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Operation Acolyte

Defence, as part of the overall Australian Government contribution, will work alongside the Victoria Police to provide security for the Games, as well as providing a range of ceremonial and general support to Melbourne 2006 (M2006) Corporation and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination, the Victorian Government’s Games organisers.

This support is known as Operation Acolyte. Acolyte is Greek for ‘helper’ or ‘assistant’ and was chosen to symbolise Defence’s supporting role in the staging of the Commonwealth Games.

Strategic planning for the operation began in Canberra in 2003, and in February 2005 a dedicated team of 17 people was established at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne to continue detailed planning.

Operation Acolyte will include 2,600 Australian Defence Force personnel, from across the three services, performing a range of specialist roles to provide security, ceremonial and general support.

These extra troops will be accommodated at, and working from, existing Defence establishments in and around Melbourne including: Simpson Barracks, Watsonia; Maygar Barracks, Broadmeadows; RAAF Williams, Laverton and Point Cook; and, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.

The Department of Defence, through Operation Acolyte, will assist in providing world class support to ensure a safe, secure and successful staging of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Operation Acolyte is commanded by Brigadier Andrew "Boomer" Smith.

Information current at 16 February 2006