Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
17 January 2008
Al Gharraf girls school opening
Hundreds of girls from a poor suburb of Al Gharraf in Iraq's Dhi Qar Province have a new school building, thanks to the local town council and Australian troops.
The Australians secured Coalition funding and in close cooperation with the local council and education officials, were able to locate and renovate an exisiting building, giving the local girls a new, purpose-built facility.
The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group is comprised of the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs).
OBG(W) 4 is based at Tallil Air Base, and undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
The security role supports the Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W) 4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).
| 20080106adf8221371_001 Mr Mohammed Jassim Jabbur, the Mayor of Al Gharraf (second from left) and Major Matt Campbell, Officer Commanding Combat Team Heeler, Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 (right) officially open the Al Gharraf Preparatory School for Girls. (Date taken: 06 January 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080106adf8221371_002 Mr Mohammed Jassim Jabbur, the Mayor of Al Gharraf (second from left) and Major Matt Campbell, Officer Commanding Combat Team Heeler, Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 (right) officially open the Al Gharraf Preparatory School for Girls. (Date taken: 06 January 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080106adf8221371_005.JPG General view of the Al Gharraf girls' school with a view of the town beyond. (Date taken: 06 January 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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