Our People in the NT
Matt Loadsman - Field of Dreams
Matt was one of the 170-strong Air Force detachment running surveillance patrols over the Persian Gulf, but recreational facilities were in short supply. There was not much in the way of grassed playing fields in the desert, so the Tindal-based Physical Training Instructor (PTI) decided to build one himself.
“When I got to the Middle East they’d come off the ground after an hour of playing and basically from their chest down they’d be covered in a film of dust.
“Two days after I got here I started clearing the oval and ripping up all the weeds. It has been an ongoing saga since then. But I’ve not been alone — others had come out and swung a shovel with him.
“I’ve asked for a tractor, but in the mean time I’ve made do with a conventional lawnmower.”
As anyone with a backyard would attest to mowing an oval has proved no mean feat, but was all towards a worthy cause.
“In two weeks time I’m hoping to run my first soccer match on it,” Matt said.
When not busy as a groundsman, Matt’s job is to run physical activities and cover all sides of the fitness spectrum for the contingent. “One circuit is designed to push people to their limit,” he said. “I do a fair bit of basic rehab and stretching here as well, and also some basic consultation.”
Matt has also organised social events like the Near Beer Regatta. “They build their boats out of the plastic bottles and then play smash up derbies on the oval.”
Matt is one of some 1400 members of the Australian Defence Forces who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.