Manoora’s dirty deeds

HARD YAKKA: ABCIS Michael Strickland, SMCIS Benjamin Cain and CPO Tim Badger remove a post at the Karingal centre. Photo: Graham Davis

Volume 49, No. 22, November 30, 2006

By Graham Davis

It was hard work but 22 members of the ship’s company of HMAS Manoora have removed an obstacle – literally.

Some time ago the managers of the Karingal Scout training centre at Mount Cotton south-east of Brisbane condemned the centre’s Badger obstacle course because termites had eaten out many of its support posts.

Removing the course, to be replaced later at a cost of $42,000, was to be a difficult project, according to the Chief Scout for Queensland, Maurice Law.

However, when it was learned that HMAS Manoora, (CMDR Charles McHardie) was in Brisbane in late October, an appeal for help went out.

The project was sanctioned and on October 30, led by the CO, 17 sailors and five soldiers (members of the Army detachment in Manoora) headed to the camp in a bus.
Behind them was an Army truck, a Landrover and assorted tools.

The thump of sledgehammers and the “hiss” of oxycutters soon echoed across the 200 hectare camp as the sailors and soldiers got on with the job.

During an 11am smoko, Chief Scout Law thanked Manoora and her commanding officer for their help.

CMDR McHardie said the Scouting movement was a good source of personnel for the Navy.

 

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