Volume 48, No. 8, May 18, 2006
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FLGOFF
Barry Campbell
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FLGOFF
Barry Campbell
April 16, 1962 – April 23, 2006
By WGCDR Dave Gaddes
FLGOFF Barry Campbell, or Baz as he was
best known, passed away on April 23 after 22 years with the ADF.
Family, friends and colleagues celebrated his life with a moving
ceremony on April 28 at St Monica’s Church, Richmond, NSW.
Baz began his ADF career in 1982 as a stoker in the Navy with
both shore and seagoing postings. He enlisted into the Air Force
as a Clerk Administrative in 1989 and posted to RAAF Base Glenbrook.
It seems this posting somehow tagged Baz to the Western Sydney
Air Force as, apart from a couple of overseas deployments to Timor,
the Solomon Islands and Iraq, he remained there throughout his
career.
Baz quickly established a first-class reputation. He had both
a generous spirit and a streak of larrikin; and became known as
an excellent leader and role model, a boss who made you believe
in yourself.
Over the years, Baz stepped up to any challenge, working with
a genuine passion for the welfare of those around him. He progressed
through the ranks to SGT, and then commissioned officer in February
2005.
The devoted family man, who served 22 years with the ADF, leaves
behind his wife Tina, and children Julie and Troy. He was a great
friend and mentor to so many people, and will be sorely missed.
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CPL
Gillian (Gill) Hutchings
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CPL Gillian (Gill) Hutchings
December 5, 1975 – April 16, 2006
By FSGT Adam McDonald
CPL Gillian Hutchings (nee Murray) passed away
on April 16, 2006, after a tenacious battle with cancer.
Gill, known as Gillybean, was intoxicated with life, vibrant and
gregarious in nature, her beaming smile sure to light up a room.
Born in Belfast on December 5, 1975, Gill migrated to Australia
with her parents, John and Barbara, and siblings Nicola and Andrew.
She grew up in Lalor and attended St Monicas College, Epping.
In 1999 she joined the Air Force as a Clerk Supply.
Her first posting, in February 2000, was to the Federation Guard.
In July 2001 Gill re-mustered to SECPOL, graduated from RAAFSFS
in October and posted to Combat Support Unit East Sale.
In 2004, she specialised as an investigator, completing the Investigation
Qualification Course. She returned to CSUESL and was later attached
to 324CSU Butterworth.
During this attachment she became engaged to CPL Jason Hutchings,
and was looking forward to settling down and planning a family.
Gill was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2004 and although
told her cancer was particularly aggressive, she never contemplated
giving in.
Throughout her treatment she remained positive — more concerned
about the effect of her illness on others than herself.
Only during her last weeks, when doctors had no Plan B, did Gilly
accept the inevitable.
Gill and Jason married in December 2005 at Nyerimilang Park, Lakes
Entrance.
Gillybean’s passing is a huge loss to the SECPOL mustering
and the Air Force. Gillybean will not be forgotten.
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SGT
Paul ‘Changa’ Mason
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SGT Paul ‘Changa’ Mason
March 3, 1965 – April 22, 2006
By WGCDR Chris Huet
SGT Paul ‘Changa’ Mason joined the
Air Force in 1990 and served as a Wood Machinist and Aircraft
Life Support Fitter. He demonstrated great passion in all that
he did and was involved in many aspects of Air Force life.
SGT Mason actively promoted Air Force history and contributed
to many units through his painting of aircraft murals and collection
of photographs.
With ex-Air Force member Darren Mottram, he authored a book on
the paint schemes and markings of the Mirage IIIO in RAAF service.
He was an active rugby league and touch footy player, strapper
and referee.
SGT Mason promoted his trade and contributed much to its professionalism.
He sadly passed away playing rugby league for his local team and
was farewelled by his unit on April 28. He is survived by his
wife Faye and children Kuzara and Adrian.
There are few like Changa in the Air Force and while we have suffered
a great loss, it was a privilege to have served with him.
Alwar Sinappan
November 13, 1935 – March 27, 2006
By FLGOFF Skye Smith
ALWAR Sinappan died on March 27, 2006, after
more than five decades of service to RMAF Butterworth.
Alwar, who commenced service in 1952, was a respected member of
the Air Force community.
“Alwar, his wife Madame Sarojah, son Kumara and daughter
Vami were considered a special part of the 92WG family,”
Officer Commanding 92WG Detachment A, SQNLDR Andrew Lancaster
said.
Alwar primarily worked at the SNCO’s Mess and volunteered
as a security escort to 92WG members.
He was a member of the Hash House Harriers and represented Malaysia
as a long distance runner.
Alwar is fondly remembered by those who have deployed in support
of 92WG Detachment A, RMAF Butterworth.
