16 March 2006
Flying over the Melbourne Cricket Ground
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 symbolise 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.

20060313adf8185016_0085 The Melbourne Cricket Ground, as seen from an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter, prior to the opening ceremony for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 13 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res