Bearing the load

Easy rider: Gnr Bear rallies his troops with 1km to go. Photo by LBdr Michael Davis

By LBdr Michael Davis

EXERCISE Gunner Bear has seen 150 soldiers from 8/12 Md Regt push an 105mm L119 Hamel, 20km to raise more than $30,000 for sick kids.

The soldiers – who raised money for children in the Paediatric Isolation Ward 7B at Royal Darwin Hospital – travelled from Darwin’s Cenotaph to the hospital in four hours.

Four teams of 10 soldiers took it in turns to push the gun with their mascot, Gnr Bear, sitting astride the barrel. They canvassed businesses and pedestrians along the route for donations.

Lt-Col Graeme Finney, CO 8/12 Md Regt, assisted the gunners, leading the troops in the gun push from start to finish.

“I thought that the response to Gunner Bear was fantastic,” Lt-Col Finney said.

“We had the opportunity to collect donations at military establishments and across the wider Darwin community.

“Without exception, the soldiers were welcomed and a number of generous donations were made.

“One elderly lady was waiting at her gate with a $50 note in anticipation of making a donation.

“Without a doubt, Gunner Bear has reinforced the view that Army is a good corporate citizen within the Darwin community. It has also been the catalyst through which a very strong relationship has been developed between the Regiment and the Royal Darwin Hospital.”

Commander 1 Bde Brig John Cantwell showed his support and congratulated the troops on their successful fundraising by walking with them for the last 5km.

When Gnr Bear and his troops arrived at the hospital the staff supplied drinks and a barbecue for all Regimental members and their families, followed by a charity auction. The highlight came as the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital bought Gnr Bear for $330.

“In terms of the Regiment, it has been a great way to finish up the year,” Lt-Col Finney said.

“We are in an individual training cycle now because of the wet and Gunner Bear was a way of bringing the lads together for a worthwhile activity, one that benefited others.

“Through Gunner Bear, we were also able to reinforce the theme of ‘service to the Australian community’ – our reason for being.”

Lt-Col Finney thanked the Darwin community for their support and Capt Lachlan Searle, WO2 Dean Sinclair, WO2 Peter Carthew and Sgt Jury for their work.