By
Andrew Stackpool
|
|
|
Water
polo will feature at the Games.
|
|
*
|
|
|
| * |
|
|
RAAF
Base Darwin will host about 300 ADF members
for the Arafura Games.
|
|
|
|
|
RAAF
Base Darwin is finalising its arrangements to support the Arafura
Games, which will be played in Darwin from May 14-21.
It will be a busy period for the base but, according to visits
coordinator Corporal Christel Wraight, Darwin is well capable
of dealing with the influx of about 260 ADF personnel from the
southern states.
“Our involvement is primarily in providing them accommodation
and rations,” she said.
“Members will be arriving by Service air but these movements
will not impact greatly on our already busy day-to-day operations.
Also, we don’t expect any problems in looking after them.
“They will be billeted in Tin City and we regularly support
large numbers of personnel who come up on exercises and operations,
often at very short notice. Also, all personnel will receive appropriate
briefings to ensure their stay is enjoyable and incident free.”
During the Games, about 310 ADF personnel will contest lawn bowls,
indoor and beach volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, athletics,
squash and water polo.
Members from the base are donating their time as volunteers in
areas such as communication, administration and timekeeping.
“We are looking after them from May 7-22 after the Games
finish,” CPL Wraight said.
“Also, we shall be accommodating the 16 members of the RAF’s
Netball team (from 12 different units) and they’ll be staying
there as well.”
To help the visitors settle in, SQNLDR Dave Anderson will welcome
them on May 8, when they will also receive security and health
briefs. They will experience true blue top end hospitality when
the base airmen’s club, the Truscott Club, holds a welcome
function on May 13 and a farewell function on May 21.
“Our daily operations will be up-beat for the Airmen’s
mess and inflight catering during the games, especially with the
requirements for cut lunches.”
