Media Room: Media Releases

Reservists from the Navy, Army and Air Force are fully involved in Operation Acolyte, the Defence contribution to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. As the Commonwealth Games draw to a close in Melbourne, large numbers of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists will return to their home locations throughout Australia.

ADF members have worked alongside the Victoria Police to provide security for the Games, as well as providing a range of ceremonial and general support to the Melbourne 2006 (M2006) Corporation and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination (OCGC), the Victorian Government’s Games organisers. Reservists have made up almost a quarter of the 2,600 strong operational workforce.

Reservists, as part of the Security Task Group, have provided assistance to Victoria Police by operating vehicle check points and assisting Regular engineers in conducting pre-planned searches of several Games venues. In other areas, Reservists have provided support to the M2006 Corporation and OCGC by assisting in coordinating communications services at venues and Games precincts.

Reservists from all parts of Australia are taking part in Operation Acolyte, including Flight Sergeant Ron Scott from No. 27 Squadron in Townsville, Queensland, and Warrant Officer Class Two Craig Duncan, from 5th/6th Royal Victoria Regiment.

Flight Sergeant Scott, self-employed in civilian life, is a Company Quartermaster with the Security Task Group. "This is a six-week operation for us. We are all here by choice and are enjoying our involvement in Operation Acolyte," he said.

Meanwhile, Warrant Officer Duncan talks of a ‘buzz’ around Melbourne. "It’s much busier than usual with a real carnival atmosphere. A highlight so far has been meeting singer Delta Goodrem and seeing the Australian swim team practising at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre," he said.

Further information:

www.defence.gov.au/opacolyte or www.defence.gov.au/ourpeople

Defence Public Affairs – Victoria/Tasmania on 03 9282 7120 or 1800 818 920

Defence Public Affairs – 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664