Accommodation improvements

AIR Force personnel living on two Victorian bases will benefit from more than $1.6 million in improvements to accommodation.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale announced $880,000 would be spent to upgrade Senior Non-Commissioned Officer accommodation at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton, and $770,000 to upgrade accommodation for junior airmen and students at RAAF Base East Sale.

The works at Laverton will include reinstating common rooms, installing smoke detectors and emergency lighting, replacing carpet, repairing heating and improving lighting.

The RAAF Base Williams Base Commander, Wing Commander Steve Edwards, said personnel looked forward to the accommodation improvements.

“We see this as a very positive move to improve accommodation in the western Melbourne area, which is sought after for most of the year. This will serve to benefit personnel including Air Force transients, students at the School of Languages and Navy personnel working at Williamstown,” WGCDR Edwards said.

The Officer Commanding RAAF Base East Sale, Wing Commander Victor Lewkowski, said the project would benefit many personnel on the base.

“Our student and general on-base accommodation is in need of upgrading and we welcome any improvements from this program,” WGCDR Lewkowski said.

Most of the work will be completed this financial year. It is part of the first phase of a $35 million national program to improve accommodation facilities for ADF personnel living on bases in Australia.

Minister Vale said the program was being undertaken because the Government recognised that being part of the ADF was more than just a job, it was a way of life. “Improved living-in accommodation will contribute greatly to morale and the quality of life of our Defence personnel,” she said.

 

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