Bunk hazard
SEVERAL Defence members have been hurt recently after falling from the upper level of bunk beds that did not have appropriate guard rails. A broken arm and injuries to the face and back were some of the injuries received.

The Defence Safety Management Agency (DSMA) and the Directorate of Air Force Safety recommend bunk bed safety be reviewed across Defence to ensure the beds meet Australian Standards. More information is available from the DSMA help line on 1800 019 955.

Hot Stuff
THE Air Force will be a major participant at the 16th Hot Air Balloon World Championship in Mildura, Victoria, from June 26 to July 3. More than 100 international teams from 40 countries will bring a blaze of colour and action to Mildura’s skies at the event. The opening ceremony on June 26 will include an F-111 flypast and Roulette solo aerobatic display.

Throughout the nine days of competition the RAAF Hot Air Balloon will fly in the non-competitive balloon fiesta and provide tethered flights for the public.

Sergeant Justin Galbraith, of MPSPO at RAAF Edinburgh, will entertain the crowd with his remote control Hot Air Balloon (piloted by Buzz Light-year and Woody) and will provide daily remote control chopper and fixed-wing displays. Force 10 will also perform. For more information visit www.2004worldsballoons.com

Media statements
ADF personnel are reminded to adhere to the media policy in responding to media inquiries. CDF General Peter Cosgrove said DI(G) Admin 08-1 allowed Defence members to freely respond to routine media inquiries regarding their area of expertise, provided they had agreement from their chain of command or supervisor.


However, an inquiry of a sensitive nature or that is beyond the person’s specialist knowledge or expertise needs to be cleared through Defence Ministerial Services and Public Affairs after seeking advice from the chain of command.

Wedgetail order
THE Government signed a contract with Boeing at RAAF Base Amberley on June 7 to order two more Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

The $3.4 billion AEW&C project will equip Air Force with a fleet of six Wedgetails. The first is scheduled to arrive at Amberley late next year, with the final due for completion in early 2008.

Travel site
THE Defence Travel Intranet site now allows overseas travellers to apply for a Defence Travel Card, and provides access to travel budgets calculators, the Card Management System and the Australian Defence Organisation Travel Manual.

The site is the single entry point for all information on travel, including the latest reforms.
Employees with access to the company's intranet may click here http://intranet.defence.gov.au/travel/default2.htm.

 

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