Our People in QLD
Corporal Karyn Clark - Toowoomba
Karyn joined the Army Reserve in 1991 and after trying 'it on for size' decided she liked the 'fit' and went full time. Since joining the Army as a Medic, Karyn has been deployed overseas in East Timor and has graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Science through an Army initiated understudy program.
Not new to looking after people, Karyn works at the Alice Springs Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit and has previously worked for the Royal Flying Doctors Service as an Intensive Care Paramedic.
"When my unit here at NORFORCE was chosen to provide logistics and medical support I thought this is what I want to do, this is where I want to be.
"I'm currently on Maternity leave from Alice Hospital and was considering becoming a full time mum, that was until this Operation came up"
Operation Outreach is the Australian Defence Force assistance to the whole of government Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) set up to provide aid to Indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory.
"This work makes me feel worthwhile and I'm happy to support the medical teams and the community in anyway I can"
With logistics support and supplies including tents, examination tables, food, medical supplies and transportation from Joint Task Force 641 (CJTF641) the first health team moved into Hermannsburg on the 10 July 2007. Hermannsburg was the initial indigenous community to receive the assistance of the Health Assessment Teams (HATS) set up by the government Inter-Agency Task Force.
Located 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs , Hermannsburg was made famous by Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira who was born there and today is home to about 140 school aged children.