, CPL Moczulski is looking forward to undertaking a new challenge in his posting as the 2nd Battalion's Physical Training Instructor.

Thanks to Aussie Efforts

Thanks to Aussie efforts, there's a time for peace in Timor-Leste

SEVEN years after his first tour of Timor-Leste, Townsville soldier Mark Macarthur said Australia's effort was truly paying off.

Corporal Macarthur, 26, who is four months into his latest deployment, said he had seen massive changes in the country since 2001.

"In 2001 the Timorese were still having trouble with militia elements and then the security situation turned bad again in 2006," CPL Macarthur said.

"Now it's a lot calmer, which means the people can get on with their lives.
"We've definitely made a difference here."
CPL Macarthur is one of about 750 defence force personnel serving on Operation Astute the Australian Government's effort to restore peace to Timor-Leste.
The soldier is currently deployed with 2 RAR's Assault Pioneer Platoon as part of the International Stabilisation Force. For the past few weekes, CPL Macarthur has been busy with water operations training in the coastal town of Liquica.
Despite limited opportunity to use their rigid-hulled inflatable boats on this operation, CPL Macarthur said the training was essential to the platoon's water skills.
"We always need to be ready for anything. The Army's deployment to the Solomons in 2003 happened at really short notice and we were employed there primarily for our water skills," CPL Macarthur said.
He said he was looking forward to being reunited with his wife Lynn and daughter Bethany on his return to Townsville in about two months.
"We miss each other for sure, but they know it's my job," CPL Macarthur said.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE... CPL Macarthur looks forward to coming home

CPL Mark Macarthur

Rocking the Military

I've always wondered whether the Band of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment were full-time musicians, or had to undertake other military duties, so I decided to find out whether the old tradition of musicians doubling as stretcher bearers in times of war still applied.
It doesn't, but the recently renovated rehearsal rooms at Lavarack Barracks are named the Wilson Clark building, after two musicians who were killed while filling the role in 1969, a sobering reminder that these musicians are indeed part of a military corps.
These days the risks to the band are more

Legacy Appeal

Legacy Appeal

Legacy Appeal in full swing this week

LEGACY is out and about in Townsville this week conducting its annual week-long appeal. The funds will go to support Legacy's 1100 widows and wards in the district.
ADF personnel, members of the PATRIOTS, the Defence forces-related motorcycle club and Legacy volunteers are manning 16 posts in shopping centres across the city. Shown here with samples of the appeal items are (from left) PTE Scott Livingston 1 RAR, appeal coordinator and secretary Barbara Bates, office administrator Denise Eberle, and PTE Kyle Banfield 1 RAR.

Northern Services Courier Issue 9, September 6, 2007 - Page 3.

Road to Success - Letter of Appreciation

QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE

Senior Human Services Officer
Level 1, 17-19 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
TELEPHONE 0407765006



Army Support


Dear Brig John Caligari, DSC, AM

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of all members of the 'Armed for Success' Project for so willingly accepting our request for support. Without the support from the Army the project would not have been able to provide ongoing services to this youth development project. .Throughout the duration of this task, the Army's commitment, professionalism and management of this task was of the highest standard.

As you would be aware, significant management and contingency planning is involved in managing project outcomes across federal and state government agencies and with the added inclusion of a number of Non-government service providers, these sorts of tasks have every opportunity to result in failure or fall short of task expectations.

Our experience with working with members of the 3rd Brigade, specifically 9th Transport Unit, Capt Robbie Kirk, Sgt Grogan and all soldiers involved have significantly exceeded all target expectations and has resulted in not only delivering these logistically complex vehicles to our project location, but has served to raise the profile of the Australian Army within the Cairns Population.

I have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone that was involved in receiving these vehicles at Cairns, and all were most impressed by the manner in which the soldiers performing this task did such, in a manner that served to reflect the high standards of professionalism and conduct within the Army.

I hope you are pleased with the media response to this project, although I don't believe that these articles could truly replicate or portray the sincere thanks and gratitude displayed by the members on location, particularly given the knowledge that these soldiers volunteered their holidays to complete this task.

This is the third year that the project has successfully run, and with your support we can now look forward to providing many more years of service to disadvantaged youth in the Cairns Region. We expect that we will have the first vehicle restored for the 2009 ANZAC parade in Cairns, and will continue on into the future. We will continue to provide up dates on the success of our project and would welcome any ongoing relationship with the Brigade in the future.

Yours sincerely



Timothy J White
Project Coordinator 'Armed for Success'.
Psychologist/Senior Human Service Officer.
Queensland Police Service
Far Northern Region.

