The ground force of 3CSSB

Pte Mark Lockhart constructs the new barbecue area at the Wapiti Junction. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU(P)

By Cpl Belinda Mepham
RECOGNISING Wapiti Junction at 3CSSB in Townsville these days is like walking into your backyard at home after Ground Force has visited for the weekend.

A facelift for the 3CSSB boozer has been on the program for most of this year and the renovations began during the recent 3 Bde maintenance week and some generous community donations helped make it possible.

Plants to railway sleepers, labour to trade skills were all donated to the makeover project.

3CSSB RSM WO1 Mark Barber said the efficient and effective team, which had transformed the unit’s backyard like the crew of Backyard Blitz, was a credit to the team and the unit.

“All of the members who have contributed their labour of love to this new look Wapiti should be proud of what they have achieved with limited time and resources,” he said.

“I am very proud of the work and hope members who come here over the next few years will enjoy the new developments – the boys have done a great job.”

New features at Wapiti Junction include tropical gardens complete with a self-irrigation system, the tables have been refurbished, a brand new brick barbecue area and a lick of fresh paint on the fence.

The idea to convert an old trailer carriage into the then 3BASB unit canteen was first proposed in June 1991.
Lack of a suitable carriage restricted progress, until an old NSW Railways Red Rattler Number 7152 was located in Redfern, NSW.

The carriage was subsequently purchased for $2500.

The length and weight of the carriage meant it had to be cut in half to be moved to Townsville on tank transporters of 9 Tp Regt.