|
| |
Aid program impresses CA
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington
Edition 1172, August 9, 2007 |
| |
|
 |
|
Hands on: CA uses a plasma arc cutting tool at the Doomadgee training workshop, watched by student Tramaine Ned.
Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington |
|
| |
CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has visited the town of Doomadgee in North Queensland to view the work of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP).
During the visit from July 31-August 1, Lt-Gen Leahy was impressed with what the AACAP contingent had achieved since it arrived in the area on May 13.
“I am very proud of what Army is doing on this year’s AACAP … and by the way they are working in a professional and very cooperative manner with the local community,” he said.
“We have sent trade trainers and trade mentors that, coupled with the professional skills of our tradesmen and women and our ability to stay here for an extended period of time, enables the Army to offer a lot to the Doomadgee community. The soldiers will get out of this deployment a sense of pride, having been able to help other Australians in remote parts of the country.
“Clearly they have the skills for these long range deployments and they also get to practise their trade skills.”
He said the people of Doomadgee could also offer something to the Army.
“I think there is promise that they can do something for the Army. For example, during my visit I saw locals being recruited into 51FNQR,” he said.
Next year AACAP will be held in a community in WA, and Lt-Gen Leahy expected it would be similar to this year’s effort.
“I would also like to think we could do some trade training with a technical or further education college to give the guys a certificate,” he said.
|
|
