Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST
23 February 2009
Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST at Strathewen
Defence staff at Strathewen Community Service Hub (CSH) continue to support the Victorian government and the local community with 24-hour, seven-day support to Operation VIC FIRES ASSIST.
The CSH provides an oasis for the small community that was almost totally destroyed by the Black Saturday bushfires, losing more than 40 people from the community of about 200.
Strathewen CSH is a centre for donated farm stores such as hay and potable water under the 24-hour watchful care of Defence personnel.
The soldiers are part of Joint Task Force 662 raised to support the Victorian community in the wake of Australia’s worst natural disaster.
| 20090216adf8261939_001 Lieutenant Jason Fraser, 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment, was pleased to wear Kevin Murray's AFL Brownlow Medal. AFL icon, Kevin Murray is a resident of the town of Flowerdale, Victoria. (Date taken: 16 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_012 Kinglake locals and a soldier from the Joint Task Force 662 watch the live broadcast of the National Memorial Service at the Community Service Hub, Kinglake. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_034 Officer Cadet Catherine Mitchell, Melbourne University Regiment, provides assistance at the Strathewen Community Service Hub. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_036 Officer Cadet Catherine Mitchell, Melbourne University Regiment, assists Strathewen locals at the Community Service Hub. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_054 In the aftermath of the Victorian Bushfires, the fire damage can be seen at Strathewen, Victoria. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_061 Warrant Officer Class One Jim Brown speaking to Strathewen local Ben Apted at the Community Service Hub, Strathewen. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_083 Residents at the Defence operated Strathewen Community Service Hub area check out fodder donated by farmers locally and interstate. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_094 Officer Cadet Catherine Mitchell, Melbourne University Regiment, provides assistance at the Strathewen Community Service Hub, sending through requests via text messages to the Operation Center at Kinglake. (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090222adf8114832_102 Memorial flowers are placed where the Strathewen Town Centre once stood, in front of a sign that previously said "Total fire ban." (Date taken: 22 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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