The shoal Bay Receiving Station.

Arguably the Navy's quietest and unassuming station in the north, Shoal Bay Receiving Station (SBRS) has been rewarded with significant recognition for the achievements of the station.

SBRS is located some 17km from HMAS COONAWARRA in Darwin on the sunny shores of the Shoal Bay gulf. The station provides communications support and services for ADF and allied units.

Although managed by the RAN, the station is staffed by a combination of RAN, Army, RAAF, defence civilians and civilian contractors - a challenging environment indeed.

In the current defence environment of change and examination of business practices, SBRS has succeeded in being the first defence installation of its type to be accredited by the Support Commander Australia, Major General Haddad.

WO Regan accepts the accreditation certificate from MAJGEN Haddad.

On September 28 a certificate accrediting SBRS with the status of a Quality Certified Supplier to AS/NZS ISO 9002 standard was accepted on behalf of the Officer-in-Charge by Warrant Officer Electronics Technician Darryl Regan (SBRS Quality Manager).

In February 1999 SBRS was chosen as one of the first Navy units to be audited by COMCARE under a Navy-wide program and CPOET Kerryn Gleeson acted as the liaison officer for the audit.

Preparation for the audit required extensive collation of documents and planning meetings with various departments and section supervisors with detailed interaction with COMCARE and local health authorities.

CPO Gleeson's planning skills and initiative to achieve a satisfactory outcome was nothing less than outstanding. She also addressed the follow-up action from the closing report to ensure that the deadlines set by COMCARE were achieved and accurate information provided to Chief of Navy.

CPO Gleeson after receiving her commendation from CMDR Tobin.

The quality of the closing report provided by CPO Gleeson was such that COMCARE expressed extremely favourable compliments in her and Navy's performance. Her attention to detail, prior to and after the audit, has substantially improved the OH&S policy at SBRS and ensured a greater awareness to safety and a safer work place.

In recognition of such outstanding dedication CPO Gleeson was awarded a Commander Australian Navy Systems Command Commendation, presented by the Commanding Officer of HMAS COONAWARRA, CMDR James Tobin.

While at SBRS, CMDR Tobin also presented Active Service and Returned from Active Service Medals to Leading Seamen Michael Langeveld and Andrew O'Shea and Able Seaman Matthew Teis with his promotion certificate.