15 March 2006
Demonstrations at Victoria Barracks

The Australian Defence Force (ADF), as part of the overall Australian Government contribution, is providing support to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. This support includes security and ceremonial personnel, as well as other general support staff.

This support is being provided under the title of Operation Acolyte. Acolyte is Latin for ‘helper’ or ‘assistant’ and was chosen to represent the ADF’s supporting role in the staging of the Commonwealth Games.

Operation Acolyte involves 2,600 Australian Defence Force personnel from across the three services, performing a range of specialist roles such as security, ceremonial and general support. The troops are being 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.

20060224adf8212771_126 (Left to right) The commander of Operation Acolyte, Brigadier Andrew Smith, and the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks, watch demonstrations at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, of Defence assets supporting the Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 24 February 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20060224adf8212771_135 Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon speaks with a member of the Australian Defence Force joint task force for Operation Acolyte at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. (Date taken: 11 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20060224adf8212771_139 (Left to right) The commander of Operation Acolyte, Brigadier Andrew Smith, the Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, and other officials watch demonstrations at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, of Defence assets supporting the Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 11 February 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20060224adf8212771_161 (Left to right) The commander of Operation Acolyte, Brigadier Andrew Smith, the Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, and an unidentified senior Victoria Police officer watch demonstrations at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, of Defence assets supporting the Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 11 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20060224adf8212771_193 (Left to right) The commander of Operation Acolyte, Brigadier Andrew Smith, the Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Mr Ron Walker and Sapper Steven Foulds watch demonstrations at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, of Defence assets supporting the Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 12 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res