Our People in NSW
Kerry Diemar - Preparing for Homecoming Diggers
Kerry is now the warehouse manager at our major forward base in the Middle East. It’s her job to track and distribute all military stores flowing into the Middle East and back to Australia.
Well before the 500 Diggers in the Battle Group come through on their way home, Kerry and the rest of the base team are working to make things ready for them.
“It’s getting busy already,” Kerry said. “We’re preparing for it now, which is good.”
When the 500 Diggers get there, they will certainly notice a few changes from when they went in the other direction — including additional welfare phones, music for the outside area, wireless gaming networks, and a rearranged recreation hut.
In southern Iraq, government forces are already responsible for security in Al Mutannah and Dhi Qar provinces, and the Battle Group now have an “overwatch” role until they leave in June.
The Australian Battle Group has also been project managing many reconstruction projects. More than 20 projects have been completed, with more under way. These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives that will still be benefiting the local communities long after the Diggers are back home.
Water purification will be a particularly important Australian legacy as water-borne diseases are a big killer, especially of young children.