24 March 2006
HMAS Manoora and HMAS Warramunga in company in the Port Phillip Bay area

While many Australians are aware of the security support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, few may be aware of the other support roles Defence provides. One of these lesser-known roles is the Venue Communication Centre Coordinator. They are responsible for overseeing the radio communications hub at each venue, and facilitate the smooth transfer of information to other security and emergency services.

The 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.

20060316ran8115969_081 HMAS Manoora and HMAS Warramunga in company in the Port Phillip Bay area, off Melbourne, as part of the Australian Defence Force support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games under Operation Acolyte. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20060316ran8115969_119 HMAS Manoora in Port Phillip Bay, off Melbourne, during the 2006 Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20060316ran8115969_178 HMAS Manoora and HMAS Warramunga in company in Port Phillip Bay off Melbourne during the 2006 Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20060316ran8115969_321 The Commanding Officer HMAS Manoora, Commander Andrew Rourke, and his officers, watch closely as HMAS Manoora and HMAS Warramunga conduct a Replenishment at Sea off Melbourne during the 2006 Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20060316ran8115969_343 HMAS Warramunga in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, as part of the Australian Defence Force support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games under Operation Acolyte. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20060317ran8115969_048 On board HMAS Manoora as it pulls into Station Pier, Melbourne. HMAS Manoora is part of the Australian Defence Force support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games. (Date taken: 16 March 2006) Low-Res | Hi-Res