Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST
03 March 2009
Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST
Soldiers remain on the ground in fire-ravaged areas of Victoria and will stay until local communities and authorities are ready to take over the recovery effort.
The Commander of the Joint Task Force managing Defence’s support to the Victorian Government and its fire relief effort, Brigadier Michael Arnold announced that another 110 troops have moved into the Kinglake area.
The soldiers will be tasked to assist Victorian and Australian Federal Police in a new phase of the search process in devastated towns and communities.
Brigadier Arnold was on-hand at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to welcome the arrival of almost 90 Reserve soldiers from the News South Wales based 5th and 8th Brigades, and from 9th Brigade, which is drawn from South Australia and Tasmania.
The Reservists will bring relief to some of the Defence members that have been working constantly for the past 19 days.
Brigadier Arnold said troops have been moving around the affected areas as required by Victorian authorities, helping with search tasks and providing services and facilities to the community. He said soldiers and assets would continue to be repositioned as needed.
| 20090228adf8114832_007 Soliders from 9th Brigade South Australia and Tasmania arrive at Melbourne Airport, to support Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST.. (Date taken: 28 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090228adf8114832_015 Soliders from 9th Brigade South Australia and Tasmania arrive at Melbourne Airport, to support Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST. (Date taken: 28 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090228adf8114832_017 Soliders from 9th Brigade South Australia and Tasmania arrive at Melbourne Airport, to support Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST. (Date taken: 28 February 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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