Road to Success

JOINT EFFORT... SGT Sean Grogan from the Squadron with Mr Tim White

The Road to Success

WORLD War II workhorses will be restored to their former glory thanks to the efforts of Townsville soldiers.
Lavarack Barracks-based 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion 9 Transport Squadron moved three 4-tonne ex-Army vehicles from Bundaberg for a youth program in Cairns.
Armed for Success co-ordinator Tim White said the vehicles would be restored in Cairns by local at-risk youth and ex-service personnel.
"It's a way for the kids to take some part in Anzac Day along with the veterans," Mr White said.
"They restore the vehicles and then take part in the parade."
The Armed for Success program is jointly run by the Cairns Police and Citizens Youth Club and Youth Empowered Towards Independence.

Saturday, 29th September, 2007 - Townsville Bulletin

Ferrets at home with street kids

FERRET FETCHERS ... volunteers PTE Mitch White, PTE Joel Juratowitch, PTE Mathew Johnston,
Tim White, PTE Simon Leak and CPL Josh Miller with one of the vehicles



Two WW11 'ferrets' confiscated by police from a drug patch near Bundaberg will be rejuvenated by a bunch of homeless and disadvantaged kids in Cairns.

The tiny scout vehicles, found by police at the culmination of manor crime investigation, were the subject of protracted legal battle which resulted in them being forfeited to the Crown.

That's when Cairns policeman Tim White put his hand up and asked for the old vehicles on behalf of the Cairns PCYC.

He was given the vehicles on condition he could get them transported to Cairns.

That's where the generosity of half a dozen soldiers from 9 Transport Platoon at 3 CSSB came into the picture.

SGT Sean Grogan said he and his soldiers had volunteered to forego their leave during the current stand-down period to retrieve the Ferrets.

"These are the same blokes who put their hand up to help in Operation Larry Assist as well", he said SGT Grogan said the men had been away for three days and, after one night at home, would be on the road again to finish the journey to Cairns.

Climbing into the wrecked shell of one of the vehicles, the Diggers were obviously enthused at the idea of seeing them restored.

Mr White said the children who took part in the program were exposed to many concepts with which they were not familiar.

"They get the idea of work ethic, they get exposed to potential employers and a potential career," he said.

He said because of the military connection, they were exposed to the whole ANZAC legend that many of them had never heard of before.

"We have already restored a Saracen which is really just a bigger version of the Ferret," Mr White said.

"We had the kids who worked on it actually in the vehicle in this year's ANZAC Day parade.

"They got a tremendous amount from being involved."

Mr White, a former soldier with 1 RAR, is now a psychologist in the Queensland Police Force and a volunteer at the PCYC.

He also runs the "Armed for Success" program in which volunteers encourage disadvantaged kids to get involved in restoring old vehicles.

"We rely on the veteran community and sponsors and we provide a mentoring program," Mr White said.

He said the military vehicles generated a lot of interest with the young people who were the target of the program.

"You can't generate the same interest with a mini-Moke," he said. Mr White said he hoped to have at least one of the Ferrets restored in time to take part in next year's ANZAC Day parade and activities.

Gift of Life

WO1 Bill Marks Story

1 RAR Band at Townsville Entertainment Centre

Rocking the MILITARY

The Legacy Concert held at the Townsville Enterainment Centre on Saturday, November 3, 2007 was a total success for The Band of the First Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. Which was Compered by Mr Steve Price (4TO FM).

LIFE CHANGE ...Trooper Purchase back to Timor

From lifesaver to humanitarian

This former lifeguard has made a mind-boggling career change from patrolling Gold Coast beaches to patrolling the airspace over Timor Leste.
Trooper Ryan Purchase, as part of the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment, has seen most of South East Asia since he enlisted in 2001.
But before enlisting he was saving lives in the surf at some of the State's busiest stretches of sand.
Now the 26-year-old father of one is no stranger to overseas operations and he's off again to East Timor.
"I enlisted in 2001 and I've already seen most of South East Asia as a member of 5th Aviation Regiment," Trooper Purchase said.
"I've been involved in military aviation support to operations in Solomon Islands, Banda Aceh, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste."
During this deployment Trooper Purchase will work as a member of the Timor Leste Aviation Group based at the Dili Airport, which provides the airlift capacity for the International Stabilisation Force.
"It's good to be able to see the whole of the country from the air, instead of being stuck in a barracks job, or patrolling on foot," he said.
"I love the variety of my job and I get to work with one of the biggest helicopter fleets in Australia."
Trooper Purchase started off specialising as a re-fueller with the ground crew, and later became a loadmaster on Black Hawk helicopters.
"It meant I got involved in a much wider range of tasks - including briefing passengers, operating the external winch, and in defence aid to the civil community," he said.
"I've been involved in a number of aero-medical evacuations and the humanitarian work in Banda Aceh, in the wake of the tsunami in 2006."

Links to Media who Support Us

Below are links to Media that have helped enhance our Public Image

Army News
Northern Services Courier
Townsville Bulletin