TOP END NEEDS YOU
RAAF Base Tindal is a unique and challenging posting, recently recognised as Base of the Year. Andrew Stackpool headed north to find out what’s on offer and how they’re finding ways to provide city services in a remote location.

Tower

Long-term residents at RAAF Base Tindal reckon they can tell a newcomer. Newcomers use the base pool in June when the temperature - in the high 20s and low 30s - is still "too cold" for the locals.

Adopting this attitude when most of us would be heading for a dip in the water can take some getting used to.

The idea of a trip to Darwin is far enough away for many people.

The extra distance to Tindal, which is just over a three-hour drive from Darwin, can heighten fears about being “trapped” by the isolation and uncertainty about how to withstand the infamous top end wet.

Certainly, a posting to the top end of Australia is not for everyone, but the very reasons which deter some people are the same ones why some top enders do not seek postings to Canberra or other southern bases.

It’s not really doing without as doing things differently to stay in touch with family and established friends, and go shopping, educate children and access other life staples that are taken for granted in more urban areas.

There are also incentives on offer – including extra pay allowances and leave – to encourage people to go.

The end of the line has operational advantages, too. Covering some 34,000 acres and with the Delamere Aerial Range covering a further 500,000 acres, Tindal is arguably one of the largest pieces of Defence real estate in the country.

It is sited 17km south of Katherine, 320km south of Darwin and about an hour or so to south-east Asia by fast jet.

There is a specific reason for this:

Developments at RAAF Base Tindal.

LAC Matt Parsons, from 322CSS, addresses a parcel.

Photo by AC David Gibbs

AC Ray Snow, of 322CSS MEOMS, removes a compressor.

LACW Amanda Harwood patches extra work stations for the extra personnel.

Photos by LAC Greg Pierce

An F-111 idles on the taxiway at RAAF Base Tindal.

Photo by AC David Gibbs

Tindal is Australia’s first line of aerial defence against any incoming threat and is far enough removed from Darwin for warning and defence purposes but still close enough for a rapid response to any intrusion into Australian territory.

It is this location that makes Tindal unique among defence assets. It is Australia's only forward, fully operational base and, while operational tempo may vary, it operates around the clock.

This factor plays an important role in moulding the strong pride, morale and sense of community and purpose that permeates the base and its personnel. Discussions with personnel indicated that Tindal is seen as a unique posting with a great lifestyle and is a base that provides interesting challenges.

They feel they are doing a positive job - a viable job - and making a positive contribution to the local community and the defence of Australia. And, while recognising the negatives, most love the place, the people and the lifestyle.

These qualities played a major part in Tindal being awarded the prestigious Hawker Siddeley Award.

Their most significant achievement was the preparation and support of the deployment to the Middle East of No. 75 Squadron during Operation Falconer, as well as the continued high-level support for families of deployed personnel.

There are not as many services as in more urban postings and these are acknowledged. There is a lack of specialised shopping, even in Darwin.

There is a lack of activities for single people and those with older children who may be concerned about their continued quality of education. There’s also a lack of specialist medical services.

The base and DCO have strong support packages, including a mental health team.

Online services and the local Frontline shopping canteen can help with the shopping problem.

New accommodation is being provided for single members and these will be retrofitted with broadband access as soon as it comes to Katherine.

RAAF Base Tindal is a dynamic and challenging posting with much to offer the new arrival, from a professional and a personal development viewpoint.

It can do much to assist people to settle in but at the end of the day it is the challenge to the individual to have a go.

One young, unattached Aircraftman who is on his first posting to Tindal summed it up: “The wet can be a pain and there are times when things do feel a bit overwhelming. But is up to you. You can curl up in an air-conditioned room for two years and make yourself thoroughly miserable or you can get out and have a go. Who knows you may even enjoy yourself."

Go and be challenged; be different.

Tindal: A history
High praise for last all-blue base

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