IN BRIEF
Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006

New medal issued
THE first 8000 Australian Defence Medals were dispatched to serving and former members of the ADF in April. Following the announcement of the new medal, 5300 applications were received in the first few weeks. The government believes more than 1 million Australians are entitled. Info and applications available at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/ or call 1800 111 321.

ESS cleans up
ESS Support Services has won new Defence contracts for garrison support and maintenance services for the Sydney Central Region. Valued at $190 million, the contracts are expected to boost the economy around Defence bases in the area and cover a range of base support services including hospitality and catering, waste management, security and cleaning.

Peacekeepers wanted
THE health and well-being of women who served as peacekeepers is the focus of a new study – and volunteers are needed. Victoria University’s Dr Susan Feldman and Dr Clare Hanlon are looking for 120 women who have served as peacekeepers to measure how well they adjusted when they came home after experiencing life in an overseas conflict zone. Register with Dr Feldman on (03) 9362 0332.

Light armour on way
DSTO is developing new lightweight ballistic armour, using a number of new ceramic and composite materials and fabrication technologies to produce lightweight, low-cost, high-performance helmets and body armour. The project could have major implications for soldier safety and greatly reduce the loads carried by soldiers.

4RAR works begin
A CONTRACT for the construction of $120 million worth of facilities at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney has been awarded to construction giant John Holland Pty Ltd. The contract covers the Special Operations Working Accommodation project for 4RAR (Cdo) and is part of a $208 million redevelopment of the barracks. Work on the site has already begun.